Meet our Team In Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Richard Kim Founder + Executive Director + Rehearsal Coach

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Richard Kim embarked on his artistic journey at the young age of 7, immersing himself in both dance and classical piano. His early passion and dedication paved the way for a remarkable career.

After high school, Richard's hard work earned him a coveted spot at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. As a student in their esteemed BFA Dance Program, he trained rigorously in ballet (Vaganova, Cecchetti) under Alfredo Corvino and Genia Melikova, as well as modern dance (Limon) with Laura Glenn and the Martha Graham technique. His education also covered Dance History, the basics of Labonotation, and Choreography. To further his skills, Richard trained at the Broadway Dance Center and Steps On Broadway.

Richard's journey took an exciting turn when talent agent Julie McDonald (Paula Abdul’s agent) from Hollywood discovered him and persuaded him to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the commercial dance industry. Represented by McDonald, Richard's career in LA flourished, marked by membership in the SAG (Screen Actor’s Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) unions. He continued his training at Tremaine Dance Center and EDGE, working with industry giants such as Joe Tremaine, Jackie Sleight, Liz Imperio, Marguerite Derricks, and Doug Caldwell.

At the age of 20, Richard landed his first professional AFTRA union job on Star Search, igniting a decade-long career in the industry. His film and television credits include performances in She’s All That, Batman & Robin, The Drew Carey Show, Mrs. Santa Claus with Angela Lansbury, Whitney Houston’s Cinderella, Soul Train Music Awards, American Music Awards, and the Academy Awards. He also appeared in national commercials for brands like Mastercard Gold, Frito-Lay, and Levi's 501s.

Richard has worked with legendary artists such as Michael Jackson (American Music Awards and Ghosts Short Film), Toni Braxton, En Vogue, and Chayanne. Career highlights include world concert tours with Gloria Estefan and Reba McEntire, and serving as assistant choreographer and Jason Alexander's tap double on NBC’s Comedy Hall of Fame honoring Carol Burnett.

For over 20 years, Richard has shared his expertise as a judge at regional and national dance competitions across the US and Canada, affiliated with renowned organizations such as Showstopper, American Dance Awards, KAR, Spotlight, Hall of Fame, In10Sity, Dance Masters, Bedazzled, CanDance, and Terpsichore.

After a successful career in the US, Richard retired from performing and returned to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie. In 2003, he founded Studio Dance Arts, dedicating himself to creating a venue to nurture the next generation of dancers. Over the past 21 years, under his leadership and direction, the school has grown and flourished into what it is today.

Tania Castellani-Greco Assistant Studio Director + Teacher

Tania Castellani-Greco has been a part of the Sault dance community for most of her life. As a dancer, she competed and toured across North America and Europe. As a teacher, she has worked with students of all ages throughout the community, and has been recognized for her choreography at many regional competitions throughout Ontario. Since receiving her Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario, Tania has also worked as an Elementary Occasional Teacher with the Algoma District School Board, bringing her love of dancing to students in elementary and secondary classrooms. Tania has also been a part of the Sault Ste. Marie theatre community with lead roles in Footloose and Rent. Tania’s love of dance and her students is present in all she does as Assistant Director and Faculty at Studio Dance Arts!

Daria Simbiriova Head of Ballet

Daria joins us from the Republic of Moldova and brings more than 15 years of professional experience as a ballet dancer, choreographer, educator, and artistic leader.

Her professional performance career has included dancing with internationally recognized ballet companies throughout Europe, including the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Moldova, the Imperial Russian Ballet in Moscow, the Royal Czech Ballet, and the Russian Classical Ballet. Throughout her career she has performed in many of classical ballet's most celebrated productions, including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Don Quixote, and Raymonda, while touring throughout Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and the Czech Republic.

Beyond her professional performing career, Daria is an accomplished educator. She holds both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Choreography and previously served as a university lecturer at the Academy of Music, Theatre and Plastic Arts in Moldova, where she authored curriculum in Classical Dance Technique, Teaching Methodology, and Classical Dance Heritage.

Daria also brings an impressive background that extends well beyond traditional ballet instruction. She is highly experienced in choreography, contemporary dance, character dance, flexibility and stretching, strength and conditioning, anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, and high-performance athlete development. Most recently, Daria served as Head Coach for Dance and Artistry with Singapore Gymnastics, where she developed choreography, artistry, strength and conditioning, and movement training for elite artistic and rhythmic gymnasts. This unique combination of professional ballet experience and sports science gives her an exceptional understanding of how to develop dancers who are not only technically beautiful, but also strong, healthy, athletic, and prepared for long-term success.

Pam Robins Teacher

Bio coming soon…

Hannah Egerland Teacher

Bio coming soon…

Kirsten Dubien Teacher + Administration

Bio coming soon…

Christine Cloutier Teacher

Christine Cloutier, a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance, began dancing at the age of 5 years old with Helen Syjut Dance Studio in Sault Ste. Marie. At the age of 10, she auditioned for the National Ballet School of Canada and was accepted to the 4 week summer program. The NBS then awarded Christine a full year scholarship in 1976. After her year with the NBS, she was accepted to the prestigious Quinte Ballet School.

Her extensive dance training in the demanding Cecchetti style of ballet allowed her to train with professionals such as Karen Kain, Frank Augustyn and Mary Jago.

After 6 years with Quinte, Christine graduated in 1984, and was accepted as a company apprentice at the Toronto Dance Theatre. The physical rigours of her training started to show when an injury forced Christine to take time off, allowing her to pursue other artistic endeavours. During that time, she was booked by an agent and began a career in modeling and acting. Her credits include appearances in movies with stars such as Sophia Lauren, Tony Danza and Kris Christofferson, to name a few. She also performed in television series, such as Street Legal and The Edison Twins.
In 1990, Christine was offered the position as Ballet Mistress for Kim Greco of Kiana School of Dance Arts, in Sault Ste. Marie. After being away for 15 years, Christine embraced the idea of returning to her home town once again.

Following 2 years with Kiana and the experience of touring in Russia, Copenhagen and Las Vegas, she was offered an opportunity to instruct with Shelley Peters. After one year she was invited to take over the studio.

In 1993, Christine bought out Shelley Peters, and in 1994, Soo Dance Unlimited was born. Christine is not only sole owner and director, but is still very active as a teacher and choreographer. She loves working with her youngest dancers each Saturday morning, as well as creating a challenging and nurturing environment for her technique and ballet classes.

Christine is proud to say Soo Dance Unlimited is celebrating 30 years of dance excellence in Sault Ste. Marie. SDU has numerous credits for award-winning choreography, top-studio achievements, Dance Off placements, as well as acknowledgments for costuming, concept and staging awards from dance competitions from all over Canada and the USA.

Lucas Beaver Teacher

Lucas attended the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and served as the Program Director of the Triple Threat College Program for 8 years. He has also worked at Canada’s National Ballet School of Canada, and was WorldPride Coordinator when Toronto hosted the international event WorldPride 2014.

Select credits include: The Music Man (ABC/Disney), Time to Remember – John McDermott (PBS), Helix Dance Project, Mary Poppins (Bert) and many industrials and product launches for Bell Mobility, Rogers, Royal Bank, MAC Cosmetics and The Bay. As a performer Lucas has worked with Matthew Broderick, Kristin Chenoweth, Andrea Martin, Martin Short, Kristine W (Recording Artist) and as a producer / coordinator the list of artists is quite extensive.

Chrissy Hiddleston Teacher + Administration

At a young age, Chrissy Hiddleston started dancing with Judy Ross, but her competitive nature led to the competitive dance scene at Trixie Hardy. Chrissy became a part of the SDU family when she enrolled her daughter at barely 2 years old.

In 2013, Chrissy was quick to join any and all adult programs, regaining her niche in tap. Chrissy’s energy has kept the tappers coming – whether you are a beginner or more advanced, she is happy to offer various levels of tap to our community.

Chrissy admits that teaching was something she didn’t know was missing from her life, and she has loved every second of it. She has fun helping others find the joy of not only tap but dance in general, and she loves seeing her students' growth and achievements.

Sandra Stevenson Teacher

Miss Sandra started dancing at the age of 8 with Trixie Hardy. In 1988-89, Sandra received her BATD teaching certificates in Jazz and Ballet. She has also trained at other studios during her studies in London and St. John’s, including training in ballroom, tap and belly dance. Sandra has volunteered at the YMCA as a gymnastics coach, aiding the SPARKS Cheer Team, and running the “Cheernastics” program. Most recently, Sandra has received her ADTA certification for Junior Level Acro and continues to expand her training in that field.

SDU welcomed Sandra as their first Acro teacher and has directed the Adult Competitive Team for the last few years.

Sandra creates a tough yet nurturing environment and pushes her students with encouraging energy. “I am a full time mum of 3 amazing children who are always being asked to try out crazy moves at home with me. I am passionate that children develop a growth mindset. My students quickly learn that there is no ‘can not do’ only a ‘can not do YET’. It is my joy to help them achieve that possibility.”

Celia Higo Teacher

Celia Higo began dancing at the age of four at a local dance studio in Sault Ste. Marie until graduating from high school. She then continued her training at the CLI Conservatory in Southampton, Massachusetts, where she completed the intensive 2025–2026 Pre-Professional Conservatory Program.

During her time at CLI Conservatory, Celia trained full-time in a wide range of dance styles under the guidance of internationally recognized choreographers and industry professionals. This experience strengthened her technical ability, artistry, versatility, and professionalism while deepening her passion for dance.

Having taught, assisted, and mentored young dancers from an early age, Celia is passionate about helping students grow in both confidence and technique. She is excited to join the Studio Dance Arts faculty for the 2026–2027 season and looks forward to inspiring all dancers in a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment.

Emma Hiddleston Administration

Bio coming soon…

Laurie Schell Administration

Bio coming soon…

Michaela Yanni Administration

Michaela began dancing at the age of three and has had a passion for the art form ever since. While assisting and teaching classes, she discovered an equally strong passion for sharing her knowledge and love of dance with others. After graduating from high school, Michaela spent a year studying with the faculty of the Association Dance Arts for Professional Teachers. She completed two semesters of training that included seminars, classes with guest professionals, an in-depth study of the curriculum developed by Mr. and Mrs. Foley, and a home-study component. This experience gave Michaela an entirely new perspective on dance education and helped her grow both as a teacher and as a dancer. It also deepened her appreciation for the art form and strengthened her commitment to continued learning.