Meet the Team
SHELBY JOHNSON
Creative Director
JOSHUA COURT
Creative Director
SofIA THE DOG
The Studio Dog
SHELBY JOHNSON
Creative Director
Shelby is a Dance Educator, Choreographer, Adjudicator, Performer and has been involved in the performing arts for over 20 years. Her love for Dance and Performing Arts began at the early age of two. Throughout her successful dance career, Shelby has trained extensively in all genres of dance; and was fortunate to learn from many different professional choreographers throughout Canada and the U.S. During her career, she was awarded numerous judges choice awards, overall awards and scholarships; winning Regional and National titles including but not limited to Miss Petite Superstar, Overall Junior Champion, Teen Dancer of The Year, Senior Overall Champion, and Senior Dancer of the Year.
As a triple threat performer, Shelby was granted the opportunity to join a Premier Talent Agency in Toronto at the age of eight. This led to numerous modelling and commercial appearances for companies such as: Shreddies, Spinmaster Toys, Triple A Insurance, Business Depot, including a U.S. national commercial for French’s. Shelby was also selected to be part of several popular T.V. series and films; The Gavin Crawford Show, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Felicity: American Girl, The School, and Family Channel’s The Latest Buzz, where she was also chosen to represent Family Channel’s “Stop Bullying” campaign. The campaign included one of her many appearances in a music video; “Stand Up!” performed by The Latest Buzz cast. Shelby is also an alumni member of “Bringing Tap Back” where her credits include “Welcome to Class” and “A Day Through Rhythm and Sound.”
Shelby is known for her innovative and positive approach to teaching and choreography. She has been recognized and awarded numerous times for her excellence in choreography in many Regional and National competitions, including Best Choreography and Best in Style awards. Her students more importantly have achieved numerous overall awards, scholarships, and have been named Regional and National Title Holders and Dance-off Champions.
Shelby cherishes her time spent with all of her students and values taking the time to learn every individual performer, ensuring they are able to reach their full potential.
JOSHUA COURT
Creative Director
Josh is a Choreographer, Performer, Director, Educator, and Adjudicator from Hamilton, Ontario. Specializing in Hip-Hop styles and also having a love for Musical Theatre, Josh teaches for dance studios, companies and schools in the Hamilton area. Josh is the Artistic Director of S & J’s Dance Factory Inc., a dance studio located in Ancaster, Ontario and is the co-founder of Defining Movement Dance. Voted Hamilton Spectator Readers Choice Award winner for Best Dance Instructor, Josh, and more importantly his students, have won numerous choreography, and Overall Awards at dance competitions in the GTA and surrounding area, including Overall Best Choreography and Best Presentation.
As a performer, Josh has been featured in several music videos including Hip-Hop artist – Rochester’s “Let My Tape Rock.” As a director, he had the pleasure of working with Hamilton Health Sciences and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra on a presentation of “Osler’s Overture” – An evening of Movement and Music dedicated to the relationship between physicians and patients.
As an educator, Josh has worked with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton in their “Learning Through the Arts” program. The program is designed to teach Math, Science, Geography and Social Sciences through dance.
For Josh, teaching dance helps students build foundations in responsibility, adversity, integrity, helps develop confidence and provides a sense of community.
“If we build great people, they will become even greater dancers”
SOFIA
The Studio Dog
Meet Sofia, the enchanting and four-legged member of our dance family, whose boundless energy and unwavering support bring an extra dose of magic to our studio.
Sofia (FIA) serves as our honorary mascot and dance studio muse, embodying the principles of Focus, Inspire, and Achieve. Her daily presence is a reminder of the sheer joy and dedication that dance brings into our lives. Sofia is the embodiment of enthusiasm, always ready to join in with a tail-wagging twirl or a playful pirouette. She's the ultimate motivator and stress-reliever, providing a listening ear and a furry shoulder to lean on during challenging rehearsals.
While Sofia might not have mastered the perfect plié, she excels at making us smile, offering a brief respite from the rigors of dance practice, and reminding us to embrace the sheer joy of movement.
Sofia's schedule is always bustling with activities. When she's not watching dance routines with a discerning eye, she's often seen playing fetch, enjoying the latest tunes, or engaging in friendly games of tag with our dancers. She's our loyal companion in every stretch, leap, and spin.
Sofia is more than just our studio's dog; she's a cherished member of our dance family. Her presence reminds us that dance is not only about perfecting steps but about finding joy, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging through movement. We are grateful for the enchanting spirit Sofia brings to our studio, and we invite you to come meet her in person and share in the magic she inspires, embodying Focus, Inspire, and Achieve.