GOTTA DANCE is a hub for connection, growth, and DANCE!
Through our Youth Programming, Adult Classes, Studio Rentals, and Special Events, we cultivate artistic exchange and community building. We provide a motivating, inclusive, and fun environment where people feel free to be themselves as they connect, celebrate, and learn the art of dance.
VALUES
At Gotta Dance we centre inclusivity, respect, professionalism, collaboration and community care in all of our programming and interactions. Through intentional staffing, curation, and relationship building, we foster a nurturing and supportive atmosphere where people of diverse backgrounds and walks of life can engage in dance and grow!
OUR PEOPLE
Our multitalented/multidisciplinary team of studio admin and teaching staff are at the heart of the community atmosphere we have become known for. We celebrate the individual strengths and expertise of each team member as we work together to uphold GDI values and nurture dancers for the world of dance and beyond.
STUDIO OWNERS
ALBETEL ABERA
Co-Owner & Finance Manager
Albetel (Alby) is one of the co-owners of Gotta Dance and is responsible for managing Gotta Dance's business administration processes. She enjoys working with the wonderful Gotta Dance team to make each dance season fun, smooth and organized. Her background in wellness, as a Registered Massage Therapist, lends a hand in creating an environment that's nurturing, with a focus on overall health for each person that attends the studio. She is very passionate about creating a studio environment where each dancer learns to be the best dancer and best person they can be.
NAYO SASAKI-PICOU
Co-owner & Rentals Coordinator
Nayo Sasaki-Picou is a Toronto born multidisciplinary artist trained in acting, dance and music. She grew up immersed in the arts rooted by a family of artists and TDSB educators. She was an elite competitive gymnast for 8 years and competitive dancer for 5 years – trained in Ballet, Jazz and Acrobatics. Nayo has a BA from York University and an MA from New York University, centering her passion for performance arts and learning arts across different cultures. Nayo is passionate about providing a supportive, fun and inclusive space for people of all ages to nurture their artistic talents. At Gotta Dance, she loves working with her amazing team to cultivate a space for kids and adults to explore their creative abilities and develop all around confidence. She has performed internationally, and her performance credits include Feel the Beat, Queen Tut, A Season to Remember, Murdoch Mysteries and Handmaids Tale.
STUDIO ADMIN STAFF
LA TOYA BEDEAU
Studio Director
La Toya Bedeau is a Choreographer, Instructor and the Studio Director here at Gotta Dance born and raised in Toronto! She began dancing at the tender age of 3 and is technically trained in ballet, tap, jazz, acro and hip hop. Outside of the studio, La Toya is the Coach and Choreographer for the Toronto Argonauts A-Team and with her husband co-owns In Tha Groove Productions, an Entertainment and Production company. A true lover of dancers and movement, La Toya has used her professional knowledge and dance background to help foster a nurturing and creative environment here at Gotta Dance. She's excited to head into her 4th season in her role and is looking forward to seeing all the new and returning faces at GDI! Performance and Choreography credits include: Drake, Black Eyed Peas, Gregory Hines, Rihanna, Jully Black, Akon, Flo Rida, Kardinal Offishall, Mya, Ludacris, Rêve, Massari, Keri Hilson.
MEGAN VAMVAKAS
Competitive Director
Megan is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. With a robust background in ballet, acrobatics, and commercial styles, she has trained extensively and performed internationally, including touring with Juntos Collective in Guatemala. She has been teaching jazz, acro, and technique classes for over 10 years, fostering both technical growth and confidence in her students. Megan has completed three contracts with Disney Cruise Line, performing in productions such as Aladdin, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast, and served as Dance Captain on her final contract, demonstrating strong leadership and team development. She is currently a member of the Toronto Argonauts A Team, entering her second season. Megan grew up immersed in the competitive dance world, gaining a deep understanding of its demands, discipline, and artistry, and has been teaching at DB Dance Company for the past three years. She is truly excited to bring her experience, passion, and insight to GDI, and looks forward to inspiring and supporting dancers through an exciting upcoming season.
ORIN T. McRey
Marketing Manager & Studio Operations Admin
Orin channels her passion for communication and story telling through her multifaceted career as an interdisciplinary artist, movement facilitator, MC/host, and Social Media/Marketing Manager. In addition to screen credits (including Arrow and Magicians), she has performed across Canada and internationally. She revels in facilitating experiences that foster empowerment and play while nurturing connections to both community and the Earth. Her desire to give back to community has guided her into leadership roles she has been proud to stand in: Dance Educator for Luminesque Dance, iDance, BAMDance and KasheDance; co-facilitator for Her Tribal Roots youth and immersive arts residencies; and Social Media Manager for various individuals and organizations. Moving to Tkaronto in 2020, Orin danced with KasheDance as a company member for four and a half years. She has also been exercising her creative muscles choreographing and offering movement direction for music videos (Cheyenne Sapphire, The Zorbas, Vivek Shraya) and launching her sensual embodiment classes LUSH FLUX.
PATRICE BALTHAZAR
Technology Coordinator & Studio Opperations Support
IVOR PICOU
Facilities Manager
TEACHING STAFF
ANGELINA VOZINOV
KinderDance,
Star Light Comp Program
Angelina Vozinov is a passionate dance Teacher with a rich background in both Competitive and Academic dance. Having been a part of the GDI competitive program, and attending Etobicoke school of the Arts as a Dance major, she developed a strong foundation in various dance styles, honing skills that have shaped her teaching approach. Angelina is furthering her knowledge at York University Completing her BFA in Dance, where she is immersing herself in dance theory and technique. With a commitment to fostering creativity and confidence in her students, Angelina inspires dancers of all ages to express themselves.“This will be my third year teaching KinderDance and Mini Jazz at GDI and I am beyond excited to see my kiddos fall in love with dance just like I did at their age”.
BRYCE TAYLOR
Rec & Comp Breakdance
Bryce Taylor (They/He) is a Breaker, Dancer/Choreographer originally from Colebrook, ON, currently based in Tkaronto (Toronto) ON. Bryce started dancing as a Breaker at the age of 13, and began their career as a professional dancer with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 2019. Later becoming a company dancer for Ballet Edmonton in 2021, leaving the company after two seasons to return to the world of Breaking. In July of 2019 Bryce, along with their colleague and friend, co-found Winnipeg’s Summer Dance Collective, where they served as WSDC’s choreographer in residence from 2019-2023. Bryce’s choreographic works have been presented by festivals such as “Dance Made in Canada 2023” in Toronto ON, and Aeris Körper’s “Here & Now 2024” festival in Hamilton ON. Now primarily a Breaker, Bryce represents two of Canada’s most prominent crews The Unknown Floor Force, based out of Toronto ON, and Ayo Bruv based out of Calgary AB. The majority of their creative work now centers around the stimulation of Breaking in Canada.
DANIEL KEITH MORRISON
Comp Hip Hop
One of the members of The Moon Runners, Daniel Keith Morrison aka Keith the God is a street dancer who spends most of his time teaching and battling in Toronto's dance scene. Keith has chosen the dance name Keith the God in relation to The Triune God, being made in God's Image, and being one of Three Keiths in his family. He has been dancing since 2002 and started breaking in 2008. He has danced with Missy Elliot’s Choreographers in Film, Represented Team Canada Twice in China and L.A., Toured the UAE, performed at the Sony Center, and much more. His goal currently in dance is to strengthen the knowledge and confidence of people who want to learn Hip Hop Dance styles and freestyle/improv.
ISABELLE JONES
KinderDance, KinderGymnastics
Rec Ballet & Gymnastics,
Comp Starlight Program
JAZLYN WONG-LEE
Comp Acro
Jazlyn Wong-Lee is a Toronto based actor and dancer. She has been training since the age of 9 competing provincially and internationally in styles like ballet, jazz, acro, contemporary, lyrical, modern, and jazz funk. Jazlyn attended Etobicoke School of the Arts as a dance major and was a part of their Modern dance company from 2017-2019. Over the years she has taught competitive students at places like Pointe Dance Studio and Gotta Dance, as well as been a gymnastics coach for Spartan Gymnastics. She has been involved in live performances like Krampus Ball, Gravitas, Because I'm a Girl, Black History Month, the Crucible, and Alice in Wonderland, as well film productions including Dance with Me, the Magna Vita music video, and Sephora x Netflix commercials.
NAOMI WATSON
Rec Acro & Hip Hop
Naomi is a proud alumna of Gotta Dance, where she trained and competed for many years. During her competitive career, she developed a strong foundation across multiple styles including jazz, ballet, acro, hip hop, tap, contemporary, and lyrical. Naomi has been teaching at Gotta Dance for the past two years, working with a wide range of ages and levels in acro, hip hop, tap, parent & tot, and Kinderdance. She brings energy, patience, and encouragement into every class, creating a positive and engaging learning environment for her students. In addition to teaching, Naomi is an active member of the studio’s administrative team and leads birthday parties in a variety of styles, including gymnastics and K-pop. Having grown up within the Gotta Dance community, she brings a unique perspective as both a former competitive dancer and current instructor. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the art of movement. She continues to train through drop-in classes, staying connected to her love of dance and growth as both a dancer and educator.
KATRINA MATERA
Comp Contemporary
Katrina Matera is a professional dancer and competitive choreographer. Katrina specializes in creating jazz, contemporary and acro choreography and has a diverse background in many styles of dance with over 15 years of performance experience. Katrina has been teaching and choreographing for competitive dance students since 2020 and plans to continue growing as an artist and mentor. Katrina recently graduated from the George Brown College Commercial Dance program where she learned from industry professionals. One of Katrina’s biggest achievements was performing in the 2015 Pan Am Games opening ceremony with Cirque Du Soleil. She has also performed with various Toronto based companies such as On The Floor and Dark Dance Company. Katrina was recently featured as a backup dancer in Canada's Drag Race winner Priyanka’s “No New Friends” music video. In 2024 she had the pleasure of choreographing a piece for George Brown’s “In Haus” showcase. She has received a variety of choreography awards from various dance competitions and strives to produce high scoring pieces.
SERENA WATSON
Rec Acro, Tap, & Jazz
Serena Watson began dancing at Gotta Dance at the age of 3. She fell in love with dance straight away, joined the competitive team at the age of 5, and continued all the way until she finished high school. She competed in various styles including Jazz, Acro, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Tap. She also attended Etobicoke School of the Arts, where she was formally trained in Modern dance and Ballet. In addition to this, she was a member of a Tap dance company called the Rhythm Ensemble, led by Julianna Kelly. Since then she has continued taking classes regularly at studios such as The Underground Dance Centre. Dance has always been a huge passion of hers and she’s excited to be part of the Gotta Dance team as a faculty member after growing up here as a student!
SHANIECE PHILIPS
Comp & Adult Hip Hop
Shaniece Phillips, a dynamic dancer, choreographer, and creator from Rexdale, has built her career around her deep connection to dance and its cultural roots. Inspired by her older sister’s hip hop classes, music videos, and her Jamaican heritage, Shaniece understands dance as a living, breathing art form that transcends the confines of polished studios. She has trained for over a decade, primarily in Hip Hop and Dancehall. She has trained with many in Toronto, including the Vibe with George Jones, and Culture Shock Toronto, where she was the artistic director from 2019-2022. Her teaching at City Dance Corps and Gotta Dance in Toronto emphasizes that dance is deeply rooted in history, community, and celebration rather than just being a studio practice. Shaniece’s credits include Canada’s Drag Race winner Priyanka, Sexxy Redd, CeCe Peniston, Juno and Polaris Prize Winner Haviah Mighty and more.
JOHNNY MORIN
Comp Tap
Johnathan Morin is a 33 year old indigenous (Nehiyaw) tap dancer hailing from Treaty 6 Edmonton, Alberta. Now residing in Treaty 13 Toronto Ontario he is a force in the tap dance community and known across the country and around the world. A Dora Award Nominee, Johnathan co-produces and co directs Rhythm and Sound Dance Company alongside Cori Giannotta and also runs his own drop in classes in Toronto. His passion for the dance has brought him across the country as well as internationally as a performer and educator. Some of his accolades include TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Sarah Reich's Tap Music Project, Vancouver International Tap Festival, and the Toronto International Tap Festival. With his talent, dedication, and impressive list of accomplishments, Johnathan Morin is sure to continue making rhythmic waves in the world of Canadian tap dance for years to come.
IRENE LEUNG
Comp Ballet
JEANNE-ARLRTTE PARSON
Rec Contemporary,
Stretch & Strength
JA. Marie (Azulajé) Adeifa, is an emerging multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary Performing Artist based in Tkarónto. Born into an artistic family, JA.Marie was exposed to the diversity of arts and culture found in the Afro/Caribbean-Canadian Diaspora from an early age. Her journey in the world of professional dance and theatre since, has amplified her artistic integrity; she is drawn to work that speaks to her Afro-Indo-Caribbean cultural heritage, as well as work that embraces spiritual and matriarchal themes. JA.Marie is currently a company member with Esie Mensah Creations, appearing in the most recent adaptations of Zayo/Zayo-Emergence. She also reprised her role as “Rosa” in Sistas Calling, an Anti-Violence and Anti-Racism Musical Theatre Production, created and produced by Dr. Roz Roach. The production also featured a live performance of her original single “I Am Wombxn”, which Azulajé also performed at Afiwi x Rise: For the Kulture, An’de. JA’s 25+ years of experience has led to her stepping into the roles of Co-Founder & Co-Artistic Director of Kurufaba Kulture alongside her life partner, Amosun Adeifa. Together they hope to continue the legacy of Art & Culture, highlighting West Africa and its Diaspora, with a mandate to encourage cultural pride in our Identity, Education of our shared history, and Excellence in our craft.
Welcome to the community!
