Toronto is a beautiful and big city and it’s the home for many talented dancers. We are committed to provide a safe space where not only will the dancer find the best training classes but also a sense of community.

Our Vision

To provide a safe and drama-free environment where we are all inspired by each other. We want to be a part of your dance journey and celebrate all your achievements with you. Our vision is to become one large community of talented individuals and a place you can call home.

Our Mission

To offer high-quality classes that will keep your body in shape for all your dance career endeavors.

The Studio

366 Adelaide St East | Unit 120 |
Parking lot entrance - door 110 (door code will appear in confirmation email)

Co-founders

Sarahi Cardenas | Saltillo, México

Originally from Saltillo, México. Sarahí started her dance training at the age of eleven. She learned the foundations of ballet at Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey. She also completed a year at The Rock School of Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA (USA) before graduating from high school. Since 2007, both the Ballet Metropolitano de Monterrey and Ballet de Monterrey included Sarahí in their corps de ballet. She gained professional experience dancing in many classical ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadere, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker, to name a few. Neoclassical works like Diving into the Lilacs by Yuri Possokhov, Bruch Violin Concerto by Clark Tippet and Symphony in C and Western Symphony by George Balanchine. Modern dance works include Desdemona in José Limon’s The Moors Pavane. She was fortunate to train with renowned teachers and perform both as a soloist and principal dancer. Sarahí joined Canada’s Ballet Jörgen for the 2015-2016 season where she further enriched her artistic repertoire and learned firsthand the importance of outreach and accessibility in dance. In September 2019, Sarahi had the opportunity to join The Canadian Opera Company’s ensemble as a dancer in their production of Rusalka, La Traviata in 2022 and Don Giovanni in 2024. Sarahi completed her 200hr yoga teacher training in 2020 and Progressing Ballet Technique Certificate in 2021. Sarahí is currently a part of the Faculty at George Brown College, York University and InStudio. Sarahí co-founded The Fifth Dance, a drop-in dance studio in Toronto in 2019. After founding The Fifth, she took on the responsibility of organizing and producing the summer intensive and its respective showings for the last 3 years. Notably, she orchestrated and managed all logistics for TISI, a summer intensive program that brings together over 30 youth dancers from Monterrey, Mexico, fostering cross-cultural exchange and artistic growth.

Minami Suzuki | Tokyo, Japan

Minami was born and raised in Japan. She started dancing ballet when she was 3 years old and since then, her life was all about ballet. After receiving numerous awards at domestic and international competitions such as a Silver Medal at Le Chausson D’or International Competition In Paris and 1st prize at the National Ballet Competition of Tokyo in Japan. She became a professional ballet dancer when she was 15 and made her principal role debut when she was only 20 years old. She has worked with Star Dancers Ballet in Tokyo, Ballet Jorgen in Canada and various international projects with famous dancers and choreographers. She has been dancing various repertories such as Sir. Peter Wright's Coppelia/Nutcracker, Nacho Duato and William Forsythe amongst others. Minami is currently performing as a freelancer with a few Toronto local companies.

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Weekly Faculty

Lauren Janeway | Toronto, ON

Lauren Janeway is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School (2008-2015) and has danced professionally post graduation for 9 years. Upon graduation Lauren received the Jeff Melanson Prize, and award to recognize the dancer that best embodies the spirit of cultural entrepreneurship. In the summer of 2015 Lauren danced in Toronto’s Pan Am Games opening ceremony before joining The National Ballet of Canada for their 2015/16 season as an apprentice, where she danced numerous works by notable choreographers such as James Kudelka, Alexei Ratmansky, Johann Koburg and more. She also went on tour with the company to Ottawa for performances at the National Arts Centre as an ensemble member in La Sylphide.
The following year Lauren joined the Estonian National Ballet where she performed for 6 years. Lauren did countless roles in classical and contemporary works there, including the leads of well known productions such as The Nutcracker, Giselle, and George Balanchine’s Serenade, as well as soloist roles in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and La Bayadère.A highlight, was having director/choreographer Thomas Edur, create the role of Lady Capulet on her in 2019. Lauren also performed in company productions on tour at both the famous Mariinsky and Bolshoi theatres in Russia, as well as in Latvia, and various theatre and cultural centres in Finland. After moving back to Toronto in 2022, Lauren has been freelancing, working with production companies such as Quiver TV, Hit and Run Dance Productions and was a guest soloist in Toronto International Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker.”

Thiago Dos Santos |
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Originally from Brazil, Thiago Dos Santos moved to Canada in 2007 after receiving a full scholarship to train at Pacific Dance Arts in Vancouver, BC. In 2008, Thiago started his professional dance career at Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, where he toured across North America, Europe, China, and Israel. Highlights have been working with Twyla Tharp, James Kudelka and Evelyn Hart as well as performing in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle, Romeo & Juliet, and Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude.⁠⁠After a decade with Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Thiago transitioned his talents to TV and Film. He has worked on Channel Zero: Butcher's Block as the Meat Servant, and Burden Of Truth (Season 2). Most recently he has worked with choreographer Roberto Campanella, directors Andy Muschietti in IT: Chapter 2, and Taika Waititi in What We Do In The Shadows (TV series).⁠

Riho Dantow | Kyoto, Japan

Born in Kyoto, Japan, Riho discovered her love for ballet at the age of three. Throughout her training at a ballet school in Kyoto, she flourished and had the privilege of performing as the main character in iconic ballets like Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and more.
In 2015, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the prestigious Uiro Prize at the National Ballet Competition held in Nagoya, Japan. Seeking further growth, she embarked on an enriching experience in New York City, training alongside renowned ballet dancers and teachers from 2016 to 2017.
After relocating to Toronto in 2018, she continued to shine on stage, captivating audiences as the lead in the Nutcracker and other notable productions with the esteemed Toronto International Ballet Theatre. She also delighted audiences with guest appearances on various ballet school stages.
In 2023, she realized her dream of founding her own ballet school, the Ogata Ballet School. Through this endeavor, she passionately shares her love for ballet and aims to inspire young children and adults, passing on the essence of this timeless art form.

Järvi Raudsepp |
Toronto, ON

Järvi Raudsepp is a professional ballet dancer and teacher trained by Nadia Veselova Tencer. She began her career at the age of 17, and was a company member with several international companies through the years (Estonian National Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Ontario Ballet Theatre, and Ballet Rhode Island). Most recently, Järvi was a corps de ballet dancer with the World Tour of Phantom of the Opera (Broadway staging) for its two-year run across South-East Asia. Her current performing career involves dancing with Moonlight Ballet and Who Creations in Toronto.
Järvi has taught classical ballet since 2010 (Vaganova method), and has been a faculty member and guest teacher across multiple studios within the GTA. She has won awards for her choreography, and is a rehearsal coach for pre-professional dancers entering Youth America Grand Prix. Many of her students have gone on to professional dance careers, and have graduated from the dance programs at Toronto Metropolitan University and York University.
Järvi is passionate about moving classical ballet towards becoming a more accessible and inclusive art form. She also loves taking students of all ages through the intricacies of ballet training with joy, excitement, and understanding. Järvi has had the honour of teaching at The Fifth since 2022!

Eric Hall | Woodstock, ON

Eric Hall has danced professionally with performance companies across Canada, including Ballet Victoria, Ballet Kelowna, and Suddenly Dance Theatre in British Columbia, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal in Quebec, and Canada’s Ballet Jorgen as well as Opera Atelier here in Toronto. His favourite character that he’s performed (also his alter ego) is Dr. Frankenstein! Imparting knowledge he has gained from his professional experience as well as from his training at institutions such as the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, George Brown Dance and the School of Alberta Ballet, Eric creates movement inspired by a large variety of instructors including Mrs. Nancy Kilgour, Mr. Murray Kilgour, Mr. Owen Montague, Mr. Chi Chun, Ms. Svea Eklof, Ms. Kathleen Rea, and Ms. Christine Wright. Since beginning teaching, Eric has had the pleasure of teaching at various schools such as InStudio, Metro Movement, Extension Method, Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance, Ballet Victoria Conservatory, Victoria Academy of Ballet, and now excitingly at The Fifth! Eric incorporates his knowledge from his Massage Therapy studies, approaching ballet from an anatomical perspective, yet is known for creating very dancey, movement-oriented classes.

Alli Carry | Calgary, AB

Alli Carry is a Toronto-based emerging dance artist, arts administrator and dance Instructor. Throughout her training, she has performed works by choreographers such as Robert Glumbek, Natasha Powell, Alyssa Martin, Hanna Kiel, and Angela Blumberg. Her recent performance credits include Marina Robinson's *Unfurl* at the Toronto Fringe Festival and a collaboratively choreographed piece entitled *Ball Pit* in the Dance Made in Canada Festival. Aside from performing as a dancer, Alli is inspired to explore her artistry and produce work through the mediums of choreography, film, photography, and theatre. Most recently, she participated in a two-week choreographic residency (Open Space) provided by The National Ballet of Canada. There she continued to develop her current choreographic work entitled *A subject.* Alli celebrates collaboration as a pillar for her art practice and creates work through a feminist lens. She aims to make work that is meaningful to a diverse audience while remaining authentic to her unique voice. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance with distinction from TMU.
As a teacher, Alli is passionate about sparking the imaginations of her students and empowering them to be thoughtful collaborative artists.

Natasha Poon Woo | Toronto, ON

Natasha Poon Woo is a freelance dancer, rehearsal director, and dance teacher. She began training and performing at Claude Watson School for the Arts and with Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (CCDT) in her hometown of Toronto, Ontario. Since graduating summa cum laude from SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance, Natasha has danced with Rock Bottom Movement, Côté Danse, Compagnie de la Citadelle, The Dietrich Group, Roderick George, The Platform, Hit & Run Dance Productions, and Conny Janssen Danst, among others. She has received multiple Dora Awards for Outstanding Ensemble Performance in productions by both Rock Bottom Movement and Compagnie de la Citadelle.
Natasha spent over ten years as the Rehearsal Director of CCDT in addition to serving as the company’s Associate Artistic Director for three seasons. She has also assisted with the creation and rehearsal process for works by Hanna Kiel/Human Body Expression, Transcen|Dance Project, Rodney Diverlus, Apolonia Velasquez, and Roderick George. Natasha is also a member of Healthy Dancer Canada, a certified instructor of The Extension MethodTM and a sought-after dance educator specializing in Limón-based modern technique and C-I TrainingTM (certified and mentored by Donna Krasnow). She has recently taught for companies and institutions including the Limón Dance Company, Toronto Dance Theatre, ProArteDanza’s Summer Intensive Program, The Fifth, and many performing arts schools across the GTA.

Sid Ryan Eilers | Hamilton/Toronto, ON

Sid Ryan Eilers (they/them) is a dedicated dance educator, choreographer, and mentor with over 24 years of experience. As a faculty member at Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS), they teach across diverse programs, including Community Dance, the Young Dancers Program, and the Adult Ballet Program. Eilers founded TRANScendARTS, a creative movement class supporting gender non-conforming children, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusive and affirming spaces in dance education.
Eilers' teaching philosophy prioritizes dignity, respect, and creative autonomy. Their pedagogy integrates Functional Movement, Conscious Bodies, Creature, and Gaga methodologies, blending rigorous physicality with personal expression. Their approach inspires students to connect deeply with their embodied experiences, translating emotions and narratives into meaningful movement.
Beyond NBS, Eilers has facilitated educational outreach programs for organizations like the Halton District School Board, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, and Theatre Aquarius. They have mentored emerging artists such as Vik Mudge, Heryka Miranda, and Sarahi Cardenas, supporting the next generation of dance practitioners.
Eilers' upbringing within systems steeped in whiteness, patriarchy, and homo/transphobia has shaped their commitment to anti-oppressive frameworks. They continuously engage in learning with leaders such as Robin Lacambra (Sharing Privilege), Elder Maria Montejo (Dodem Kanonhsa), and Dallas Squire (Onkwehon:we Games), ensuring their teaching fosters equitable, safe, and empowering environments for all.
Lacambra describes Eilers' work as “revolutionizing dance culture” through intentional collaboration with artists of diverse identities and experiences. Their leadership, grounded in anti-racism and decolonial frameworks, creates spaces where dancers feel cared for, brave, and inspired.
Recognized for their impact, Eilers’ work has received multiple grants and awards, including the Hamilton Arts Awards. Their inclusive teaching practices and artistic vision continue to inspire communities, demonstrating the transformative power of dance education in fostering connection and resilience.

Sam Grist | Winnipeg, MB

Originally from Winnipeg Manitoba, Sam Grist is a Toronto based contemporary dancer, teacher, and fitness instructor. She has been a dancer and collaborator for Toronto based absurdist dance-theatre company Rock Bottom Movement since 2012, winning the 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for both Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble and Outstanding Production for the company's work, hollow mountain. In addition to her work with Rock Bottom, Sam has collaborated and performed with choreographers including Hanna Kiel, David Earle, Susie Burpee, Shannon Litzenberger, Julia Aplin, Jennifer Nichols, Anisa Tejpar, and Clare Preuss.
When she is not performing, Sam is a passionate teacher for students of all ages. She has shared her love and knowledge of dance, movement, and fitness through workshops and master classes across Canada. Sam has been a guest teacher with Rock Bottom Movement, VIEW Dance Convention, Toronto Metropolitan University, Cawthra Park Secondary School, Etobicoke School of the Arts, Unionville High School, and Kalos Collectives. In 2020, the pandemic inspired Sam pursued her Mat Pilates teacher training through the Mindful Movement Centre, under the tutelage of Leslie Parker. Sam earned her BFA in Performance Dance from the Toronto Metropolitan University in 2013, and is also a certified Extension Method™ teacher. Sam loves blending dance and fitness to create a fun and challenging workout experience, and is thrilled to be a part of the Fifth family!

Marina Robinson | Vancouver, BC

Marina Robinson is a Vancouver born movement artist, choreographer and teacher who finds joy, spaciousness and depth through the world of dance. Marina began her professional training at the Source Dance Company in 2018, and continued on to learn from artists and companies such as Emmalena Fredrickson, Radical System Art and RUBBERBANDance. Robinson specialises in contemporary floorwork and is currently expanding her foundational knowledge of breakdance. In 2023, Robinson produced and choreographed her own new work titled, Unfurl, which was presented at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Most recently, she performed in Liminal Bodies, an AR generated dance piece by Sarah U as part of Common Ground Dance Festival. Marina continues to immerse herself in the Toronto arts community as is excited to be joining the faculty at The Fifth Dance.

Nicole Prefontaine | Vancouver, BC

Nicole Prefontaine is a ballet dancer and educator with extensive training in both classical and contemporary dance forms. She completed the Teacher Training Program at Canada's National Ballet School, where she studied R.A.D., Cecchetti, N.B.S. Curriculum, music, anatomy, and conditioning. A former scholarship student at the San Francisco Ballet School, she performed in ballets such as George Balanchine’s Serenade, Kenneth Macmillan’s Soiree Musicale, and Helgi Tomasson’s Handel Celebrations.

Her short-term training includes participation in prestigious programs like the Orsolina 28 Juliano Nunes Creation Week in Italy, the Paris Opera Ballet Cross Threads Summer Program, Pro Arte Danza in Toronto, and workshops with renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre and Forsythe Technologies. Nicole has also choreographed multiple contemporary solos for young dancers participating in the Youth America Grand Prix. She currently teaches at Canada's National Ballet School, where she shares her expertise and passion for dance with the Toronto dance community.

Sofia Capista | Toronto, ON

Sofia is an ever-evolving being who loves to spend her time practicing/teaching yoga & meditation, facilitating community gatherings and getting lost in the depth of self-transformation. After completing a beautiful 200 hour YMTT, rooted in traditional tantric teachings, she was called to connect with like-hearted individuals as both teacher and student. Being in space with Sofia, you can expect trauma sensitive and inclusive language as well as spiritual connection and presence, which is rooted in their personal practice.

Lucía Llano | Colombia

Originally from Colombia, Lucía Llano is a passionate learner and versatile performer who trained on scholarship at MISI, School of Musical Theatre in Bogotá and graduated with a BFA in Dance from York University.
Her artistic development has been shaped by international experiences, including participation in intensives such as Deltebre Dansa in Spain, where she focused on contemporary floorwork techniques. Drawing from jazz, Colombian folklore, ballet and contemporary/modern forms, Lucía creates a dynamic performance language that emphasizes versatility and cultural fusion.
She has collaborated with choreographers including Hanna Kiel, Carol Anderson, Falciony Patiño, Nina Milanovski, and Alexander Herrara, and has performed in diverse projects such as Jessie Reyez’s music video Mutual Friend (choreographed by Martha Hart).
Most recently, Lucía earned a Master of Teaching from the University of Toronto, where her research explored the role of dance and movement education in supporting physical literacy. She is currently active as a freelance performer, educator, and arts administrator, and one of the founders of Subsuelo Dance Collective.

Bri Clarke | ON

Bri Clarke is a performer, producer, choreographer, teacher and dramaturg. Based in Tkarón:to, she identifies as a pansexual, cis-gendered female, and colonial settler. Her creative practice centres around storytelling with an emphasis on using improvisational techniques to arrive at a product. Bri has furthered her training in Germany, Ottawa, Greece, New York City, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, in addition to gaining a BFA in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University in 2020. She is certified in RAD Ballet and ADAPT Jazz syllabi, and began teaching at the age of 16. She continues to be a freelance artist for multiple dance/theatre collectives.

Substitute Teachers & Past Faculty Members

Martha Hart | Toronto, ON

Martha is a Toronto-based freelance dance artist, choreographer, and educator. A graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School, she also trained at Palucca Schule Dresden, L’Ecole Superieure du Ballet de Quebec, and Arts Umbrella Dance in Vancouver. After performing with Dresden Semperoper Ballet in Germany, she returned to Canada and has collaborated with Human Body Expression, TranscenDance Project, AnyMotion Productions, and others across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. From 2015-2016, she toured Mexico, Spain, and Italy with Metamorphosis Dance Collective. She has produced Metamorphosis Method workshops in Toronto and worked on the short film *Panic Attack* with filmmaker David Phu, which has been showcased at film festivals across North America. Passionate about teaching, she continues to share dance throughout the GTA.

Sully Male Proulx | QB

Sully Malaeb Proulx is a Québécois-Lebanese freelance dance artist based in Tkaronto. As an alum of the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase, London Contemporary Dance School, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, and Springboard Danse Montréal, Sully has had the privilege of performing works, locally and abroad, by artists from near and far.

Maya Santos O’Keefe | Calgary AB

Maya Santos O’Keefe (she/her) is a dance artist, teacher and choreographer based in Tkaronto/Toronto. Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Maya trained in multiple disciplines, including ballet, breaking, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and modern, which informs her current teaching practice. She is a graduate of Dance Arts Institute (formerly known as The School of Toronto Dance Theatre) and Central Memorial’s Performing and Visual Arts Program, receiving the Dance Innovator Award, multiple bursaries and scholarships. Throughout her training, she performed works by choreographers such as Kate Alton, Peggy Baker, Tilman O’Donnell, Pulga Muchochoma, Julia Sasso, Sharon Moore, and Karen Kaeja.

Following graduation, she performed works by Ben King, Christina Litt Belch, Sadie Cahill and Xuan Ye. Her work has been supported by Canada Council for the Arts, The National Ballet’s Open Space Programme, Toronto Dance Theatre’s Plug-N-Play, The Garage and Woodland Farm Artist Residency.

As a teacher, Maya is passionate about continuously challenging dancers to reach their full potential. She strives to cultivate a positive and approachable environment in each class.