Meet Our Creation Team

Ashley Dykun

Studio Manager

Ms. Ashley began dancing before she could walk, with a strong foundation in ballet and a lifelong connection to the studio. Over the past 15 seasons at NDFS, she has worked closely with dancers of all levels, with a primary focus on supporting and developing the Competitive program. As a former competitive dancer, Ms. Ashley understands the importance of strong technical training, team culture, and a positive, driven environment. In her role as Studio Manager, she oversees competitive programming, communications, and community engagement, helping to elevate the studio’s presence and ensure a seamless experience for dancers and families. Her leadership is rooted in organization, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence both in and out of the studio.

Marissa Castaldo

Assistant Competitive Director

Marissa began dancing at age 3 and developed into a dedicated performer, educator, and leader, training in multiple styles and competing from ages 8–20 while earning numerous awards. She is completing her degree at Brock University in Concurrent Education with minors in Drama and Education, and was a Varsity Dance Team member, serving as Assistant Captain and Head Choreographer. Professionally, she has performed with the Niagara River Lions Dance Team and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Dance & Cheer Team, including a Grey Cup Festival appearance. Now serving as Assistant Competitive Director, Marissa brings strong leadership, organizational skills, and a passion for mentorship to support both dancers and staff. She is committed to fostering a positive, disciplined environment where every dancer can grow, gain confidence, and reach their full potential.

Dance Instructor
Dance & Fitness Instructor Niagara

Kim Franic

Ms. Kim Franic began her dance career at the age of 4. By the age of 8, she was a competitive soloist and team dancer. She represented Canada at the world level, bringing home many awards and participating in guest appearances.Ms. Kim was also graded under the RDA in Tap & Jazz and Highland SDTA. It was during her experience as a Teacher’s Assistant in her teen years that Kim decided teaching dance was her passion. She pursued dance studies at York University, Ballet Jorgen, Randolf Academy as well as countless conventions and workshops. Ms. Kim’s well-rounded dance training consists of tap, jazz, musical theatre, baton, ballet, modern, and highland dance. In 1995, Kim returned to Niagara to bring her love of dance to her community –teaching recreational and competitive classes. She founded Niagara’s Twirling Maple Leafs and became a member of TU and NBTA. In recent years, Ms.Kim has volunteered her time to teach dance at local elementary schools, youth groups, as well as assisting with school musical productions. With Ms.Kim’s 26 yrs of teaching experience, she continues to enjoy inspiring today’s dancers.

Lauren Randall

A dance studio has been Ms. Lauren's second home since the age of three. Ms. Lauren spent her formative years of training in jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop and ballet, with a special emphasis on performance quality. Growing up she has danced competitively and discovered a love for teaching and choreography. Ms. Lauren's work experience in the industry has taken her from the stage, to the classroom, and behind the season at competition. Ms. Lauren is a passionate dance teacher and choreographer dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of performers. She has learned from and worked alongside some of the top professionals in the industry, and is currently in her first year of ADAPT teachers training program, and is working towards a degree in education. Ms. Lauren is committed to excellence in both teaching and choreography and aims to foster creativity, joy, confidence and a love for dance in every student. Ms. Lauren is trilled to bring her experiences to the NDFS team.

Emily Basic

Dance has been an integral part of Ms. Emily’s life since she began at the age of 3. She was a dedicated dancer in both recreational and competitive programs for 20 years and now continues to share her love of dance with her students.

Ms Emily has been vigorously trained in RAD ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre, and contemporary throughout her career. During her post-secondary education,Ms Emily continued dancing competitively with Brock Badgers Dance Pak — competing against other university dance teams nationally, and achieving placements in top 5 overall schools multiple times. Post graduation, Ms. Emily was also Head Coach of the Brock Badgers Dance Pak for 2 years.

Ms. Emily has been teaching recreational and competitive classes since 2012. Her routines have won numerous special, choreography, and overall awards.

Ms. Emily strives to provide a structured and enjoyable atmosphere for every student that walks in the door. She is excited to continue sharing her passion and love for dance with the NDFS community!

Shannon Nicole Kubes

Ms. Shannon has a passion for dance and performance arts that spans 30 years. Competing since she was 5, she was trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Highland, Musical Theatre, Voice & Poke/ Aerial Arts. Spent her younger years winning dozens of scholarships that allowed her to train with some of dance worlds professionals.

She comes to NDFS bringing her positive, cheerful personality as a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor

Meaghan Morris

Ms. Meaghan was born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario. She began dancing at the age of three, eager to follow her older siblings footsteps, she progressed in competitive dance . During her training Ms. Meaghan explored a variety of styles and developed a keen interest in Contemporary Modern and Jazz.

Since graduating from the competitive dance, Ms. Meaghan has refined her teaching skills, and is dedicated to fostering artistic growth and innovation within the dance community.

Meaghan specializes in creating progressive and captivating choreography that pushes the boundaries of movement while facilitating student growth and engagement. Her approach seamlessly blends artistry with technique and passion, helping dancers discover their full potential both in and outside of the studio.

Currently, residing in the Niagara Region, Ms Meaghan's inspiration stems from the ideas of community and human connection. Her goal is to raise awareness of humanitarian causes while co-creating with emerging artists to produce inspiring works that promote societal change.

Ms. Meaghan is thrilled to be working with the dancers at NDFS

Victoria Borsodi

Ms. Victoria began her dance journey at the age of 3, and it has been an important part of her life ever since. Ms. Victoria has been a proud member of the NDFS family since the studio opened 15 years ago. Ms.Victoria trained in jazz, lyrical, contemporary and ballet, including pointe and has been privileged to work under the direction and guidance of Ms. Brenda. Ms. Victoria has completed all her CDTA ballet examinations and passed with Honours. Ms. Victoria danced competitively from the age of 13-19, receiving numerous special awards, scholarships, and overalls with her team. In 2015, Victoria was one of 24 to qualify for Team Canada competing at the World Dance Championship in Poland. Victoria graduated from NDFS in 2017 and continued her dance journey competing with the University of Guelph's Dance Program from 2018-2020. Now that Victoria has completed her undergraduate degree, she is eager to return to the studio to share her love of dance with the young dancers at NDFS.

Vik Mudge

Vik Mudge (he/they) is a Niagara-born dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in Hamilton who began training at age 7, with a foundation in Tap and Hip-Hop and experience in competitive dance, crew work, and musical theatre. After studying visual and media arts at Sheridan College, they returned to dance full-time in 2020 and now teach Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Tap, and Musical Theatre at both competitive and recreational levels. Vik is an award-winning choreographer known for a distinctive style, culturally informed approach to technique, and compassionate coaching. They are currently completing their Teaching Certification through International Dance Teaching Standards and have trained under contemporary artist Sid Ryan Eilers. Outside the studio, Vik co-leads retrograde: dance in motion with Skye Rogers, creating community-focused performances and workshops across Niagara and Hamilton.

Jessica Clout

Ms. Jessica is a passionate and dynamic Dance Instructor with over a decade of experience. She has been part of the dance community since the age of three and joined competitive teams at the age of just eight years old, earning special recognition for both group and solo performances.

While at Brock University, Ms Jessica continued to pursue her passion for dance through Brock Dance, where she taught jazz classes to university students at various skill levels, from beginner to advanced. She also completed the 'Fundamental Movement Skills' course, enhancing her understand of movement and technique.

With extensive training in jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, and lyrical, Ms. Jessica introduced a successful youth hip- hop program at a local community centre, spreading the joy of dance to many. Over the past 14 years, she has received numerous choreography awards, top achievement honours for numbers, and special recognition for her creative work.

Committed to professional growth, Ms. Jessica has attended workshops alongside renowned choreographers, continuously refining her teaching and creative approach. She looks forward to sharing her passion and inspiring the next generation of dancers at NDFS.