Here at The Heels Collective, we take pride in the incredible diversity and experience our staff brings to the dance floor. We firmly believe that building a strong foundation in dance comes not only from attending classes but also from exploring a variety of dance styles and challenging ourselves with new opportunities, like advanced classes led by senior instructors.
Just as every song inspires its own unique choreography, each instructor at The Heels Collective brings their distinct vibe, style, and expertise to the studio. Our team includes professionals with extensive training across different genres of dance, and some dancers are just like you started later in their career and now are part of our monthly schedule. We frequently invite guest teachers who add even more depth and variety to our offerings.
The Heels Collective CREW
Kristen Wood
Owner :: Senior Instructor :: Choreographer :: Badass B*tch
Hi, my name is Kristen! I'm the owner of THE HEELS COLLECTIVE, a dance studio offering classes for 18+ in a variety of styles with an emphasis on body positivity and self-confidence. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I've been professionally trained in all styles of dance and have been teaching dance to students of all ages for 10+ years! I have taken classes from the best in L.A. and spent some time dancing on the Junior Jay crew for the Toronto Blue Jays. I have a strong love of hip-hop and competed in this style for my university. I love sharing my love of dance with others and hope that by doing so I can help others experience the same benefits dance has brought me - confidence along with both physical and mental health benefits.
I fell into Heels dancing in 2018 when I decided to start dancing for myself again, and this reignited that love of dance for me. I love the confidence and power that I feel when I step into my heels and take ownership of my body. It is just me on that dance floor exploring myself and my body. Dance is a way to express yourself, the shapes and movement our body is capable of creating is limitless and empowering. Movement can also help us release emotions we keep bottled up within our body.
When I teach I always want everyone to feel good about their experience. If this means changing the choreography if someone is feeling like it’s too tough or is just not vibing with how their body moves, I'm absolutely ok with that! I encourage everyone to speak up and ask questions if they need to. Your voice matters here! Something magical happens when you strap on those heels to dance, and I can’t wait for you all to experience that alongside us!!
Nicole Staden
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Sexy Mama
My name is Nicole and I am a mom of 2 incredible boys. I started dancing when I was 6 years old and I’m trained in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, acro, and heels.
A few years ago, I discovered the transformative power of heels dance. After completing my heels teaching training at the prestigious Army of Sass headquarters in Toronto, I embraced the role of a heels instructor, guiding others on their journey of self-expression and confidence after having kids
Heels dance reignited my spark and helped me reclaim my confidence after becoming a mom. When I step into the studio, I feel unstoppable—radiant, bold, and unapologetically me. My mission is to share that feeling with every dancer who walks through the door.
Watching dancers grow, embrace their sensuality, and radiate confidence is the most rewarding part of what I do. Together, let’s step into the light, own our power, and dance with fearless grace
Ela Nightingale
:: Polish, but Spanish in Another Life ::
Ela grew up in a traditional Polish household and has always had a love for rhythm and music in general, but Spanish is her favourite! She started ballet at the age of 4 but switched over to be part of a Polish Folk dance group for over 15 years. There she gained her confidence to perform on stage at many dance festivals within Canada, the US, and Europe. She also did Latin Ballroom Dance where she competed for many years in Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, and Samba. She has since continued her love for dance by learning new styles such as salsa, merengue, and bachata.
Ela is happily married and a stay at home mom of 3 kids. In her spare time she volunteers at the YMCA in Innisfill and teaches Zumba twice a week. In 2018 she tried a heels class and found her self again by falling in love with her sensuality, body and her love of being on stage.
Ela is so happy and excited to be teaching her Latin Fusion Fiesta class here at the Heels Collective. It offers a fun high energy full body workout that leaves you feeling sweaty and sexy all in one. Her love of being surrounded by positive women and making them feel good about themselves brings her absolute joy and leaves her feeling fulfilled by sharing her passion for dance and adoration of Latin rhythms. Give her class a try if you want to challenge yourself and burn some calories all while shaking and swaying your hips.
Desi Gould
Videographer :: Instructor
Hey babes, I'm Desi! I'm a Mom of 3 who started dancing in my 30's! I have a gigantic passion for creating, whether it be on socials, having fun with makeup, or getting crafty with my kids.
The first dance class I attended was one of Morgan's Twerkshops in 2020, and I have never looked back since! With dance, I feel like I've found a piece of me that's been missing my whole life. I don't have to be perfect, I just have to show up and allow my body to do what it can for me. I think that's something really special and I'm forever grateful to have that here!
At The Heels Collective you will find me not only regularly dancing it out in the studio, but also assisting in any way possible! I assist with videography, edits, uploads, creative posts, and promos. I also design and make our Heels Collective merch! I love capturing the beauty of dance through my camera lens, and I take extra care when editing videos to make sure everyone feels their best. Hope to see you soon
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Hey there! My name is Kerrie. I’m a boy Mom, hunter, shoe freak, metal head and have a career dedicated to adults with developmental disabilities. I started a journey to find myself in my mid 30’s which brought me to find heels dance. I absolutely loved being able to express myself in a sensual way that celebrated not how my body looks, but how it serves me. Dancing helped me to build my confidence and make time for me again.
I did not grow up in a dance studio, and I know what it feels like to start dancing without formal training. I strive to create an environment where you learn new skills safely while feeling supported to honor your body’s strengths and limits. Dancing is for EVERY body. I have been training in pole fitness and exotic pole dancing for the last few years, and love melding exotic pole floor tricks and skills with heels dance fundamentals to bring you our “Freaky Floor” classes, floor workshops, and a variety of heels choreography.
My classes are typically on the sexier side, where you will be surrounded by friends who love to tap into that sassy energy. I believe that healthy sensuality starts with learning to love the skin you’re in and to nurture your sense of self; which is what I want you to experience in my classes. I can’t wait to roll around on the floor with you. 😘
Hello my dancing beauties, my name is Mary. My journey with dance started at the age of 4 doing contemporary, jazz and hip hop. Throughout high school I was on the Cheerleading team which actually was mainly dance instead of lifts and jumps. During and after University I would teach myself dances I found on YouTube until I finally found a dance studio in Barrie. I love dance because not only is it a fun way to move your body, but it helps you disconnect from what’s going on in life. All my worries and fears vanish as soon as I’m in the dance studio. With heels style dancing, you get to explore your sensual side and tap into a different energy you may not experience in your everyday life. When I teach dance I want you to feel so empowered and confident. I want you to feel like nothing else matters in the world except for you, your body, and the music. All bodies are different and they move differently so in any class you take I encourage you to do what’s right for your body. If a move isn’t working for you, let’s change it! Dance is all about you, not the teacher or anyone else in the class. It’s all about you my love.
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Soulful Life Seeker
Mary Gray
Kerrie Lalonde
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Freaky Floor Queen
Photo by: Biren Bhalla Photography
Kerry-Ann Rozycki
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Skyhigh Goddess
Hi my name is Kerry-Ann and I am 27 years old. I have been dancing on and off since I was 7 years old. I’ve done ballet, contemporary and jazz classes, but my favorite was always hip-hop. I started heels dancing 5 years ago and I never looked back. Being a part of the heels community makes my heart full. I am 6ft tall and I will still strap on those heels and rock it. The Heels Collective family has helped me so much with my self confidence as well as has given me a safe place to land when life gets tough. I absolutely love teaching, I love that moment when people start to truly vibe out and own their bodies, connect with the music and dance their hearts out. It makes me so happy to see people come into their own and embrace who they are. The Heels Collective is a magical place and I love being a part of it.
Haley Murray
Instructor :: Choreographer :: High-Energy Hottie
Hello friends!! My name is Haley but you can also call me HaeBae. This is a nickname I grew up with, but it's also an acronym for “Helping Anyone Else Before Anything Else”. This is why I am so excited to be a teacher with The Heels Collective so I can help others find the same confidence I did with dance. In my opinion, movement is medicine.
I’ve been a dancer since the age of 3 and my passion lives in the styles of Hip-Hop and Contemporary. I look forward to bringing all the high energy vibes while teaching you how to express yourself and tell stories through movement.
When you partake in one of my classes be prepared for plenty of laughs, smiles, love, support and a whole lot of my crazy personality. Can’t wait to dance with you!!!
Photo by: Biren Bhalla Photography
Lindsay Priest
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Technical Temptress
Hello dancing queens! My name is Lindsay and I love all things dance! I grew up dancing competitively and eventually moved on to teaching many different styles. In more recent years, during a period of self discovery and healing, I found a new love of dance in the form of heels dancing.
I absolutely love teaching all styles, but contemporary holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to watch each dancer connect with my choreography in their own way and creative a narrative that is meaningful to them. Teaching at The Heels Collective is a dream because of the incredible community of women that show up. I am beyond grateful!
Shannon Rose
:: Instructor :: Choreographer:: Sassy Steps ::
Shannon is a dynamic force of creativity, passion, and resilience. A proud mom to four incredible boys, she embraces the chaos and beauty of motherhood as her greatest adventure. But when she’s not being a “badass momma,” Shannon steps into her second role as a “badass dance teacher,” inspiring others to move with confidence and joy.
Shannon’s love for dance began as soon as she could walk, and it has been a part of her life ever since. While she initially trained extensively in contemporary and jazz, her journey took a transformative turn almost two years ago when she rediscovered dance as an adult. This reawakening led her to the captivating world of heels dance, a style that challenges and excites her. Shannon is committed to growing as both a dancer and instructor, bringing fresh energy and passion to every class she leads.
Beyond the dance floor, Shannon is a talented photographer and the proud owner of Don't Blink Photography, specializing in boudoir and portrait photography. Through her lens, she captures moments of empowerment, confidence, and authenticity, helping her clients see their inner strength and beauty.
Shannon is also the co-founder of Creative Chronicles, a creative powerhouse currently producing the highly anticipated fundraiser dance show, Jackson. This ambitious project is a testament to Shannon’s dedication to combining her love of dance with her passion for giving back to the community. Shannon is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share her love of dance with others. Her classes are more than just lessons—they’re a celebration of creativity, self-expression, and connection. She can’t wait to grow alongside her students and continue inspiring others to discover the transformative power of dance.
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Technical Temptress
Sydney Teixeira
Instructor :: Choreographer :: Serene Queen
Hey! My name is Sydney, you can call me Syd.
Dance has always been an outlet for me to challenge myself physically, explore my musicality, and channel my extra energy into something real and tangible.
I love to teach beginners! Heel classes have a special way of connecting dancers with their inner sensuality. It lights me up to see others shed their insecurities and fall in love with their bodies in the same way dance has allowed me to.
Interested in yoga? I completed my yoga teacher training at the House of Om in Bali (and vlogged the experience!). To follow along with a yoga video at home, check out my YouTube channel:
Photo by: Don't Blink Photography
Saskia
:: Office Guru :: Hype Girl ::
Hi there, dancer! I'm Saskia, and I can’t wait to welcome you to the studio. I fell in love with dance back in 2018, especially dancing in heels—it’s my absolute favorite! Although I’m not professionally trained, I’ve always had a passion for dance since I was a child. There’s nothing quite like the empowering feeling of strapping on a pair of heels and moving with such an amazing community.
You’ll always see my smiling face at check-in and out on the dance floor. When I’m not in the studio, I’m busy working behind the scenes on the website and handling administrative tasks to keep everything running smoothly.
Oh, and one thing you should know—I’m definitely the loudest and most enthusiastic person in the room! So why not join a class and see for yourself?
I can’t wait to dance with you! Xo
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