Our Faculty

Our faculty serve as a cornerstone of our dance studio by being a hub for creativity, learning and artistic expression. Our teachers are internationally acclaimed and have won numerous awards for dancing, teaching and choreography. 

Shauntell Schwartz

  • As the Owner and Director of Zero Gravity Dance Company, Shauntell has built a reputation for excellence in the dance community. Her commitment to providing top-notch training and opportunities for growth has led to numerous awards and accolades for both her students and the company. Shauntell is also a sought-after guest teacher and choreographer at workshops and conventions across the country. Her dynamic and creative approach to dance has inspired countless dancers to push beyond their limits and explore new possibilities within their art form. Overall, Shauntell is not only a talented dancer, teacher, and choreographer but also a true leader in the dance.
    Shauntell is a fully certified dance instructor, completing several disciplines of BATD examinations and receiving Honors. She is a licensed teacher in Acro and Stage with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and has completed her BATD Membership Acro. Shauntell holds certification with Acrobatic Arts, Aerial Arts, Hoop Theory and Kinder with Performing Arts Educators of Canada.

Debra Jones

  • Debra has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of dance and performing arts. She has been completed jazz, tap and ballet exams in RAD, Al Gilbert Syllabus, CDTA, and ADAPT.  She won numerous awards and went on to study at York University and University of Manitoba. She is also a certified gymnastics coach through NCCP, an Examiner, Mentor and Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, and has also studied both Cecchetti and Vaganova syllabi. Ms. Jones has worked as a choreographer of many semi-professional and professional theatres. We are pleased to have Debra teach for our competitive students, as well as our Adult Ballet classes.

    RAD examiner

Ella Iza

  • Miss Ella's dedication to dance has not only brought her success in competitions and exams, but it has also shaped her into a disciplined and hardworking individual. She spends countless hours in the studio perfecting her craft, always seeking feedback from her teachers and mentors to continue growing as a dancer. Her love for the art form shines through in every movement, captivating audiences with her talent and artistry. Ella has won several awards, overalls, and special recognition throughout her dance career. She has taken dance exams through The British Association of Teachers of Dance in Acro, Jazz, and Ballet and received top marks. Ella is a certified teacher through BATD in Jazz and Acro, and also certified through Progressing Ballet Technique. We are thrilled to welcome her back to our teaching staff!

Shaye Rogers

  • Shaye started her dance journey at a young age, immersing herself in Acro, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. Throughout her career, she has been associated with The British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D), successfully completing examinations in various dance styles. Shaye has also received training from Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) in Ottawa, and now brings her expertise to Southwestern Ontario, where she conducts daily dance classes.

Alyvea Hope

  • Miss Alyvea is excited to be part of the Zero Gravity Dance Company faculty this season! She has been dancing from a young age and has completed examinations through the Royal Academy of Dance in Ballet, Acro, Tap, and Jazz. After many years as a teacher’s assistant, Alyvea's love of teaching continued to grow, inspiring her to share her passion for dance with young dancers. As a Registered Early Childhood Educator, she is passionate about creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment where students can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of movement.

Leighton Swan

  • Miss Leighton has enjoyed a highly successful eight-year competitive dance career, earning numerous overall awards, recognitions, and performance opportunities. She has completed BATD examinations in Acro, Jazz, Tap, and Ballet and recently earned her BATD Jazz Associates. In 2024, Leighton was 3rd Runner-Up Miss Team Dance Canada at the Solo Finals Competition and was also selected as a dancer with Five Star Dance Company, providing her with pre-professional experience training and performing on an international stage. A member of the ZGDC competitive team since 2019, Leighton loves sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with younger students and helping them grow.

Bella Klomps

  • Miss Bella has been dancing for 13 years and has spent the past 10 years competing in a variety of dance styles. She has completed BATD examinations in Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Tap, and Modern, developing a strong and well-rounded technical foundation. Bella enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge of dance with younger students and loves creating a fun, positive environment for younger dancers. She is excited to help her students build confidence, learn new skills, and develop a love of dance from an early age.

Catherine Fielding

  • Miss Catherine is thrilled to join the Zero Gravity Dance Company faculty this season and is a proud ZGDC alumni. Catherine is an accomplished dancer with extensive training in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet and is excited to return to the studio. She is passionate about giving back to the next generation of dancers by creating a fun, supportive, and inspiring learning environment. Catherine looks forward to sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm while helping every student build confidence, develop their technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.

Lisa Schwartz

  • Lisa is the Office Manager at Zero Gravity Dance Company and has been part of the ZGDC family from the very beginning. As the mother of Owner and Director Shauntell, Lisa has had the special opportunity to watch the studio grow and evolve over the years and is proud to be part of the community it has become.

    Lisa helps oversee the day-to-day administration of the studio, supporting dancers, families, and staff while keeping everything organized behind the scenes. Her friendly and familiar presence, along with her dedication to the studio and its families, makes Lisa an important part of the ZGDC team.

Adeena Pentland

  • Adeena is one of the Office Administrators at Zero Gravity Dance Company and has been part of the studio family for many years as both a dedicated dance parent and a member of the administrative team. Having experienced the studio from a parent's perspective, she understands the importance of clear communication, organization, and creating a positive environment where dancers can thrive.

    Adeena helps with the day-to-day operations of the studio, including registrations, scheduling, parent communication, and all the little details that help keep a dance season running smoothly. She enjoys getting to know ZGDC families and being part of a welcoming studio community where dancers can learn, grow, and create lasting memories.