Discover more about the Prima experience below.
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FACULTY
We are an outstanding team of professional educators. Our uniqueness shines through in absolute commitment to giving every child a solid ballet education.
Dancers and parents delight in the fact that each and every student of ours is given the same opportunities.
You'll find that we have mastered the art of simplicity and ease for families. It is our goal to give you a seamless, enjoyable and memorable family experience.
It's about the joy of ballet, simply!
MIA Chae kim
Director/Owner
Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Mia has followed her parents’ passion in owning and operating small businesses. Mia has always had a deep passion for the arts and culture.
A graduate of The University of Toronto (Sociology) and The University of San Pablo, Spain (Masters in Broadcasting), Mia's first venture into business was co-owning and operating a private high school in Toronto. It was at this time, that her passion for children’s education was first inspired.
A mother of four children, Mia settled into Whitby in hopes of creating a new business in the Durham region. Upon hearing that Prima Ballet School, a vital dance institution in the Brooklin community, was closing as a result of the pandemic, she was moved to intervene and determined to keep the ballet school open.
Not only is Mia over-joyed to be part of Prima Ballet School’s long history, she is honoured to continue to nurture the joy of ballet, dance and theatre performance within our community.
KALIE HUNTER
Ballet Teacher
Originally from Victoria BC, Kalie has been dancing from a very young age. By age 11 she knew she had found her calling and never looked back. She has her BA in dance from The School of Alberta Ballet/University of Calgary and spent her first few years out of school freelancing with various dance companies/choreographers such as La Caravan Dance Theatre and Ballet Espressivo.
After travelling to many countries with Silverseas Cruise Lines as a featured dancer/aerial acrobat she moved to Toronto which she now calls home. Her theatre experience includes: Annie (Boylan sister), Cinderella the Panto, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Drayton Entertainment), Robin Hood the Panto, S’narled (Capitol Theatre).
As of late, Kalie is venturing into choreography and has been kept busy with competition dances, industrials for corporate events, and most recently on Lydia Ainsworth’s latest music video “Diamonds Cutting Diamonds”. Kalie teaches and adjudicates all over the country. Kalie is also one of the owners of the legendary Metro Movement Studio in Toronto.
She loves to see the passion of dance in all ages and teaching dancers of all levels and can’t wait to dance with you!
MARIA LAPHAM, B.A. (HONS.), R.A.D., P.B.T.
Ballet Teacher
Maria Lapham (Ms. Maria) started her Ballet training in England with the Royal Ballet before coming to Canada. Ms. Maria joined a Toronto area touring company, where she performed the lead in productions of Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake. Maria later earned her Honours B.A. degree in Kinesiology (Dance) from the University of Waterloo before attaining her Royal Academy of Dance, Registered Teaching Status. Maria was accepted to both the Royal Winnipeg and National Ballet of Canada teachers’ programs. She also trained in the Vaganova (Russian) style under the renowned Bella Kovarsky to compliment her Classical training.
Maria has taught recreational and competitive dancers in the Durham Region for over twenty years. Maria has successfully coached students towards their Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) Ballet examinations from Primary to Advanced levels including Teacher Certifications. Maria has had students accepted into the National Ballet School, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Quinte Ballet School, and had her pupils become University graduates and dance studio owners.
Maria is dedicated to coaching students to achieve the high standards set by the Royal Academy of Dance for all levels of examination with consistent success.
Maria’s passion and unique approach to combining Ballet with kinesiology and Pilates, makes for a knowledgeable and refreshing experience in dance.
ERIN BROWNHILL
Ballet Teacher
Erin started her first dance classes at the age of 4 and has been dancing competitively since the age of 12. Erin has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre. Her main focus when dancing was Ballet and she has continually pursued the RAD syllabi. Erin has also trained professionally and competed in Ballroom and Latin styles, as well as performing as a dancer on the Netflix show “Self Made”.
Erin is not only an award winning Dancer, she is also an award winning choreographer.
Erin has achieved her Royal Academy of Dance, registered teaching status and has coached students to succeed in their RAD exams
Erin has a very special and unique talent of working with Dancers of all ages, but is especially gifted in teaching our younger Dancers. Erin instills a great foundation for our youngest Dancers while ensuring her classes are fun and motivating.
Naomi Menezes
Hip Hop Dance Teacher
Naomi began moving to the beat of her own drum at only four years old. Her passion for dance was immediate, and has since grown into a passion for teaching. Naomi wanted to be just like the instructors that she idolized and was inspired by. Growing up she studied multiple dance styles, but she was captivated by the art of hip-hop. Fast forward to today, her dream has come true: teaching hip-hop at Prima Ballet School!
Her goal is to let each student find their own unique groove, bringing the love of hip-hop to children, and letting their creativity run wild.
Naomi is a gentle spirit who has a natural talent for working with dancers of all ages. She uses humour and empathy to ensure students are comfortable, understood, and motivated. She is all about inspiring the next generation of hip-hop dancers, one step at a time!
Naomi loves dancing with her little boy, who she hopes will follow in her footsteps one day as a dancer!
April Power
STEP IT OUT DANCE Teacher
Sarah
Teaching Assistant
Sarah has been dancing at Prima for 8 years. Dance has always been an outlet for Sarah to express herself, forget her troubles and make friends. She is passionate about ballet and is trained in both RAD and Vaganova.
Sarah has also developed a love of performing and participated in Prima Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker” for 5 years. She also enjoys learning and working in the styles of jazz and contemporary both of which she loves. Sarah is a dance student in the Performing Arts program at a local high school.
Sarah is looking forward to continuing her dance journey in the pre-professional program at Prima Ballet School and has recently been accepted into the Arts Program in high school.
Sarah has been working hard with her teachers and has been volunteering her time at Prima Ballet School. We are honoured to have Sarah become a Teaching Assistant at Prima Ballet School, her dedication to everything she does, and her positive attitude are a wonderful addition to our team.
Gabrielle Ifill
Teacher & Office Manager
Gabrielle Ifill is currently enrolled at York University for a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Students and Children’s Childhood and Youth Studies, as well as the Concurrent Education program where she will graduate with a teaching certificate. She started dancing at age 3 and began competing from age 8 until she graduated. Gabrielle was trained in jazz, tap, ballet, acro, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre, and has completed BATD exams in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and Acrobatic arts. Gabrielle has co-led camps many summers through her dance career and has many experiences working with children in the school board and at childcare facilities. Gabrielle is excited to share her passion for dance and children at Prima!
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