Cathy Pacheco             STUDIO DIRECTOR

 A.B.A.T.D. (Stage), "READY SET DANCE" & "READY SET MOVE" certified

—Life is a dance, from one stage to the next—

Miss Cathy is a Strathroy native and has been  pursuing her love of dance since the age of 4. As the Artistic Director of Dance Factor Studios, Miss Cathy is very excited about the year ahead and welcomes everyone to the studio.

 In 1997, Cathy received her British Association Teachers of Dance certificate in Stage. She also completed her Grade 8 Practical Piano and Grade 2 Theory examinations with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  In her many years of dancing, she has gained much experience in the competitive scene, both competing and as a choreographer. Cathy furthered her studies in dance at York and Western University, which included courses in dance history, theory, and composition.

Dancing doesn’t always happen at the studio. Every year Miss Cathy has the privilege of leading workshop classes and choreographing routines for Dancefests at elementary schools, both in the Thames Valley and Catholic School Boards.

Keeping current and inspired is important and Cathy enjoys attending different Dance Teacher workshops throughout the year...learning from inspiring dance educators, traveling to various cities such as Toronto, Scottsdale and New York City.

Cathy strives to make dancing a fun experience, while pushing her students to reach their potential. It is very rewarding to see how the dancers have improved over the years in “leaps” and bounds. Here’s to SEASON 23!

 Melissa Simpson     ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

A.B.A.T.D. (Stage), C.Y.W., "READY SET DANCE" & "READY SET MOVE" certified

Miss Melissa grew up dancing recreationally and competitively and has been teaching/choreographing for the past 16 years. Her formal dance training includes ballet, lyrical, jazz, acro-gymnastics, tap and hip hop. Since receiving her stage associate with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing in 2001 Melissa continues to further her knowledge by attending workshops, dance teacher conferences and seminars. A hi-light in her teaching career was when several of her students along with one of her pieces of choreography were chosen to represent Canada at the International Dance Organization’s World Show Dance Competition in Riesa, Germany.

Along with her passion for dance, Melissa has always had a love for theatre. She took classes at the Huron County Playhouse for several years and eventually joined the London Theatre Schools performance Team/Funbuskers (Yes the rumour is true…she even made balloon animals!).

In 2006 Melissa graduated with a Child and Youth Work Diploma from Fanshawe College and worked for the Thames Valley School Board for a few years before taking some time off to be at home with her children Luke and Allison.

Miss Melissa truly appreciates all the parents and families and their dedication to the studio and their child's dance education! 

 Ruth Barrett

Fellow Member Cecchetti Council of America R.A.D. Registered Teacher Member B.A.T.D. (Ballet, Highland and Scottish Nationals Branches) Vice President of B.A.T.D. Western Ontario Vice President of Celtic Dance Company of Western Ontario 

Miss Ruth began her training in the Cecchetti Method as a dance student under Mary Ellen Cooper in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, at the age of five. She completed her Cecchetti Advanced Teacher's Exam in 1995, and later became a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and the British Association of Teachers of Dancing after moving to Canada. She has been teaching ballet in London and the surrounding area since 1997. Always looking to further develop her teaching repertoire, Miss Ruth attended the Dance Teacher Summit in New York City on three occasions in recent years. As a dancer and a teacher, she spent many summers at the Cecchetti Council of America International Summer School in conjunction with Michigan State University, Hope College and the Cleveland-San Jose Ballet. Although ballet is Miss Ruth’s passion, musical theatre, tap, modern & highland come a close second. Miss Ruth is the proud mother of two, and she and her husband love watching their son fence and swim and their daughter sing and dance. She is looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling year of dance (filled with lots of jumps!) with Dance Factor.

 Nicole Denezis

A.B.A.T.D. (Jazz), "READY SET DANCE" & "READY SET MOVE" certified

Miss Nicole waltzed through the studio doors back in 2011 and hasn't stopped dancing since. Discovering a passion to perform, the natural progression to challenge herself was to audition for the competitive dance troupe and landing a position on the team in 2013. Throughout her high school years, Nicole committed her time to Dance Factor's "STAR Teaching Assistant program" in various class disciplines, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. As a result, after graduating grade 12, Nicole was offered an instructing position at the studio for the 2019/20 season. In June of 2023, Miss Nicole successfully completed her Jazz Associate Exam with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.

As a dancer, Miss Nicole enjoyed training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and hip hop, but it was musical theatre that really brought her personality to life on stage.

Miss Nicole has directed our weekly F.A.M.E. Summer camp sessions. She has also continued to develop our pre-school/kindergarten/primary age programs by using her training through the Discover Dance program. She is an integral part of designing our "Mini Jazz" and "Movers & Groovers" programs each season.

Miss Nicole's positive energy, contagious smile and strong work ethic makes her a great role model for both her peers and the younger dancers. Nicole is extremely excited to share her love of dance with the students for another season!

 Mariya Minten

A.B.A.T.D. (Acro)

Miss Mariya has been dancing at Dance Factor Studios since the age of 3. In no time, she fell in love with a variety of dance styles and soon found herself on stage as a part of Dance Factor’s competitive team. Over the years, she has enjoyed participating in dance competitions, summer workshops, and conventions. During the summer of 2022 she completed her Acro Associate with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing. Although Mariya's favourite dance style is acro, she has also trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, and musical theatre. Dance has provided Mariya with many exciting opportunities. Mariya was chosen to perform alongside the Ballet Jorgen in their 2017 production of Anastasia. In 2018, Mariya successfully auditioned to be part of Team Canada's Show Dance Team to compete at the International Dance Organization's World Show Dance Competition in Prague, Czech Republic (achieving 7th place). She has also spent many summers competing in local talent competitions such as the Western Fair's Rise 2 Fame and the Wright Family Foundation Creative Arts Contest. Most recently, Miss Mariya was a guest acro instructor at Dance Factor’s FAME Summer Camp.

Currently, Mariya is continuing her studies at Fanshawe College where she is working towards completing her Dental Hygiene Certification. Miss Mariya is no stranger to the studio and she is excited to be taking on a few different roles this season, whether it be teaching her own classes, behind the desk assisting the Dance Factor clientele or substituting when needed.  Whatever her task, Miss Mariya is looking forward to sharing her love of dance with everyone.

 MacKenzie Mercer

"READY SET DANCE" Certified

Born and raised in London, Ontario, MacKenzie began her dance training at the age of 4 and continues to actively train in many styles today with the UWO Dance Force in London. MacKenzie has successfully completed numerous tap and jazz exams with the Canadian Dance Teacher's Association and is now working towards completing her professional licentiate examination (teacher's licence) in jazz. She has also successfully completed her Advanced 1 RAD examination and studied with the RAD for 2 years to earn a Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and Registered Teachers Status. MacKenzie has a strong appreciation for technical training and holds a certification in Progressing Ballet Technique which she feels compliments her dance education training. MacKenzie strives to create a positive environment for dancers to grow and gain confidence in themselves and their dancing. 

Outside of dance MacKenzie is currently a student at the University of Western Ontario completing her undergraduate degree and plans to continue into Western's faculty of education to receive her Bachelor of Education and pursue her love for teaching and youth in a school environment.

 Miss Jessie

NM, CPT & "READY SET DANCE" Certified

Miss Jessie has been a part of the Dance Factor family since she was just 5 years old. Her dance training spans tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and musical theatre, with annual ballet, jazz, and tap exams completed through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.). Tap has always been a favorite for Jessie, and she especially enjoyed exploring this style throughout her years of training.
Driven by her passion, Jessie sought every opportunity to grow as a dancer. She attended workshop classes, took additional lessons at the Tap Dance Centre, and joined the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference (ECTC). As a tap soloist, she also earned a scholarship to attend a summer intensive in L.A., a memorable highlight in her journey.

Outside of dance, Jessie’s commitment to wellness shines through her certifications as a Nutrition Manager (NM), Personal Trainer (CPT), and Nutrition Coach. She hopes to inspire the next generation by creating a supportive, positive environment where students can reach their fullest potential. Jessie is thrilled to be back at the studio in her new role as part of our faculty for the upcoming season!

 Katarina Sabo

In Europe, Katarina began competitive ball room dancing at the age of 17. At 23, she began to teach and brought her talents and knowledge overseas when she moved to Canada in 1990.   Hired at Fred Astaire’s in London, Katarina instructed ballroom, country western and line dancing, as well as completing her “Bronze” level” for the North American style of ballroom dancing.

 This proud mom of two works full-time as the store manager for Kiehl’s, a recent addition to the retailers at Masonville Mall. Kiehl’s (a brand acquired by L’Oreal in 2000) has been producing efficient, highly concentrated skin care from natural ingredients since 1851, and is generating excitement among its clientele that it is now available in London.

Katarina is thrilled to be returning for her sixteenth season and encourages all couples, any age, any level, to come on out and give the Ballroom Blitz a try!

Miss Ada, Miss Berkley, Miss Reilly, Miss Seana, Miss Megan, Miss Quinn, Miss Stella,

Miss Jennifer, Miss Harlee, Miss Lexi, Miss Sydney, Miss Hunter,  Miss Maddie, Miss Sydney.