Our qualified teaching staff share their passion for dance with every student they teach. Regularly attending conventions, seminars and programs Darcy and her talented group of teachers are able to offer the best dance education to their students.

Owner & Artistic Director Darcy Manley

Darcy began her dancing career at age three, and has been dancing ever since. Darcy studied under the direction of Floyd Zimmerman, Dianne Edmunds and Enid Ricardeau. She began teaching dance at the local school when she was eighteen, after seven years, she opened her first studio in 1987. Since then she has been licensed by the world renowned Cecchetti Council of America and teaches from their syllabus. Updating her dance education on a regular basis is important to Darcy – most recently she has upgraded her skills to include ACRO instruction. Hundreds of students have been taught at Darcy’s Studio over the last 30 years. Darcy also volunteered at the Goyeau Street Centre for seniors and was the director of the “Silver Taps” from 1992 to 2002. She has choreographed town productions and taught dance programs at local area schools. Darcy accepts every student into her studio as part of her dance family.

Instructors

Megan

Dancing with Darcy at Darcy’s School of Dance since 1994, Megan developed both her skills and her love for dance. In 2004 Megan began demonstrating, which ignited her passion for teaching. Megan’s creative choreography and technique is unique and enjoyable. Trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pointe, Broadway, Lyrical and Contemporary, Megan instructs her students with her vast knowledge of dance.

“I love to inspire students and encourage them to bring out the best in themselves.”

Michelle

Michelle has a passion for dance. She has been dancing since the age of 4 and joined Darcy’s in 1994. She has trained Darcy’s in many disciplines including Tap, Jazz, Classical Ballet (Cecchetti), Pointe and Lyrical. She is an honours graduate at the University of Guelph, moving back to raise her family. Michelle has been teaching for many years, working with all levels and now has the privilege of watching her own daughters learn and grow in the dance environment.

“I strive to create a positive environment for students to feel comfortable and recognize their inner self confidence.”

Maitlyn Manley

Maitlyn began dancing at Darcy’s School of Dance, at the age of four years old. Experienced in working with children, Maitlyn has also life guarded, led swim instruction and worked in Day Camps.

Combined with her dance talent, her positive attitude and encouraging nature, Maitlyn’s instruction is valuable in the classroom.

M’Kaela

At six years old, M’Kaela began her dance career at Darcy’s School of Dance. Her passion for working with children drove her to pursue a diploma as an Educational Assistant.

She brings her encouraging personality, talent and energy to the classroom.

 Kristie Hedge

Kristie started dancing at Darcy’s in 2003 at the age of six. She has studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Pointe, and Hip Hop at the studio, as well as at several conventions and workshops over the past 14 years. In 2010, Kristie started teaching and has taught children from 3 to 13 in various disciplines. She currently studies at the University of Windsor in the French Program. Kristie’s career goal is to become a french immersion teacher. In the classroom, Kristie is a positive role model and encourages to try their best and have fun while dancing.

Dayna Harb

Dayna has been dancing with Darcy’s School of Dance since she was six years old and has loved it since day one!  She has been a demonstrator and teacher’s assistant for 6 years, a member of the dance team at Cardinal Carter High School and started teaching last year.  “Teaching is my passion!”  She has studied ballet (Cecchetti), tap, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, Musical Theatre, contemporary and pointe.  Dayna is currently studying psychology at the University of Windsor and plans on getting her PhD in clinical psychology.

HOPE

Hope is a triple threat!  She’s been dancing, singing and acting ever since she can remember and is thrilled to share her passion for all three!  Hope is trained in jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre and lyrical dance. She began studying voice at age nine and is now in her 2nd year of the University of Windsor‘s Vocal Performance Program.  She has performed in many local musical theatre productions, has choreographed numerous shows, has experience directing children’s theatre camps and is currently vocal director for the Windsor Light Music Theatre’s Youth Program. She looks forward to providing her students with a place to let their inner sparkle shine!

JESSICA WHARRAM WOODS

Jessica Wharram Woods grew up in Essex County and spent her time in and out of the gymnastics club as well as the dance studio. Even at a young age she had a fondness for all things athletic and creative. After moving to Ottawa for her education in 2011, she got back into the gym and the studio and began to coach elite gymnastics and to choreograph contemporary duets. In 2013 Jessica found and fell in love with barre fitness. It combined her love of dance with her love for athleticism and healthy, active living. She began to instruct at a boutique studio in Ottawa and eventually went on to redesign their barre curriculum and training program. She managed the studio for two years before she and her husband moved back to Essex County in August of 2017.

Jessica now continues in the barre fitness field as a consultant for Movati Athletic. She has rewritten their Barre Physique program and is currently in the midst of re-training Movati’s barre instructors all over Ontario. During the week you can find her in Wharram’s Jewellery, the store her family has owned and operated for over 60 years. She is so excited to be back at Darcy’s where it all started and looks forward to seeing you in the studio!