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. 

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.

SARAH DANTIMO

Competitive and Recreational Instructor

Bio Coming Soon!

BROOK HENDRY

Recreational Instructor

Miss Brook started gymnastics at 18 months old and took her first dance class in jazz at the age of 6. Dance quickly became her passion and she went on to become a competitive dancer, training in styles including ballet, jazz, tap, acro, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, modern, musical theatre and more. At 10 years old she performed in a live show choreographed and directed by her teacher and the president of Arts Milton; Elizabeth Kmiec. This was her first payed performance. She started assistant teaching while competing and training at her studio a minimum of 15 hours a week. She found not only her own love for dance but her love for sharing her experience with young dancers and teaching. At 14 she was accepted into an arts school for their dance program. With her studio, she performed in gala’s and at opening and half time shows for sports teams such as The Raptors and Tiger-cats. She learned from professional dancers and teachers/choreographers who danced backup for various popular artists and in shows and movies, such as Mindy Conto and Allie Goodbun. Before joining her dance family at The Dance Workshop, she coached children’s gymnastics and taught recreational and competitive classes in styles such as acro, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and technique training classes. She is working towards her full Acrobatic Arts certification and is always looking for ways to enhance her teaching to be the best for her students. Miss Brook values a safe and supportive environment where all kids are treated equal and free to be who they are. She believes dance is healing and a powerful way to express yourself.

VALERIE MATUSZCZAK

Recreational Instructor

Growing up in Ottawa, Ontario, Valerie started dancing at the age of 4 and has since immersed herself in the world of dance. With extensive training in jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip hop, she pursued her passion further by attending Sheridan College's Music Theatre Prep program, followed by earning a diploma in Music Theatre Performance at St. Lawrence College.

Her stage credits include productions such as "Cats" (Rumpleteazer/Cassandra), "Chicago" (dance ensemble) and "Cabaret" (Frauline Kost) as well as serving as Dance Captain for "Footloose." She also had the pleasure of performing in both Fallen Rock Productions and The Lower Ossington Theatre's productions of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (phantom), and Koba Entertainment's Canadian touring company of "Toopy and Binoo: Marshmallow Moon." Her journey took her to the realm of ballroom dancing, where she has been fortunate to compete internationally, both as a professional and with her students.

Valerie is thrilled to be joining The Dance Workshop team! She is passionate about fostering a love for movement and helping her students grow as artists.

CYNTHIA LINDSAY

Line Dance Instructor

Cynthia studied dance at the Royal City School of Ballet in Guelph. In the late 80’s she eagerly

took over her mother’s non-competitive dance studio in Arthur. After moving to Alliston, she

joined The Dance Workshop, working for the original owner, enjoying 15 years of teaching Jazz,

Tap, Hip Hop, Bollywood and Creative Dance. Upon retiring from TDW, she ran her own Adult

Dance Club for the community of Everett for several years.

With over 30 years of experience in teaching, performing and choreography in singing and

dance, Cynthia has enjoyed instructing many students, young and adult over the years. Most

recently she learned Hawaiian Dance and enjoyed performing at many weddings, parties and

corporate events around the GTA. A big highlight was singing our National Anthem at the

Scotia Bank Arena. Line Dance classes in various styles, choreography for wedding dances,

and singing for various groups are keeping her busy at the moment!

In June 2023 she re-joined The Dance Workshop studio as Adult Line Dance Instructor. It

brings her much happiness to share her passion for movement. Her goal is to provide classes

in which adult students feel that the experience is more than just dance, it’s bringing

awareness to your own body, a sense of accomplishment and most importantly feeling great

joy through movement!