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.
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.
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.
KENDRA PERRY
Instructor and Choreographer
Kendra has had a love for dance for over 30 years. Her experience in teaching and assisting students began in 2002 with dance classes of various disciplines. She was trained competitively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Acro. Kendra has won many awards in Ontario and the USA, receiving overall, special and choreography awards for her routines at dance competitions, as well as being the choreographer for productions such as “Dear Edwina” and “Alice in Wonderland” by Kempenfelt Community Players. Most recently, she was a featured speaker on a panel for the Acro Dance Teachers Association seminar “Icons of Acro”. Kendra is a highly sought after dancer, performing for Weddings, Bravado, Pink Floyd ‘The Wall’ Tribute Concert, and at Pearson International Airport for International Dance Day. She has enjoyed training students at Barrie Parks and Recreation, Northern Stars Gymnastics, Moving Art Centre for the Performing Arts, Next Generation Dance Company, Core School of Dance and Matricks Acro Inc.
Upon graduation in June 2009, she received two scholarships; one for her excellent contribution in dance and the other for the highest mark in dance. Kendra holds her Acrobatic Arts, Alixa Flexibility, Progressing Ballet Technique and Premiere Master ADTA Certifications as well as being an NCCP Level 2 Gymnastics Coach, Level 1 Trampoline Coach and member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Kendra has also completed her Advanced 2 RAD Ballet exam and was granted ARAD status. Her most recent achievements gained her the title NASM-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) and Certified Zumba Instructor. Kendra is always expanding her knowledge to be able to bring her best into the industry and to her students. She is thrilled to share her love and passion for dance with everyone at Amanda’s Dance Company!
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.
Layla Cornacchia
Instructor and Choreographer
Layla Cornacchia is a Canadian dance educator, choreographer, and adjudicator with over two decades of experience in the competitive and performing arts world. She began her dance training at the age of five and has studied an extensive range of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and musical theatre.
Layla continued her professional training at the prestigious Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, where she studied acting, dance, and singing. Her performance background includes principal roles in stage productions such as The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Legally Blonde: The Musical, as well as work in film, television, and commercial media.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Layla has worked with dancers ages 3 to 18, developing strong technical foundations while encouraging artistry, confidence, and performance quality. She is a fully certified Acrobatic Arts instructor (Modules 1–3), a graduate of the ADAPT Professional Teachers Program, and has completed Alixa Flexibility Modules 1–5, reflecting her commitment to safe, informed, and progressive training.
As an award-winning choreographer, Layla has created innovative and competitive routines for reputable studios across Canada. Her choreography is known for its clarity, musicality, and emotional storytelling. As an adjudicator and proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, Layla is recognized for delivering clear, supportive, and actionable feedback that empowers both dancers and educators.
Above all, Layla is passionate about uplifting, inspiring, and guiding dancers toward growth, longevity, and a genuine love for the art of dance.
alexandra scarlato
Instructor and Choreographer
Alex began dancing at the age of three and is a movement educator, Registered Kinesiologist, and Ontario Certified Teacher in the Intermediate/Senior divisions with over 10 years of teaching experience in dance and acrobatics. She is certified through Acrobatic Arts and is also a certified jazz and acrobatics instructor with Dance Masters of America. Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University, a Master of Kinesiology specializing in high-performance strength and conditioning for dancers from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Teaching from OISE of the University of Toronto.
During her undergraduate studies, she served as a captain and choreographer for York University’s competitive dance team, earning numerous overall and choreography awards for her artistry. She has also expanded her professional expertise as a Certified Exercise Physiologist, a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, and an NCCP multi-sport competitive coach.
At the heart of her teaching practice, Alex focuses on athletic development and physical literacy as essential foundations for safe dance and acro training, while also nurturing the mental well-being and confidence of each dancer she works with. Her goal is always to prioritize the human before the athlete, cultivating supportive and meaningful learning spaces for her students to grow. Alex is very excited to share her love of dance and movement with her students at Amanda’s Dance Company!
ANASTASIA VASILEVSKI
Instructor and Choreographer
Anastasia Vasilevski grew up in Toronto, Ontario where she trained in competitive dance under the instruction of Denise Lester. At the age of 16, she decided to further her dance career by continuing to perform and teach in styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Acro, Tap and Hip Hop. Through her teaching, she has become an award winning competitive dance choreographer. She obtained her associate degree from the BATD in both Ballet and Modern.
She is also a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Anastasia has taught in studios all across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as both curriculum and guest classes in the Toronto District School Board. She traveled to Los Angeles to receive training at the prestigious Millennium Dance Complex Los Angeles in their Certificate Program in both Hip Hop, and Heels classes. Anastasia has performed in various local dance showcases, music videos for Toronto artists, as well as at the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend.
She has choreographed for the University of Toronto Pom Team, the Toronto Pride Parade, the Taste of Lawrence, the Harlem Globetrotters halftime performances, as well as the Scarborough Music Theatre. Anastasia still continues to receive training as both a dancer and a choreographer, as she believes there is always more to learn.
LEAH CASAS
Instructor and Choreographer
Leah has been passionate about dance since the age of seven and has trained extensively in a variety of styles throughout her competitive dance career. She has completed Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations up to the Advanced 1 level, as well as BATD examinations in Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics. She has also completed Acrobatic Arts examinations, building a strong technical foundation across multiple disciplines.
A graduate of Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, where she specialized in dance, Leah has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her years as a competitive dancer. Alongside her performance experience, she has developed a love for teaching by working with dancers of all ages and leading dance classes within her high school program.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at York University and plans to continue into the Concurrent Education program to become a certified teacher. Her goal is to inspire young dancers by creating a positive, supportive environment where they can develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.
VALERIYA ERMAKOVA
Instructor and Choreographer
Valeriya Ermakova, originally from Shenzhen, China, began her dance journey at just two years old. She trained in ballet at multiple dance studios throughout her childhood and participated in numerous ballet competitions, developing a strong technical foundation and a lifelong love for the ballet industry. At the age of 14, she moved to Canada and continued pursuing her passion for dance at Prodigy Dance and Performing Arts. Over the past four years, she has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Acrobatics, and other dance styles as a full time competitive dancer, while continuing to grow as both a dancer and leader within the studio community.
Beyond dance, Valeriya has extensive experience working with children in educational, recreational, and dance settings. She has experience with children’s Jazz and Ballet programs and summer camp, helping young dancers build confidence, improve their skills, and develop a love for movement in a positive and encouraging environment. In addition to the studio teaching, she has worked in elementary school and physical education settings, supporting students with classroom activities, sports programs, independent work, and one-on-one learning, including children with special needs.
Currently as a graduating full time competitive senior dancer, Valeriya brings a unique international perspective from having lived and studied in both China and Canada as she steps into her next teaching chapter. She is fluent in English, Russian, and Chinese, and also speaks Ukrainian. Her diverse background allows her to connect with families and students from many different cultures and experiences. In addition to her dance training, Valeriya holds a brown belt in Taekwondo and has a strong background in visual arts, having studied at Yang Mythos Art School in Shenzhen for eight years. Valeriya has ballet syllabus training and an educational background with the Royal Academy of Dance, along with Acrobatic Arts student examinations.
Through her passion for dance, education, and mentorship, Valeriya strives to create a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment where every child feels valued, gains confidence, and is encouraged to reach their full potential both as a dancer and as an individual.
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