Caroline McLaughlin's lifelong association with dance lead her to the beginning of a teaching career in 1986 and the eventual founding of Studio 5•6•7•8 in 1992. Graduating with an honours degree in Fitness & Lifestyle Management from George Brown College, she is certified through the CDTA, Ontario Fitness Council, Can Fit Pro and the National Coaching Certification Program. Now removed from her once successful competitive career, Mrs. McLaughlin maintains a busy schedule which is dedicated in part to choreographing and adjudicating at numerous competitions throughout Canada and the United States.

A firm believer that a tutorial system propagating hard work, discipline and fun provides classes with a nice balance, Mrs. McLaughlin feels these virtues ensure each student achieves maximum enjoyment and benefit within themselves, both emotionally and physically, thereby offering them the greatest chance for long-term retention of the artistic fundamentals learned. The success of those students attending her dynamic classes in Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Ballet and Musical Theatre lay testament to those beliefs

Nicole Careswell
P.A.E.C. certified
Jazz / Acrobatics Instructor

Nicole was born, raised and still resides in Brantford, Ontario. She began taking lessons in recreational gymnastics at the age of 4, and started competing at the age of 6. While attending high school Nicole became actively involved in both the gymnastics team and the cheerleading squad. In 1992 she graduated from Mohawk College with her Early Childhood Education diploma.

During the following 8 years she worked in the daycare field with children aged 2 months to 12 years. Nicole joined Studio 5•6•7•8 in 1995 as an Acrobatics Instructor. Since then she has added Pre-Dance, Jazz, Tiny Tots and Choreography to her list of credits. Nicole continues to learn and grow by attending various workshops through the National Coaching Certification Program, the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and the Performing Arts Educators of Canada.

While reflecting over her involvement with the Studio during the past 12 years, Nicole has found it to be a very rewarding experience. It is very gratifying for her to watch and be involved with so many young dancers (many of whom started out with her at the age of 3 in Pre-Dance) as they have grown and matured into amazing recreational and competitive dancers. To see all of these talented dancers succeed in all areas of dance reinforces her love of teaching. As always, Nicole is delighted to be a part of the Studio 5678 family, and she looks forward to the years to come as we as teachers nurture and instruct a new group of talented young dancers.

Tawnia Haines-Ritchie
Ballet Instructor

Tawnia Haines-Ritchie is delighted to return to Studio 5•6•7•8's Ballet Department.Tawnia began her study of ballet at Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet School at the late age of thirteen. After two years of being observed & auditioned, her determination and dedication to the art of classical ballet was apparent. Tawnia, at the age of seventeen was the youngest student invited into the company's teacher's course where she studied Pedagogy (the study of the art of teaching), Creative movement, Ballet, Pointework, Jazz, Modern, Character Dance, Music and Basic Anatomy. Tawnia then moved on to start a family in Ontario where once her children were out of their formative years returned to her love of teaching dance.

It is said that everyone is born with the ability to rejoice in dance. This is determined by the one who is able to reach in and draw the dancer forward. Tawnia is pleased to have the opportunity to nurture your dancing spirit.

Nicole Norsworthy
Tap / Jaz/ Ballet / Acro

Nicole began dancing at the age of 4 when she attended Studio 5•6•7•8, taking Jazz. She furthered her dance training by adding Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Acrobatics and Hip-Hop. She began competing at the age of 6 and assistant teaching at 12. In 2004 she started teaching for the Studio and thoroughly enjoys working with her students.

With the love and support of her Studio 5•6•7•8 family, Nicole has achieved her goal and has been accepted to the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto, where she will be studying dance, singing, and acting. She continues to attend professional workshops, and can not wait to share her knowledge and experience with the students at Studio 5•6•7•8.

Katie Wallace
P.A.E.C certified
Tap / Jazz / Acro Instructor

Graduating with an honours degree in Threapeutic Recreation from the University of Waterloo in 2007, Katie is currently attending Nipissing University's Bachelor of Education program. She started gymnastics at age 3 and has taken Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Ballet, Pointe and Lyrical Jazz at the studio since it opened in 1992.

Katie started assisting at the studio in 1998 and was introduced to teaching in 2000. She  continues to develop her teaching and dance skills by attending dance workshops, conventions and university competitions.  She is eager to continue participating in classes and workshops and looks forward to the years to come.

Melissa Boylan
Jazz / Acro / Hip Hop

Melissa brought dance into her life at the age of four and was competing by the age of six. She was born and raised in Brantford but has had the opportunity to compete through out Canada and the United States. Over her years of dance she has studied Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Tap and Hip-Hop. In 2003 she graduated with her General Arts and Science Health diploma from Conestoga College.

Melissa started teaching in 2000 and has continued developing her dance skills over the years by participating in dance conventions, competitions and community events. Melissa is excited to join the family at Studio 5•6•7•8 and looks forward to sharing her dance skills.

Casandra Selinger - Can-Fit-Pro certified
Tap / Jazz / Lyrical / Hip Hop Instructor

Casandra began dancing when she was three years old taking Jazz, Gymnastics and Baton.  Her love and passion for dance grew tremendously so she began to study everything from Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, and Musical Theatre to Step dancing, Pointe, Modern, Lyrical and Hip Hop.

Casandra became a competitive dancer at the age of six and has competed all across Canada and the United States.  She has won numerous awards and scholarships, and has had the opportunity to work with many talented teachers and choreographers.

Casandra began her teaching career as a dance assistant.  She started teaching her own classes when she was 15 and then added competitive choreography to her list of credits.  Since then her desire to dance and passion for working with children has enabled her to explore other avenues.  She has taught dance programs for elementary and secondary schools as well as for home schooled children and other recreational groups.  She became a fitness Instructor in 2002, and she currently provides support work for special needs children.

Casandra continues to expand her horizons in the dance world by attending dance workshops and conventions and enjoys taking new and creative dance and fitness classes.  She hopes to keep bringing new ideas and dance styles to Studio 5•6•7•8.  She wishes the best for all her students in life and in dance.

Raven Wilkins
Ballet / Jazz / Tap

Raven began dancing at Studio 5•6•7•8 at the age of 4 and has never stopped.  Her studies then included Tap and Jazz.

She began dancing competitively at the age of 10 and her training branched out into Ballet, Lyrical Jazz, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre.  Raven is currently a grade twelve student at St. John's College in Brantford, and is thrilled to be starting her teaching career at the studio. 

She looks forward to working with the students, and hopes to help them grow as dancers, to learn, and to help them build a love and passion for dance just as she has over the years.