For Sophie, the moment she put on heels and danced for the first time, it was more than just a new style—it was an awakening. The empowerment, confidence, and artistry of heels dancing captured her heart and inspired her to share that same feeling with others.

After years of training with top industry leaders in Toronto and South Korea, and performing professionally, Sophie moved to Winnipeg in 2017 with her young family. She quickly discovered her true passion for teaching, and since 2019, she’s been dedicated to helping students discover their own strength and confidence through heels at Drop In Dance Winnipeg.

In 2020, Sophie founded Heel Appeal to create a space where dancers of all levels could feel empowered, supported, and free to express themselves. She’s passionate about building a community where every student can experience the joy of growth, connection, and self-expression, and she can’t wait to see what’s next for her amazing dancers.

Katrina McQuade has been immersed in dance since age 11, creating choreography since 2010 and teaching since 2013. With over a decade of experience, she is known for her versatility, creativity, and passion for the art form.

Katrina has trained internationally in various styles, most notably dancehall in Jamaica, which heavily influences her unique heels choreography. Her dynamic style blends cultural authenticity with modern flair, earning her recognition as both a performer and educator.

She has appeared in numerous local shows and music videos and teaches at Drop In Dance Winnipeg and Heel Appeal. As the founder and director of the dance crew hopsKotch, Katrina continues to inspire and uplift the dance community through her artistry and leadership.

Amy Thomas pronounced Amyboo is a committed & passionate dancer, and choreographer. She has been dancing & training at dropindancewpg since March of 2019. Since taking dance classes at Drop in Dance Winnipeg it’s remarkable how fast she has grown as a dancer. 

During the pandemic Amy had continued to train consistently and take advantage of the virtual classes offered allowing her to train with choreographers from all over the world. She has travelled to many cities including LA, New York, Toronto, Montreal and most recently London, England to continue her training. 

Amy views dancing as an expression outlet. She uses her online platform to share the message that it’s never too late to start moving and dancing no matter your age or your life stage, it’s never too late to use dancing to share your message and what you are passionate about with the world.

Alèxe has been immersed in dance for 17 years, training in a variety of styles and teaching for over 12 years. A graduate of the Dance College of Manitoba, she also trained with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and danced with Winnipeg crews like Sikat, Wolves, and Project Company. Her passion for dance has taken her worldwide, from Vancouver and Toronto to Portland, Brisbane, and Chicago.

Currently, Alèxe teaches at Drop In Dance Winnipeg, Quantum Dance Academy, and Heel Appeal, inspiring students with her enthusiasm and extensive experience. Her positive energy and love for dance create an empowering environment for her students to thrive.

A Marketing graduate from the Asper School of Business (Dean’s Honour List, 2021), Alèxe hopes to combine her business knowledge and dance expertise to open and manage her own studio in the future.

Shyanne has been dancing for 22 years, exploring and mastering a wide range of dance styles. Throughout her journey, she has achieved remarkable success, earning numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious title of World Champion.

As an experienced instructor, Shyanne is deeply passionate about fostering safe dance practices to help prevent injuries and ensure her students can enjoy dancing for years to come. Her teaching emphasizes proper technique, body awareness, and care, making her classes not only exciting but also empowering and educational.

Shyanne is thrilled to bring her energy, expertise, and love for dance to the studio and can’t wait to share the dance floor with you very soon!

With 18 years of dance experience and 6 years as a dedicated instructor, Sydney has cultivated a reputation for excellence and passion in her craft. Specializing in K-pop and heels, she seamlessly blends technical precision with expressive artistry, creating performances and classes that captivate and inspire.

Sydney's teaching style is dynamic and encouraging, making her a favorite among dancers of all levels. She is committed to fostering growth and confidence in her students, whether they are stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or refining their skills. Her classes emphasize both technical excellence and the freedom of self-expression, creating a space where every dancer can shine.

Known for her versatility and creativity, Sydney brings a fresh perspective to every performance and choreographic endeavor. Her passion for dance is contagious, empowering her students and audiences alike to connect with their inner artistry and move with confidence.

Ellie Natoza is a dynamic dancer and choreographer with a passion for storytelling through movement. Having started her professional training in 2019, she quickly found her footing in the dance world under the mentorship of Katrina McQuade in Hopskotch Dance Crew, where she gained exposure to a wide range of styles that have become the foundation of her eclectic dance language.

Since 2020, she has been choreographing and teaching, merging her knowledge of various styles with her love for creative expression. Her work varies from the energy and foundations of hip hop to the sensuality and the technicality of heels, crafting varieties of high-energy performances that captivate audiences and tell compelling stories through movement. Her training in Vancouver has been instrumental in shaping her versatile approach, and she is now eager to broaden her horizons by traveling the West Coast and Asia to further deepen her skills in both hip hop and heels.

Known for her ability to create choreography that is not only technically demanding but emotionally charged, she strives to push boundaries and inspire others to connect with dance as a powerful form of personal expression.