Our Commitment
For Dancers First
At DHDC, we believe in creating well-rounded dancers by providing full opportunity in all styles. Since each discipline brings something unique and valuable to the table, it’s important to understand that by combining training, superior skill sets are created.
We design training programs to best suit our student’s individual talents and their goals. We offer more specialized coaching to support each dancer to reach the desired level of achievement. While maintaining constant communication between instructors, our students and their parents, we ensure that every dancer thrives and reaches their full potential.
There is a clear and personal investment in each of our students as DHDC staff are dedicated to your children and the art of dance.
Meet Our Instructors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At Dana Hanes Dance Company, our passionate team of highly trained Ottawa-based dance instructors is dedicated to inspiring every dancer to learn, grow, and thrive. With expertise across a wide range of dance disciplines and experience teaching students of all ages and levels, our instructors are committed to creating a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment where every dancer can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance. Learn more about our incredible team below!
Founder and Artistic Director
Jazz, Tap, Contemporary and Lyrical Instructor
Dana Hanes
Dana Hanes has over 40 years of experience as a performer, teacher, choreographer, judge, and mentor, and has been teaching throughout the Ottawa region for more than 30 years. As a former Dance Captain for
the Ottawa Rough Riders dance team, she has built a respected reputation for developing dancers and creating award-winning choreography.
Her work has earned numerous overall, high score, and Diamond Choreography awards across North America, and she has choreographed for The Next Step television series. Dana is also passionate about giving back to the community, contributing to many charity events and helping raise over $300,000 through Dancers Give Back.
As Artistic Director of Dana Hanes Dance Company, Dana is dedicated to inspiring dancers of all ages while fostering confidence, excellence, and a lifelong love of dance.
Summer Camp Director
Jazz, Ballet, Tap and Conditioning Instructor
Mallory Hanes
Mallory started her journey in dance at the age of four and danced competitively in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary until the age of 18. Throughout those years, Mallory took ok a role of a
teacher’s assistant in several disciplines, where she discovered her love for teaching.
After graduating from Dana Hanes Dance Company, she followed in her mother’s footsteps and began her career as a dance teacher. Mallory is trained in the ADAPT Jazz and Tap syllabus, along with the RAD syllabus, with successful completion of exams in both syllabi.
She has continued her dance education by becoming a certified ADAPT Jazz and Tap Teacher. Mallory shows commitment, dedication, and passion for each of her students’ growth and accomplishments.
Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Open and Tap
Cailyn Harris
Cailyn Harris has been devoted to dance since she was 4 years old. She has undergone dance training at a competitive level for 15 years and has been teaching and choreographing since 2020. She has completed ADAPT exams to the highest
levels for jazz and tap, as well as RAD exams for ballet. Prior to teaching, Cailyn assisted in the instruction of competitive dance classes for 4 years.
Cailyn is currently a student at Queen’s University studying Life Sciences. She has taught recreational dance at Queens and is this year’s co-captain of the Queen’s Competitive Dance Team.
Tiny Tots, Kinder, Acro, Hip Hop and Jazz Instructor
Sophie Lafontaine
Sophie embarked on her dance journey at the age of four, immersing herself in the disciplines of ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary. She is trained with RAD ballet and ADAPT jazz. Throughout her formative years, Sophie
developed a passion for teaching while assisting classes such as ballet and jazz during her senior years at Dana Hanes Dance Company.
Currently pursuing a degree in Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa, Sophie is dedicated to further enhancing her expertise and is now a Acrobatic Art Module 1 certified teacher.
Sophie remains committed to the growth of her students, providing them with support throughout their dance journey and continually challenging them to excel in every class.
Ballet and Contemporary
Instructor
Brelene Laskoski
Brelene Laskoski is an Ottawa-based dancer, teacher, and choreographer with training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Improvisation through Leeming Danceworks, Canterbury High School, and Toronto’s
professional dance community.
Her choreography has been featured in Fever After Dark, Choreographer’s Ball, Young Creators Challenge, Let the Elephants Dance, and Signature Dance Inc.’s Canary in a Coalmine.
Brelene is Level 1 certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and Level 5 certified in Alixa Flexibility. She is passionate about helping young dancers build strong technique, confidence, and artistry.
Kinder Ballet and Tap Instructor
Peyton Nault
Peyton is a former competitive dancer and DHDC alumna with training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, and Hip Hop. She successfully completed all ADAPT Jazz and Tap exams and RAD Ballet exams through Advanced 2,
while also assisting classes in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz for several years.
After earning her Bachelor's degree from Carleton University, Peyton served as Treasurer and Co-Captain of the Ravens Dance Pak competitive team. She later continued dancing while completing her Master of Science at Queen’s University.
Peyton is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment where dancers feel inspired to grow and reach their full potential.
Hip Hop Instructor & Choreographer
Terrance Thomas
Terrance Thomas is an Ottawa-based dancer and teacher with 13 years of dance experience. Having trained in hip hop, house, and contemporary dance, he brings versatility to his work.
Throughout the years, he’s had
the opportunity to compete in street dance battles across Canada and the U.S. He has also staged pieces as a member of PNL Dance Co. for events like the R2D 10th Anniversary Showcase, Visions Dance Camp, and Prelude Toronto.
Currently, Terrance works with companies such as Moov Ottawa and Flava Factory, while continuing to teach youth in studios and schools across the nation.
As an educator, he brings a strong passion for hip hop dance and culture. He strives to create inclusive spaces that encourage growth and self-expression, with a goal of making a lasting impact on those who cross his path.
Hip Hop Instructor & Choreographer
Ethan Burden
With over a decade of experience in the Ottawa hip-hop community, Ethan is an award-winning competitive dancer and choreographer. He has competed nationally and internationally, represented Team Canada at the 2017 IDO
World Hip-Hop Championships in Copenhagen, and appeared on CBC Gem’s The Move 3.
Known for his musicality, creativity, and passion for hip-hop, especially popping, Ethan has earned multiple choreography awards and 1st Overall solo titles. For the past three years, he has been creating competitive routines that blend authentic street styles with high-level performance and technique.
Ethan is currently studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Ottawa.
Ballet & Pilates
Tracy Mitchell
Tracy Mitchell holds a Theatre Dance degree from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she was mentored by former NBOC principal dancer Nadia Potts, and a Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). She performed in The
Nutcracker with the Ontario Ballet, danced in various corps de ballet roles with Theater Pforzeheim's ballet company in Germany, and appeared in several commercial promotions.
Acro, Jazz & Lyrical
Kaily Gauthier
Kaily began dancing at age 12, developing a passion for acrobatics while training in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, and Musical Theatre. She completed her RAD Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate Ballet exams before expanding her training
into circus and aerial arts, specializing in Lyra, Flying Pole, Trapeze, and other aerial apparatus.
A graduate of Algonquin College’s Pre-Health Sciences program, Kaily is currently completing her Advanced Diploma in Massage Therapy with the goal of becoming a Registered Massage Therapist. She combines her knowledge of anatomy with her love of dance to help students train safely and confidently.
Kaily began teaching at 17 after working as a classroom assistant and is certified in Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Aerial Back Handspring (ABHS), with additional Acrobatic Arts certifications currently in progress.