Our Staff
Artist Avenue Inc.
-
AKA Smoore
Hip-Hop Foundations, Dance Fitness and Adult Heels, Preschool, Mommy & Me
Sarah Moore, founder of Artist Avenue, combines her extensive dance background with a commitment to mental health and inclusivity. Starting her dance journey at age 3 and competing provincially by 9, she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Pointe, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. She has competed nationally and internationally, including with Team Canada, winning awards and attending workshops with industry leaders.
Sarah embraced hip hop at Kick It Dance Studio, winning CanDance nationals and competing in Germany. She joined hip hop crews, including Un1te. With over a decade of teaching experience, Sarah emphasizes the importance of mental health and wellness in her studio. She has completed ASIST (Suicide Prevention Training) and advocates for fair workplace practices.
Currently serving on the board for the Okotoks Arts Council as a director, Sarah is working with the town council to help the arts thrive in the community. Artist Avenue focuses on inclusion, integrity, courage, resilience, and commitment. The studio aims to mentor the next generation, instilling values like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance through dance, helping children become confident and resilient individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges.
-
Creative Director for Music
Alandra Mazil is triple threat vocalist from Calgary, AB. Her musical journey began with extensive classic and musical theatre training where she found and refined her soulful, velvety tone.
As the lead vocalist of Calgary’s Side One Band, Alandra ignites stages across Canada with captivating and vibrant performances. Her vocal versatility honed through the performance of many genres including R&B/soul, funk, pop, and rock has made her a sought-after session vocalist, contributing her talents to numerous projects and collaborations within Calgary’s dynamic music scene.
Noteworthy highlights in Alandra’s career include providing backing vocals for Jessie Reyez, sharing stages with Boyz II Men with Calgary’s The EarthTONES, and collaborating with acclaimed Canadian funk/soul band Souls In Rhythm.
Being a notable name for her mesmerizing stage presence, she is excited to share her passion for musical excellence and showmanship to curate performances that leave audiences wanting more!
-
AKA Vince the pants
Breaking Instructor
As an independent dancer based in Saskatchewan, my passion for self-expression through movement has driven my creative journey. Over the past 13 years, I’ve built a prestigious breaking career, competing in events like Red Bull BC One. This journey has allowed me to travel internationally and connect with artists from around the world. My career has taught me valuable lessons in discipline, humility, and self-love—principles I’m excited to share with others.
In addition to my dance career, I’m focused on growing the street dance community at Artist Avenue, where I serve as an owner. My goal is to build a positive, supportive environment where students can develop their skills, gain confidence, and express themselves authentically. I’m dedicated to mentoring the next generation of dancers and empowering them to embrace their creativity and strength.
Some other notable mentions are
2025 – Northwest Sweet 16 – Top 16 (Seattle, WA)
2021 – Competed in CDS Canada Olympic Qualifier (Toronto, ON)
2024 – Redbull BC One Cypher Canada – Top 8 (Calgary, AB)
2024 – Redbull BC One Cypher Canada – Top 16 (Vancouver, BC)
2022 – Nanterous Breaks: Canadian Qualifier – Top 8 (Vancouver, BC)
-
Salsa, Bachata, Calisthenics, Hoops, Silks and Spanish rope
Araceli Mejia, a dedicated aerial artist and performer from Mexico, has devoted her life to the art of dance and performance. Dance and performance have been her passion for as long as she can remember, so much so that she carries the words “Never Stop Dancing” tattooed on her arm as a reminder. Since 2007, she has built a vibrant career across diverse disciplines, including aerial arts (Spanish rope, hoop, hammock, silks, and fly pole), fire dance, salsa, contemporary, barre, gogo, and traditional Mexican folklore dance.
Araceli holds a degree in Dramatic Literature and Theatre from the University of Mexico, where she honed her skills in choreography and creative expression. She also studied aerial dance under a variety of accomplished teachers, including training with an international champion, shaping her distinctive style and technical mastery.
Her career highlights include captivating audiences at world-renowned venues such as Riu and Barcelo Hotels and teaching both private and group dance classes since 2016. Known for her creativity and audience engagement, her performances exemplify her dedication to storytelling through movement.
Proud of her roots, Araceli is committed to sharing the beauty of her culture while introducing underrepresented art forms like aerial dance to inspire and educate. Her mantra, “Never Stop Dancing,” embodies her lifelong dedication to empowering individuals through the transformative power of the performing arts.
-
Vocal Coach
Serena Mazil is a dynamic vocalist, choreographer, and educator based in Calgary, AB. A lifelong performer, she began studying music, dance, and drama at a young age, quickly developing a deep passion for the arts. She received extensive formal training through the Royal Conservatory of Music, where she honed her skills in music theory and voice, specializing in styles ranging from classical and jazz to musical theatre and gospel/spiritual.
Currently serving as a choreographer for the Youth Singers of Calgary, Serena works with high school and young adult divisions year-round. She enjoys coaching singers to integrate their movement to support their vocals, use their bodies to tell compelling stories, and engage their expressions to deliver unforgettable performances.
Serena is excited to coach students in learning healthy and effective vocal technique and music theory rudiments, while also sharing her passion for storytelling through music. Her goal is to nurture not only her students’ musical skills but also their confidence, encouraging them to take up space and become dynamic entertainers, honing their confidence and artistry.
Serena believes that the human voice is a uniquely powerful instrument designed to reveal beauty and truth and that every person, however untapped, has a voice worth cultivating. She is committed to helping every student recognize the value of their voice and use it to express their identity and inner self. By doing so, she inspires her students to connect with others and create performances that resonate deeply with their audience.
-
Vocal & Rap Coach
Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, 86love is a dynamic hip hop artist whose eclectic sound seamlessly blends influences from West Coast rap to Memphis phonk. With an energetic and fun approach, 86love redefines what it means to make hip hop in the modern era.
Having amassed over 2 million streams globally, 86love has captivated audiences with their unique style and infectious beats. The artist's versatile sound has earned them opportunities to open for renowned acts such as Princess Nokia, Souls of Mischief, and RA the Rugged Man.
86love's music is a perfect blend of new and old school rap, creating a fresh yet nostalgic experience for listeners. Whether you're a longtime hip hop fan or new to the genre, 86love's innovative take on hip hop is sure to leave a lasting impression.
-
Krump and Freestyle
Colby “Ripcode” McLean has been a developing professional dancer in the street dance scene in Calgary for the past 7 years, specializing in Krump. He has focused primarily on teaching, battling, and expanding the community and culture throughout Calgary and western Canada. As one of the founding members of the Calgary-based all-styles crew Blasé and a member of the largest Krump crew in western Canada, Empirical Freedom, Colby has made a significant impact in the scene. Recently, he became a member of one of the top Krump families in the world, Rexx Fam.
In addition to his local work, Colby travels internationally and across Canada to help promote the Krump scene, attending battles and events to share his craft and knowledge. As a teacher and community leader, he promotes diversity and inclusion in any dance community he’s a part of while striving to both educate those willing to learn and learn from anyone eager to teach.
-
Hip-Hop Foundations, Freestyle and Choreo
Allen got into dance at a young age, drawn to the joy of moving to music. Over time, it became a creative outlet and a way for him to express his emotions and identity. Now, as the Co-Director of The Masses Calgary, a training program for aspiring professional dancers specializing in performance and street style foundations, Allen continues to push the boundaries of his craft. He trains rigorously in Hip Hop and House under the legendary Sho Tyme and also choreographs and leads choreography and performance training for The Masses.
Allen travels internationally, teaching across Europe, the U.S., and Mexico, alongside some of the industry's top choreographers and educators. These experiences have deepened his expertise and enhanced his teaching abilities. Despite his extensive training, travel, and teaching, Allen remains grounded in his love for the art, always staying true to his passion and focusing on the love of dance rather than superficial goals.
-
Waacking, Voguing, Heels
Eunice has danced her whole life from when she was but a small girl and discovered her love for freestyling in 2020 through a school project! With guidance from mentors such as Katria Gvasalia and Kevin Shawn, she found her true calling in Waacking and Voguing. Having also traveled and learned from various dance communities,
Eunice has joined and won multiple competitions such as The Calgary Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival (CHHSDF) in the Waacking category, Grand Prize Women's performance in multiple kiki balls in Calgary such as the Office kiki ball and the Trinity kiki ball in 2024. She has also won Grand Prize for hands performance at the Super Smash Ball 2024 in Vancouver. She has been part of several performances such as Calgary Pride 2022, Drag me to Brunch 2022, and Taboo Festival 2022.
Through dance, she has found confidence, authenticity, and femininity. She hopes to inspire others to do the same and bring the best out of everybody in her classes.
-
From an early age, dance has been a deep passion of mine. Without access to formal training, I started my journey by learning from online videos, absorbing everything I could. I later spent several years in a studio setting, training in choreography, but eventually sought a path that resonated more with my creative spirit.
For the past two years, I have been fully immersed in Popping, dedicating myself to its foundations, history, and culture. This journey naturally led me to Animation, a style that, along with Popping, has profoundly shaped my artistic expression. The musicality, creativity, character, and control within these styles have inspired me in ways no other dance form has.
As both a student and teacher of the craft, I am excited to share my knowledge and passion with the community while continuing to grow as an artist. My goal is to create a space where students can develop their skills, explore their creativity, and connect with the essence of these incredible dance styles.
-
Music Producer & DJ Instructor
Bryce, aka Gremlyn, is a multi-genre Musician, DJ, and Beat Maker. By day, he shares his passion and knowledge as an Artist Educator, and by night, he transforms into a captivating DJ, spinning sets that keep crowds moving. Bryce also owns Prove Services, a DJ and events company, where he brings his expertise to create unforgettable experiences.
While his own music serves as the canvas where his ideas and stories are told, Bryce is also dedicated to championing and mentoring the next generation of artists to share their own unique voices. Always creating new tracks, you can find his music on all streaming platforms. He’s very excited to be joining the team at Artist Avenue and can’t wait to share his passion with others!
-
Women Empowerment Series, Calisthenics and Technique
Katherine Mandolidis is a local Calgarian dance artist, educator, adjudicator, choreographer and dance/movement therapist. Katherine obtained her masters in Dance Movement Therapy from the University of Auckland and works in both group settings and individualized one-on-one sessions each designed to interconnect one’s mind, body and spirit through embodied dance.
Over the span of 15 years, Katherine has continuously dedicated herself to the art of ballet instruction, and is a certified Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) member. Her teaching journey has been a mosaic of experiences, traversing landscapes across Alberta, BC, Yukon, USA, and New Zealand. Within these diverse settings, she has cultivated the talents of numerous students, guiding them through Primary to Advance 2 RAD examinations, and coached variations and beyond. Katherine is also well-versed in contemporary and modern instruction (Graham and Horton techniques). She offers a dancer-centered holistic approach to her teaching style and is thrilled to be sharing her knowledge with the upcoming generation of young artists!
-
Dance fitness EDM, Mommy and me
Mayah grew up in southern Sweden, where she was immersed in dance from a young age. Throughout her early years, she trained at various studios, exploring a diverse range of styles including hip hop, house, show dance, modern dance, and contemporary. Her passion for dance lies in the movement to music, using it as a form of self-expression without words, and appreciating its power as a universal language.
Later, Mayah pursued a three-year dance program, further deepening her knowledge of various dance styles and their rich histories. The curriculum also included studies in technique, body mechanics, and anatomy, which introduced new challenges, such as ballet, to her practice. This program also emphasized health and fitness, sparking Mayah’s growing interest in physical well-being and inspiring her to combine her love for dance with a passion for fitness and overall health.
Now, Mayah is excited to bring her European training and knowledge to Canada, eager to share her expertise and continue growing as both a dancer and an educator in a new cultural environment.
-
Hip-Hop
hiphop
Samantha has been dancing professionally since 2021, boasting a diverse background in theater, commercial work, and street dance battles. She has had the privilege to showcase her talents across North America through battles, performances, and documentaries in which she played an integral role. She was apart of Calgary’s all styles dance crew Blasé. In addition to her performance career, Samantha is dedicated to giving back to her community by teaching Hip-Hop Culture and street dance styles in Calgary through volunteer programs, high school dance intensives, and studio performances/curriculums.
-
Comp Choreo, Drop-ins, Hip-Hop Foundations and Freestyle
Isabella is a dancer, choreographer, and educator, born in Edmonton and raised in Calgary, Alberta. From a young age, she trained under numerous renowned street dancers and choreographers, cultivating a diverse and dynamic approach to dance and choreography. Over the past six years, Isabella has traveled extensively across Canada and to Los Angeles, training closely with prominent choreographers and competing in reputable competitions such as the Release Dance Competition and Artists Emerge. Recently, she has passionately delved into creating and exploring movement, sharing her unique choreographic vision with the Calgary dance community. Isabella has contributed to performances for the “Surge Basketball team”, choreographed for “Quill Collective”, directed and danced in a commissioned short film for “Film of Recorded Movement” and continues to develop her love and passion for teaching choreography at all levels. Her latest endeavor is founding the "Vessel Collective," an art collective dedicated to nurturing and empowering emerging street dance artists in Calgary, with a focus on giving back to the community that has supported her.
-
Preschool
Brenna started off her dance journey at just three years old, through Calgary and Chestermere with a flair for styles ranging from ballet and jazz to hip hop, contemporary, tap, and acro and many others. She has trained in both recreational and competitive dance across the province, racking up awards and scholarships with her team.
Up next, Brenna is gearing up for Mount Royal University to dive into Public Relations in Communications after a gap year of travelling and full-time work! She’s got IDTS and METHOD certifications completed and is working towards her Alixia Strength and Flexibility certification. When she's not teaching dance, you can find her leading spin classes, thanks to her completed Authentic Instructor Training certification.
In her preschool dance classes, Brenna employs a play based approach that taps into young dancers' natural curiosity and imagination. This method fosters their exploration of movement and body awareness in a fun and engaging way.
Brenna is absolutely thrilled to join Artist Avenue and can’t wait to meet and inspire the new wave of young dancers!
-
Hip Hop Foundations, Comp Choreo, Freestyle
Ryan "Yoshi" Iwanaka is a seasoned street style dancer from Calgary, Alberta who has dedicated over a decade to honing his skills in performance, freestyle, and choreography techniques. Today, Ryan not only performs and creates but also teaches, with a deep commitment to honouring the roots of street dance. He emphasizes the importance of mastering foundational techniques and strives to pass on the knowledge imparted to him by the original creators. His approach is grounded in respect for the art form and a desire to preserve its legacy while contributing to its evolution. Ryan is also co-director/founder of art collective “vessel” which serves as a nurturing space for emerging artists, providing them with opportunities to explore and showcase their creativity. Ryan brings a distinctive and abstract approach to freestyle, his style blends creativity with technical prowess, allowing him to express himself uniquely in every performance. Drawing from his years of experience, Ryan's freestyle showcases a fusion of foundational techniques with innovative movements, reflecting his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries while honouring the roots of street dance. His approach not only captivates audiences but also inspires aspiring dancers to explore new dimensions of self-expression within the art form . Through his teaching, Ryan not only imparts technical skills but also instills a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical aspects of street dance. He believes in nurturing each student's individuality and helping them find their voice within the art form, inspiring them to push boundaries and evolve as dancers.
-
Massage Therapist
Hello! My name is Zoey and I am super pumped to be joining this team as a Registered Massage Therapist. I have my certification from Mount Royal University and have been working for over 2 years in the City of Calgary. My passion for massage came from growing up with a chiropractor as a father who constantly advocated for my own health and well being.
Dance is an intense, beautiful sport that can push our bodies to their limits and my job is to support the body. Massage is a wonderful addition to anyone’s self care but especially children. As their bodies grow we need to make sure their muscles are loose enough to allow growth without pain but strong enough to support them.
At the age of 3 I began my journey with dance with a focus on ballet, jazz and hip hop. Dance is a huge part of who I am and even though I no longer attend classes, you will always catch me dancing in my kitchen. Due to this I am ecstatic to be able to assist your child's passion through massage therapy.
