meet our team
amanda Rizza
Owner, Director & Choreographer
Amanda started dancing at the age of six and instantly found her love for dance and performing. Over the years Amanda has completed examinations in Ballet/Pointe, Jazz, and Tap with the Royal Academy of Dance and the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, gaining extensive technical training. She completed her final Jazz B.A.T.D Associate Two level with a high of Honors. Amanda has experience in dance competitions, competing in various styles such as Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Open, and Contemporary.
Graduating from the role of a dance student, she turned her passion into work and started teaching and choreographing recreational and competitive classes for various studios. Her students have achieved scholarship and National awards at dance competitions across Ontario. She gives her students a fun and exciting dance experience with valuable technical training, and pushes the importance of self-confidence. Amanda graduated from the University of Toronto Scarborough with Honours Bachelor of Arts, completing a double major in Media Studies and Gender Studies.
Amanda is the founder of the University of Toronto Scarborough’s competitive dance team, Rise Dance Company. She held the lead role as President and choreographed competitive routines in Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary, taking the team to university level competitions across Ontario, and achieved high standing awards. Amanda is proud that the team continues to grow and thrive today.
Amanda founded Amanda’s Dance Company because she wanted to create a modern space for the next generation of dancers to accomplish their goals with the guidance of qualified professionals, artistic choreography, and an education of mastering performance skills. Amanda strongly believes in the importance of determination, confidence, and passion to be the leading factors of a successful dance experience. She acts as a role model for all her students and will always be a positive light of motivation for them to grow and achieve.
Nicole Tsetsos
Instructor and Choreographer
Nicole first discovered her passion for dance at the age of three. She continued her studio training for another fifteen years, at both the recreational and competitive level. Over the years Nicole has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Contemporary and Modern dance. She has attended various competitions in Ontario, and has had the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney World with her dance team in 2015.
In 2019, Nicole graduated from York University with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Education. While studying at York University, she had the privilege of working with well-known dance professionals, which has helped further develop her skills. Nicole has studied and practiced Limón and Graham Technique styles of Modern dance, throughout her undergraduate studies. Nicole has experience in performing competitive acrobatic routines, and training her students to achieve new acrobatic goals through careful spotting of tricks and paying attention to detail. Nicole has certification with Acrobatic Arts Module One and plans to continue her instructors training through this program and gain all three module levels. In 2021, Nicole completed her Bachelor of Education program at Ontario Tech University and is certified by the Ontario College of Teachers at the Primary/Junior level.
She has had experience as an assistant dance teacher in both recreational and competitive classes, from 2009-2015. As a university student, Nicole has worked in multiple public schools across the GTA teaching both dance programs and workshops on a weekly basis. Throughout the summers of 2018-2019, she had the pleasure of teaching dance classes at summer camps to children of all ages. Over the years, she has acquired a wide range of skills teaching dance to students of various ages, levels, and abilities.
Nicole continues to promote the importance of qualities developed through the art form of dance. As a dance instructor, she desires to create confident and dedicated dancers who are just as passionate about their work as she is.
Christina Tsetsos
Instructor and Choreographer
Christina Tsetsos found her passion of dance at the young age of three and grew up dancing competitively through studio training for over thirteen years. Christina has technique and performance training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, and Acrobatics. She was also enrolled in the dance program at her high school and became recognized for her work receiving the “Power Award” and “Creative Choreography Award.”
Christina graduated in 2022 with an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto Scarborough, completing a double major in Health Studies and Psychology. She continued dancing while obtaining her degree as she joined the University of Toronto Scarborough’s competitive dance team, Rise Dance Company. Christina competed at university level dance competitions, receiving multiple awards. During the 2021-2022 competitive dance season, Christina became the President of Rise Dance Company, where she led her team to success and competed in recognized competitions across Ontario.
Christina has many years of experience teaching students of all ages and all levels. She is very excited to continue to share her knowledge and passion for dance with her students.
CHRISSA TSAGARIS
Instructor and Choreographer
Chrissa discovered her love of dance at the age of five and has been a passionate dancer ever since. She has studied multiple disciplines over the years including, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Lyrical and more. Chrissa’s background as a competitive team dancer has brought her to win multiple high achieving awards and a strong experience in the world of dance competitions. She has successfully completed her Advanced Two Ballet and Pointe Royal Academy of Dance examination, making her an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance. She has also completed the Associate Level Two examinations with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing in Jazz and Tap. Acrobatics is another form of dance Chrissa is passionate about, achieving examinations in Acrobatic Arts and B.A.T.D Acrobatics.
Chrissa has teaching experience to students of all ages, levels and abilities giving her a wide range of knowledge and skills. Her dedication and enthusiasm to dance is contagious and she strives to be a role model figure helping all dancers develop their skills and achieve their goals. Using inclusive creative ideas and choreography, Chrissa fills her dance classes with energy and excitement, making each of her classes a place where students love to learn and grow.
Vanessa Sotiropoulos
Instructor and Choreographer
Vanessa began her dance journey at the age of five, training extensively in multiple disciplines, including, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and more. Vanessa loves the energetic spirit of Tap, Hip-Hop, and Acrobatics while also appreciating the grace and beauty of Ballet, Lyrical and Contemporary. She has immense experience in the world of dance competitions, having won various high-achieving awards while competing in solos, duets, and group performances.
She has successfully completed the Associate Level Two examinations with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing in Jazz and Tap and achieved examinations in Acrobatic Arts and B.A.T.D Acrobatics. She has also completed Advanced Foundations examinations in Ballet and Pointe with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Vanessa is currently studying in the concurrent education program at York University, where she is working toward fulfilling her passion for teaching children.
Vanessa is thrilled to share her technical and performance training with others. As a dance instructor, she feels it is essential for her students to feel confident, motivated, and inspired. Vanessa wants to see her students succeed, be proud of their accomplishments and enjoy all of the hard work and dedication they put into dance.
ROSA RANA
Instructor and Choreographer
Dancing since the age of 3, Rosa has found her passion for dance through exploring a wide variety of dance styles. Rosa has completed her full Ballet training through the Royal Academy of Dance, consistently achieving distinction. She has also achieved honors in her ‘British Association of Teachers of Dance’ certifications giving her extensive teaching qualifications. In 2019, Rosa placed 5th nationally in Jazz and Tap at the North American Trixie Hardy Theatre Dance Scholarships from the BATD.
The foundation of Rosa’s technical training led her to explore the world of competitive dance, with styles including Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre, Song & Dance and more. In recent years, through winning competitive dance scholarships, she has also had the opportunity to travel to Hollywood to work with some of the industry’s leading choreographers, such as Liana Blackburn, Will Thomas and Chantal Robson. This experience opened up opportunities to perform at Disneyland in parades and stage shows.
Rosa is currently pursuing a Major in Arts Management with a Minor in Philosophy at University of Toronto Scarborough. She has continued her own dance training through choreographing and competing at University Dance Competitions with Rise Dance Company.
Beyond all, Rosa is committed to creating a healthy environment where her students feel comfortable to express themselves and push their limits.
MANDY Suravanichsiri
Instructor and Choreographer
Mandy found her passion for dance, rhythmic gymnastics and cheerleading at the young age of 5. Mandy has strong technical training in a variety of dance styles such as Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Acrobatics, Lyrical and more, and completed the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet examination syllabus Intermediate Foundation receiving distinction awards.
Mandy has experience teaching children of all ages and especially loves teaching new Acrobatic tricks and skills. Mandy has experience in dance competitions from a young age, competing in both group and solo routines. She is currently a member of the University of Toronto’s competitive dance team, Rise Dance Company. On this university level competitive team, Mandy has achieved high standing awards in both solo and group routines and in a variety of dance styles. Mandy also enjoys dance classes with the National Ballet of Canada to further her training and flourish her love for dance, while completing her studies at the University of Toronto with a double degree in Bachelors of Finance and Statistics. Mandy is thrilled to work in a positive environment like Amanda’s Dance Company to help build strong dancers and ignite her passion for teaching dance!
LIA SOTIROPOULOS
Instructor and Choreographer
Lia began her dance journey at the young age of four. She fell in love with the art form and has since trained extensively in all disciplines such as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop. With a solid foundation in both technical proficiency and artistic expression, Lia has performed in various dance events and competitions throughout the GTA. Lia is currently working towards her goal of gaining a Bachelor of Education Concurrent Program Degree and studying at Ontario Tech University. Driven by a passion for education and dance Lia believes in nurturing the individual strengths of each student, building skills, confidence, and grace. Lia focuses on creating a positive and encouraging learning environment for all ages and skill level.
JAYCIE CUNDARI
Instructor and Choreographer
Jaycie’s passion for dance began at the age of 4 where she instantly fell in love with performing and dancing. Jaycie then started her competitive dance journey at the young age of 5 and competed for 13 years. She trained and competed in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Acrobatics, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap and Musical Theatre. Jaycie also completed her Royal Academy of Dance R.A.D Ballet examinations to Advanced Two. Along with studio training, she has had opportunities to attend workshops at multiple conventions such as JUMP Dance Convention learning from many professional dancers.
Jaycie attended Mayfield Secondary School where she was enrolled in the Regional Arts Dance Program. During these 4 years, she had opportunities to choreograph routines for their dance shows and was a part of two dance companies called Breathe and Distinction. Jaycie played a variety of roles in the Mayfield dance productions, including Know-It-All in the Polar Express winter show and the Mouse in the Nutcracker. Her dance training during this program also included Alvin Ailey, Bob Fosse, and Martha Graham techniques. In 2016 – 2019, Jaycie worked as a gymnastics coach and instructor, teaching skills to participants from parent and tot classes to level 10 gymnasts. Jaycie has experience choreographing competitive routines of all ages to her students who went on to successfully win overall and special awards at dance competitions across the GTA.
In 2023, Jaycie graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies degree and completed her Bachelor of Education in concurrent program. She is now an Ontario Certified Teacher and works for York Region District School Board in the elementary division. Jaycie has had opportunities with the school board to teach the arts to her students, such as dance, drama, visual art and music.
Jaycie is ecstatic to share her passion for dancing and teaching with her students at Amanda’s Dance Company and ensure each student reaches their fullest potential.
CAMILLE LESAGE
Instructor and Choreographer
Camille grew up in Bermuda and started dancing at inMotion School of Dance from the age of one and a half. Camille trained in various forms of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and more. Camille found her passion and tremendous appreciation for Ballet. Over the years Camille performed in various professional Ballet performances including the Nutcracker as the Snow Queen character, along with many other lead roles. Her passion and talent for Ballet took her to the Quinte Ballet School of Canada where she continued to explore other styles of dance such as Jazz, Modern and even Flamenco dance. This extensive training of technique and performance lead Camille to achieve the lead role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker at Quinte and dance in the Sleeping Beauty Ballet.
Her passion for dance continued in University as she joined the University of Toronto’s Competitive Dance Team, Rise Dance Company. Camille is proud to be a part of an amazing community of dancers who share her love of dance and performance. She competes at various University level dance competitions such as, Strive, BeU, and Terpsichore Dance Competition where she won a special award for her Jazz duet at Strive, along with many honourable scores and awards. Camille has experience in teaching dance at various age levels and is excited to share her knowledge with more students.
Along with dancing competitively in University, Camille is currently studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Toronto working towards achieving her Bachelor of Science Degree.
Camille is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and strong passion for dance with the students of Amanda’s Dance Company.
MALIA LAM
Instructor and Choreographer
Beginning her dance career at the age of three, Malia has been immersed in the dance world for her whole life. As she grew, so did her dedication to the art of dance, attending intensive workshops, festivals, competitions, and performances to flourish her skills. She has many years of training in various dance styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical & Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, and even Aerial Silks. Malia has had the pleasure of learning from many experienced dancers and choreographers including Broadway Dance Center’s Miles Keeney, Ellenore Scott and Amelia Lowe from the reality TV show So You Think You Can Dance, and Operation: Tap’s Anthony Morigerato.
Malia is currently attending the University of Toronto Scarborough with an Environmental Science Major and Minors in Biology and English to Chinese Translation. Malia is also a member of the competitive dance team, Rise Dance Company, at the University of Toronto Scarborough where she competes in University level dance competitions.
With many years of competitive dance experience, Malia has amassed knowledge she wishes to share with her students. Malia’s journey through the competitive world of dance has refined her technique and taught her a deep understanding of performance dynamics, stage presence, and the importance of communication. As an instructor at Amanda’s Dance Company, she hopes to continue inspiring others with her passion for dance and nurturing the next generation of performers with her devotion and spirit.
Phone
(416)-884-5258
location
7725 Birchmount Road, Unit 6 & 13
Markham, Ontario
L3R 9X3
Canada
Phone
(416)-884-5258
location
7725 Birchmount Road, Unit 6 & 13
Markham, Ontario
L3R 9X3
Canada