At the age of 3, Lexie started dancing better than she could walk, so much so that her competitive career had taken flight soon after the age of 7. She was known to be a well-rounded dancer immersing herself in all styles of dance inclusive of but not limited to Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Acro. Along with her passion for dance and spending most of her free time at the studio, Lexie used her acro technique to her advantage and became involved in gymnastics. During her competitive years, Lexie earned high titles along with scholarships through judge’s choice awards. Completing her competitive career at Protégé in 2012, Lexie has attained her B.A.T.D teaching examinations in acro, jazz, tap and ballet, has trained under the Cecchetti syllabus and is also a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor (AcroDance Preschool, Aerial & Back Handsprings, and Module Two). Lexie continued her studies at Guelph University where she was a two-year member of the competitive hip-hop team: Atcha Crewand graduated with her Commerce Degree majoring in Economics and Finance. Over the years Lexie has performed in numerous galas and fundraisers including Starlight Children’s Wish Foundation Gala, Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Gala and United Way Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser. Continuing her performance experience in 2014, Lexie was chosen to be a member of the Argos Cheerleading team, where she performed in all CFL Argos home games and in Vancouver for the 102nd Grey Cup. The Argos' community further connected Lexie with additional opportunities with entertainment companies such as Magen Boys Entertainment and Cotton Candy Events. Lexie has also performed with TDC Entertainment and Wavestage Theatre Company. Lexie’s love for dance continues to grow each day. Not only does she enjoy performing but is very passionate in teaching others and watching them grow. Lexie's best known for developing strong and age-appropriate acro technique among her students, with many successfully attaining "Distinction" (the highest rank) in their Acrobatic Arts exams. Lexie's classroom is always guaranteed to push each student accordingly, encourage confidence, promote kindness and build great work ethic, all within a very positive and safe environment.

Katie’s dance career began at 5 years old in a dance studio located in Windsor, Ontario. Her need for a quick paced environment drove her towards the Jazz and Hip Hop world. During the studio years, Katie attended many conventions such as Tremaine, Jump, CDR (Coastal Dance Rage), and Nuvo, where she was able to take class and train with top choreographers in the dance world. Katie went on to receive her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance from Wayne State University where she became the assistant director and choreographer to “Company One”. Her passion drove her to create her own contemporary syllabus called “Concepts in Contemporary”, which she shares with teachers and students through workshops. Highlights of Katie’s professional career include: choreographing for music artists (Marianas Trench, Simon Clow, Nickelback, and Marlae), working as the choreographer on a Hootsuite commercial, and creating the Shine Dance Festivals Top 10 intensives concept video. She has taught and choreographed for many intensives, such as: Team Canada, ACT student intensive, Brighton Dance Festival, Dance Attack, Dance Quest, Kiwanis Dance Festival, Source Dance Company, Wayne State University, BCDEA Dance Educators Conference, and most recently the BATD Toronto Region. Katie is certified with Alixa Flexibility (Module One & Two) and her work is currently featured on the world stage, represented by World Performers Canada. She prides herself in creating honest work and strives to help dancers discover their true potential. Katie is constantly creating and discovering new ways for her choreography to reach new heights, and loves nothing more than sharing her passion for dance with everyone around her. Katie is so excited to join Protégé Dance Company this season and share her passion of contemporary and dance with her students! She's looking forward to a wonderful season and experiencing growth amongst herself and her students.

Victoria Cicinelli is a proud 2024 graduate of Protégé Dance Company, where her journey in dance began at just three years old. She went on to spend seven years as a competitive dancer, receiving extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary. Victoria’s passion for teaching began at the age of 11, when she first started assisting classes at Protégé. Through those early experiences, she discovered how much she loved working with young dancers and helping them grow—not only in their technique and artistry, but also in their confidence and character. During her senior years as a competitive dancer, Victoria began transitioning from assistant to teacher and became an important part of Protégé’s teaching faculty. She gained valuable hands-on experience teaching classes throughout the regular dance season and during our Summer Intensives, all while continuing her own training and competitive commitments. Victoria also co-led Protégé’s Creative Arts Summer Day Camp as a Camp Leader, further developing her leadership skills and experience mentoring and working with young children. In 2024, Victoria graduated from the Regional Arts & Media: Dance program at All Saints C.S.S. in Whitby, Ontario. That same year, she achieved her Intermediate Cecchetti Ballet Certificate and was selected to model for the Jazzamatazz 2025 Costume Catalogue. In July 2025, Victoria attended the Joffrey Ballet School Summer Ballet Intensive, where she spent a week immersed in training and learning from highly acclaimed instructors. Now entering her third year at the University of Toronto, Victoria continues to balance her academic studies with her dedication to dance, teaching, and continued professional development. She is a certified dance teacher through Artistic Dance Educators – Jazz and is known for her warm, patient, and encouraging approach to teaching. Victoria creates a positive, supportive, and safe classroom environment where students feel comfortable learning, growing, and being themselves. She has developed a wonderful connection with dancers of all ages and continues to take on an important role at Protégé, successfully leading both our Adult Dance Program and Primary Division for dancers ages 3–6, along with teaching a variety of classes across several ages, levels, and disciplines. We are incredibly proud to have watched Victoria grow from a three-year-old Protégé dancer to an assistant, competitive dancer, graduate, certified teacher, and now a valued member of our faculty.

Holly Eskins, a seasoned dance instructor with over a decade of diverse teaching experience, excels in various styles, notably specializing in Hip Hop with creativity and historical insight. Holly's dance journey began at age 3, evolving into a competitive dancer by 6. At 16, she founded and choreographed for the Pickering High School Dance Crew, refining her leadership skills. Graduating from Centennial College's Dance Performance Program, Holly received a comprehensive dance education, setting the foundation for her successful career. Actively engaging in workshops and learning from renowned choreographers such as Mark Samuels, Luther Brown and Janelle Ginestra, ensuring her ongoing dedication to excellence and lifelong learning in dance education. Holly continues teaching and choreographing in the GTA receiving choreography awards and overall standings for her competitive numbers. She is also adjudicating across Canada to share her love and passion for dance while passing on valuable feedback to the next generation of dancers. Her past performances include Winterfest (Rochester, NY), The Black Canadian Awards and Prelude Toronto. Holly's most recent achievement includes graduating and receiving her ADAPT T.T.S full certification after two years of studying the jazz and tap syllabi created by the Foley family. Holly eagerly anticipates continued growth, remaining a dedicated force in inspiring and nurturing the next generation.

An award winning choreographer, musician, educator and performer, Kelsea Dowdall has over 18 years of experience in the performing arts. From a young age, she knew her passion was within the arts. Kelsea is a proud alumni of O'Neill CVI's Performing Arts Programme. An Acrobatic Arts (M1) certified teacher, she furthered her education at York University with a Bachelor of Arts training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Minor in Instrumental Music and Bachelor of Education. In relation to her dance training, Kelsea has extensive music training as a drummer and percussionist. She has toured nationally and internationally performing in an award-winning jazz band. She has had the privilege to perform for audiences in Venice, Florence, Rome, Chicago, New York, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and more. Kelsea has performed at highly sought-after venues such as The Hard Rock Cafe, Canadian Parliament, professional sports games and more. She has accompanied live dance and choir performances, as well as competed in national music competitions. Kelsea strongly believes that her love of music, drumming, and rhythm has drastically improved her tap teaching, choreography, and knowledge of rhythms and musicality. Kelsea has many notable accolades and awards when it comes to her professional dance career. She is a member of the Canadian Tap Team and had the honour of representing Canada in the 2018 World Championship in Germany where she became a World Medalist. She has trained with Everett Smith (So You Think You Can Dance Canada) as a performer in his professional tap company Bringing Tap Back. She has also had the pleasure of dancing with Savion Glover (Happy Feet) and Chloe and Maud Arnold (Syncopated Ladies) throughout her years of training. She has been the teacher and choreographer for many successful students both in the competitive and professional dance industry. Many of her students have transitioned into the professional dance world both as performers and educators. Several have gone on to University Dance Programs & Teams, as well as Raptors Dance Pak, Team Canada, World Performers, Canada's Wonderland and more. Kelsea enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge with future generations, and looks forward to the opportunity to work with your dancers!

Leah started dancing at Protégé at the age of 7, inspired by her sister’s dance recital. After her very first class, she discovered her passion for dance and was invited to join the competitive team the following year. Leah works hard to be well-rounded in many styles, including Acro, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Lyrical. Currently a Grade 11 student at All Saints C.S.S. in the Regional Arts & Media Program for Dance, Leah also excels academically. She maintained high honour-roll status throughout Grades 9 and 10, demonstrating strong time-management skills and dedication to her studies. In Grade 8, she was awarded the prestigious E.J. Finan Award, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and effort, along with Christian fellowship among her classmates. She was also the recipient of the Mathematics Award, recognizing both her academic success in the subject and her ability to support and help others. Leah has completed both her Pre-Professional 1 Acrobatic Arts exam and her Grade 6 Cecchetti Ballet exam with strong results and looks forward to taking her Pre-Professional 2 Acrobatic Arts exam and Intermediate Cecchetti Ballet exam in 2027. Outside of the studio, Leah has modelled for Jazzamatazz Costume Catalogue 2026 & 2027 collections. During the 2026 competitive season, she was thrilled to receive immediate placement with both 5 Star Dance Company and World Performers Canada, Inc. Additionally, she was awarded 3rd Overall Senior Solo at Dance Attack for her Acro solo. Leah has been assisting at Protégé since the age of 11 and especially enjoys helping younger dancers develop their technique, confidence, and personal growth. Inspired by teammates who progressed into student-teaching roles, she has developed a genuine love for motivating others and helping them become stronger, more confident dancers. This upcoming season, Leah is excited to take the next step in her teaching journey as the instructor of Protégé’s Creative Combo class. She looks forward to working with her young students, sharing her love of dance, and providing them with a safe, positive, and welcoming environment in which to learn and grow.