Haylie James

Haylie's Dance Journey

Haylie's love for dance began at age 3 with tap and ballet, and soon grew to include jazz, hip-hop, and acrobatics. She thrived in the fast-paced, energetic styles that allowed her to express herself.

 

Competition and Performance Experience

Haylie competed in dance competitions across Canada and the US from ages 5 to 16, honing her skills and developing a passion for performance. She also danced with a hip-hop company in Toronto, gaining insight into the commercial dance world and interacting with diverse artists.

 

Inspiration and Guidance

Haylie credits many mentors for inspiring and guiding her, teaching her valuable lessons in perseverance, confidence, and self-love. These role models provided a safe space for her to express herself through dance.

 

Teaching Career

Haylie began teaching by assisting with younger classes and eventually led her own classes in various studios and gyms. She earned coaching certifications and taught at a large studio in Sudbury before opening her own studio, Twinkletoes, which she ran for 17 years. Haylie now teaches with Just Dance, sharing her 20+ years of experience.

 

Teaching Style and Philosophy

Haylie loves teaching contemporary, jazz, and musical theatre, where she can build stories and emotions with students. She focuses on jazz and Acro, enjoying the upbeat tempo and challenging nature of these styles. Haylie aims to create a supportive environment, conveying clear expectations and boundaries while encouraging mutual respect and trust.

 

Passion and Purpose

Haylie wants to give back to her students the gift of dance that she received, providing a safe space to cope with challenges and build confidence. She celebrates students' strengths and perseverance, and values the relationships she builds with them.

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