Dean Stroeder

Dean Stroeder A.K.A. "Dancing Dean", has been a DJ and dance instructor for more than 20 years. He has worked on cruise ships around the world and has appeared on Slice Entertainment, ET Canada, CMT and The Amazing Race Canada. He has performed and taught at the Calgary Stampede, Cowboys, Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dance Hall and several studios throughout Canada, just to mention a few.  Dean’s unique approach to teaching involves creating a positive atmosphere where connection, technique and moves are explained in a fun way. He loves to share his dance knowledge and help his students become the best dancer they can be.

Elizabeth Smailes

Elizabeth Smailes has been active in ballroom dance since 1990 and teaching professionally for over 20 years. Before turning professional, she enjoyed success in competition, followed by several contracts to perform and teach on cruise ships. As a professional she has achieved a Licentiate designation in Latin, and a Fellowship designation in Standard, the highest possible, with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. Elizabeth believes ballroom dancing is the ideal activity, combining the opportunity to express oneself artistically, to incorporate regular physical activity into our lives, and most importantly, to meet people, make friends, and develop strong social networks.

Taneya Spielman

Taneya has been teaching ballroom dance since she was 16 years old. Teaching ballroom to her students is her favorite thing to do, and she can not imagine doing anything else with her life. Taneya has competed in many Dancesport competitions., and has won numerous competitive awards in Standard and Latin styles in China, including National Champion in Latin dance in 2008. She believes dance has the power to change anyone’s life, and brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she teaches.

Wanda Kivitt

Dancing has been a part of Wanda’s life since childhood. She learned to Waltz and Polka at her European family’s social functions, weddings and community dances. She went on to study Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz dance at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta. On a Students Working Abroad Program she attended a summer school in Paris, France for Ballet.