Our Team

All of our teachers are profession al dancers who have a passion for dance, and for teaching others to dance. In addition to being highly accomplished in their fields, they are also energetic, positive and caring people.

COLLEEN ROSS

Owner and Studio Director


Miss Colleen is the owner and studio director of The Dance Workshop. She is a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance having completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies Program in 2014. Colleen is a certified Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T) Jazz and Tap instructor. Colleen studied dance kinesiology and injury prevention at while at York University and as such knows the importance of safe dance practice. As a studio owner Colleen recognizes the need for qualified adult instructors in all classes. All students in our young dancer classes for student’s ages 22 months to 4 years are taught by Colleen or Miss Laura. In addition to her dance certifications Colleen has taken the Principles of Healthy Child Development Course with High Five and holds her CPR and First Aid certifications. Colleen is a Registered Social Worker and graduated from York University with Honours in 2008. Before teaching at The Dance Workshop, Colleen taught at studios in Stayner and Barrie, Ontario Colleen also worked as a support worker with adults with developmental disabilities for over ten years.

Colleen believes that with ambition and hard work her students are capable of anything. She is known for her kind demeanor and patience. She believes in positive reinforcement, giving constructive corrections and celebrating her student’s successes. Owning a dance studio was Colleen’s childhood dream and she is forever grateful that it is a reality.


JENNIFER WIKEN

Director of Competitive Program/Instructor

Jennifer Wiken brings both education and industry experience to her role as competition director at the Dance Workshop. After completing two honours bachelor degrees, Jennifer returned to York University to receive her teaching certification with a specialist in theatre and performance. She has since received additional qualifications from Queen’s University in special education and the primary division. Jennifer is a certified Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T) Jazz and Tap instructor having completed the three year teacher’s program and is qualified to enter students into examinations. Jennifer is currently a registered certified Ontario teacher and works for Simcoe County District School Board. Before becoming a teacher, Jennifer worked as a principal dancer for the professional hip hop and contemporary dance company Nexx Level. This provided her with the opportunity to perform in sold out venues across the city and dance in showcases such as Choreographer’s Ball and Fever After Dark. With experiences on stage, on set and on screen Jennifer brings a range of knowledge to her classes. Jennifer has been entering students into competitions for 16 years and has won best choreography for each of these seasons. Jennifer has competitively entered students in hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary, jazz and acro. Jennifer continues to seek out opportunities to expand her knowledge by working with and learning from industry professionals. Jennifer is proud to be the Director of Competition at the Dance Workshop and to continue to have the opportunity to choreograph and train dancers in her hometown.

KELLY PHANTHASOMCHIT

Competitive Team Instructor

Kelly Phanthasomchit started training at the age of 9 and was quickly scouted as a member of a successful competitive dance and figure skating team.
A former gymnastics coach, Ms. Kelly has also become fully certified in the Acrobatic Arts Program. She has choreographed dance pieces that have won numerous judges choice awards and first place overalls at many dance competitions. Along with teaching, Ms. Kelly is very involved in the Toronto commercial dance industry and has worked at multiple professional dance competitions such as Luv2Dance, the Ultimate Dance Connection, Dare2Dance and more. She is a member of the Youth Protection Advocates in Dance and cares with her whole heart about the students she teaches. Ms. Kelly's passion in life is dance and with her experience, contagious smile and winning personality she is able to create a fun and creative atmosphere for all.

ARLENE MURCHISON DOGGART

Competitive and Recreational Instructor

Arlene Murchison Doggart has been dancing since the age of 3, studying and training in tap, jazz, ballet, acro, modern, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, pointe, hip hop and song and dance.  While training at a prestigious local studio, she completed all exams with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) in tap, jazz and ballet with the highest honors.  Getting a chance to dance and take classes with choreographers like Mia Michaels, David De Marie and Brian Foley opened the door to winning scholarships and awards like top dancer, most potential dancer and overall highest score.


Arlene’s students have gone on to professional careers with Cirque De Soleil, on Broadway in Billy Elliot and The Sound of Music, Shaw Festival, movies, the television show Degrassi, So You think You Can Dance Canada, in commercials, music videos and even now owning their own dance studios and adjudicating. 


Arlene got her full teachers certification with CDTA in 1991 and Dance Masters of America (DMA) and Canadian Dance Masters of America (CDMA) in 1993.  She has also has been certified as a level one gymnastic coach, first aid responder and has choreographed on ice for Canadian figure skaters and worked with national, Olympic rhythmic gymnasts. Arlene has also taught hip hop in the public and private school systems. 

ALISON RUSSEL

Recreational and Exam Ballet Instructor

Alison studied at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London, England, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ballet Education and the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance. The training experience at RAD headquarters allowed Alisonto learn from numerous RAD teachers and examiners whilst gaining a thorough understanding of the RAD’s syllabi and pedagogical approaches. Upon graduation,Alison returned home to Canada and successfully entered many students in Graded and Vocational RAD ballet exams, along with arranging dances for festivals, competitions,
and year-end recitals. Dance history and independent research informs Alison’s teaching practices that prompted her studies at York University to obtain her Master of Arts in Dance. With a keen interest in safe dance practices and anatomy, Alison sought further training
and became certified in Mat Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique; she also completed The Ballet Blog’s Level 1 Teacher Training Program, gaining new tools to assess and enhance dancers’ optimal ballet technique. Alison combines her passion, experiences, and training to support students with their dance ambitions. She is thrilled to be a part of The Dance Workshop’s team!

ALEX WOODLEY

Recreational Instructor

Alex began dancing at the age of 8. Alex danced at The Dance Workshop for 5 years, and in that time Alex was presented with many assisting opportunities at The Dance Workshop where he found his passion for teaching. Alex attended Mayfield Secondary School and was in the Regional Arts dance program, dancing in pieces such as “The Nutcracker” and “The Dr Seuss Musical”. Alex also attended Banting Memorial and was part of the dance team, and in his grade 12 year had opportunities to choreograph for the team. Alex is a certified ADAPT assistant dance teacher and plans on attending teacher training summer 2023. Alex encourages growth and creative exploration in all of his students. Alex is a back to back winner of Starcatchers Dance Competition’s most promising senior dancer (2018-2019). Alex has been nominated twice for“best dance teacher” by Alliston Small Business Association finishing top 2 both times, behind his former dance teacher, the prestigious Colleen Ross. Alex is currently studying
Dance Education at York University, where he is able to work closely with his professors, notably Syreta Hector, Tracey Norman, Patrick Alcedo and Patrick Parson. Alex has aspirations of going to teachers college and teaching dance in the school system in the
future. Alex is a huge fan of Hip Hop and contemporary dance, and has been able to work with one of his idols Daniel “Keith the God” Morrison on many occasions. Alex is First-Aid certified. Outside of Dance, Alex enjoys nature and personal fitness. Alex is thrilled to continue to learn and grow, as well as inspire and educate his students this season at The Dance Workshop.

HUNTER DOGGART

Recreational Instructor

Hunter began dancing at the age of 3, training at her mother’s studio just north of Toronto, Ontario. She trained and studied in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, acro, pointe, hip hop, and modern. Training under Cecchetti, Dance Masters of America (DMA), ADAPT, Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) and acrobatic arts. Hunter has had the privilege to take classes with teachers from across the globe. Competiting in North America as a soloist and in groups, including title competitions, allowed her to win numerous scholarshipsand awards. Hunter has also performed live at many events, including charity/fundraising events and even one of Blake McGrath’s concerts in 2018. Dance is not Hunters only outlet on stage, she completed a four-year program at acclaimed arts school in Ontario, where she was in the dramatic arts program. Hunter has also been a part of the tv and film industry since she was 3 years old. Getting to work alongside, Kevin Bacon, Aidan Quinn, and Kiera Sedgwick. Her stage training has also allowed her to take workshops and classes with performers from Newsies, an American in Paris and many more Broadway and off-Broadway shows.

Admin Support

ERIN NOLAN

Comp Team Liason

I have an Honours Business Degree with a primary focus on Human Resources and a minor in Political Science. I am also a certified teacher, teaching for the past 20 years. I have been involved in competitive sports with both my children over the years. My son, played hockey and I was a volunteer member of the associations board. I am currently still involved and hold a delegate/convenor role, providing support to player's families, coaches as well as the board to mediate conflicts and advocate for players to the league and Ontario Minor Hockey Association. My daughter has danced competitively for 8 years, volunteering to support where needed. Finally, I grew up in a home of a small business owner and recognize the time and commitment needed to make a small business a success. I am hoping in my new role to provide Miss Colleen and her staff the opportunity to focus on the dancers as well as the day to day operations of the studio. I look forward to meeting all of you, talking with you, providing a listening ear and making this competitive dance season a fun, positive and rewarding one for everyone. 

Contact Erin at TeamLiaison@TheDanceWorkshopAlliston.ca

RORI TAYLOR

Admin & CSR

Bio Coming Soon!

Our Student Teachers

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