OH, HELLO THERE!
WE ARE PKS
At PKS Dance Elite Ltd., dance isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are!
Located in Courtice, Ontario, we’re a vibrant community where passion meets performance. From Mini Movers to aspiring pros, our dancers explore everything from Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acro, Contemporary, and Performing Arts/Improv—whether just for fun or at a competitive level.
We believe every dancer is unique, with their own dreams, goals, and sparkle. That’s why we focus on more than just steps—we nurture creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of the arts in an environment filled with energy, compassion, and encouragement.
Our students don’t just dance in the studio—they’ve gone on to shine on Broadway, cruise lines, international tours, TV, and even alongside stars like Janet Jackson and Madonna. Along the way, they’ve also picked up awards, titles, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re here to leap, twirl, tumble, or just try something new, PKS Dance Elite is the place to grow, shine, and dance your heart out.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Sandra Long
CEO, ARAD, AISTD, RAD RTS
Sandra Long has been inspiring young dancers with her energetic, creative style for over 35+ years. A graduate of the Royal Ballet School in London, England, she has trained extensively across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., and has guided students through all levels of RAD and ISTD examinations—including the prestigious Solo Seal Award.
Sandra is also a Can-Fit-Pro Certified Personal Trainer & Fitness Instructor, an experienced adjudicator, and served as Head of the Dance Department at Randolph College for the Performing Arts from 2010 to 2022.
Her students have won top competitive titles and gone on to careers in musical theatre, Cirque du Soleil, cruise lines, and as backup dancers for global icons like Madonna, Janet Jackson, and Britney Spears. Many have become RAD-certified teachers or studio owners themselves, continuing her legacy of excellence in dance education.
CERTIFICATIONS
Associate Member and Registered Teacher of the RAD
Associate Member and Registered Teacher of the ISTD (Imperial Ballet and Modern Theatre)
Advanced Certificate RAD, ISTD (Ballet and Modern)
Kelly Gifford Jenkins
CEO, E.C.E, A.D.A.P.T, ICI Life & Youth Empowerment Coach, Licensed PBT Instructor, Author
Kelly Gifford has been teaching dance for over 30 years and brings a rich blend of performance experience and early childhood education to her classes. A graduate of Randolph School of the Arts and certified Early Childhood Educator, Kelly has performed in live theatre, film, and television (Road to Avonlea, Blues Bros. 2000).
She is a certified Tap and Jazz teacher with A.D.A.P.T., a licensed Progressing Ballet Technique instructor, and a certified Youth Empowerment Coach with ICI. Kelly has also developed a specialized conditioning program for dancers, combining her background in personal training, fitness, and yoga.
Her choreography has received numerous awards, and she has adjudicated major competitions across Canada. Kelly is also passionate about drama and performing arts—having produced, directed, and choreographed 15 musicals—and co-authored the book Your Child, My Student. Many of her students have gone on to successful professional dance and performing arts careers across North America.
STUDENT CREDITS INCLUDE: Stage productions of Dirty Dancing, Tap Dogs, Cats, Rock of Ages, Mamma MiaFilm and Television – Once Upon A Mattress (Carol Burnett), Disney Cruise Lines, Luna Petunia (Cirque Du Soleil Jr, Netflix) … Just to name a few!
CERTIFICATIONS
Broadway – Jesus Christ Superstar
Performing with Janet Jackson, Brian McKnight, and Britney Spears
Stage productions of Dirty Dancing, Tap Dogs, Cats, Rock of Ages, Mamma MiaFilm and Television – Once Upon A Mattress (Carol Burnett), Disney Cruise Lines, Luna Petunia (Cirque Du Soleil Jr, Netflix)
… Just to name a few!
Elizabeth Woudwyk
CEO, A.D.A.P.T, Acrobatic Arts, PBT
Elizabeth has been in the dance industry for over 20 years. At the age of seven her passion for dance led to a long competitive career where she earned many awards and scholarships. Training and competing in many genres such as tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, modern, acro and musical theatre. Within her dance training Elizabeth has successfully completed her R.A.D Ballet exams, I.S.T.D Modern Theatre exams and A.D.A.P.T Tap and Jazz exams.
Elizabeth is a fully certified tap and jazz dance instructor under the Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T), certified Acrobatic Arts (Pre school and level one) teacher, certified Progressing Ballet Techniques (Junior, Senior and Advanced) teacher. Elizabeth has also been part of the performing arts program within the Durham Catholic School board for the last four years. Teaching students dance from grades nine through twelve.Elizabeth loves teaching and watching her students grow and excel. Her students have successfully completed A.D.A.P.T. tap and jazz exams and have been awarded many special and top mark awards in competition. Elizabeth is a passionate teacher who is dedicated to seeing her students grow and achieve their personal best. Dance has always been a huge part of Elizabeth’s life and she is excited to continue learning, evolving and sharing her knowledge and love of dance with all of her students at PKS Dance Elite Ltd.
FACULTY
Kristen Mason
Ballet Director, Recreational and Competitive Instructor/Choreographer
Kristen Mason is a highly experienced ballet educator with over 20 years of teaching in Canada and internationally. She is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s (NBS) Teacher Training Program, where she continues to teach with pride.
Following graduation from NBS, Kristen spent three years teaching RAD ballet in Scotland, UK, before returning to Toronto to re-join the NBS faculty, where she has remained an integral member. She is a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Toronto.
Kristen has achieved the highest level of RAD examinations and has successfully prepared students for exams across all levels in Toronto, the GTA, and the United Kingdom. After many rewarding years teaching full-time at NBS in the Teacher Training Program, Young Dancers Program, Professional Ballet Program, and summer intensives, she has immersed herself as Ballet Director at PKS. She believes: “Where there is no heart, there is no art”(Ana Pavlova). Kristen is delighted to be sharing the joy of ballet with students at PKS!
Mackenzie Amondsen
Recreational and Part -Time Competitive Director, Recreational and Competitive Instructor/Choreographer
Miss Mackenzie has been dancing and competing for over 25 years and has been a dancer, assistant (and then finally) a teacher at PKS Dance Elite since the day they opened their doors. Mackenzie has trained and competed in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, acro and musical theatre. Mackenzie has a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Psychology. She has completed her ADAPT teacher training certification in tap and jazz, her Acrobatique Acro certification and is a YPAD certified dance professional. Along with teaching in the studio, Mackenzie has also been a popular workshop teacher to many local elementary schools teaching various different grades. Mackenzie is passionate and dedicated to passing on her love for dance, while teaching students of every age. She is very excited to be part of the faculty at PKS Dance Elite, and loves watching future dancers learn and grow.
Cassandra Lorusso
Director of Preschool Programming & Camps Director, Recreational Instructorer
Cassandra Lorusso has been trained in dance by PK and S since the age of four. She then went on to teach dance and has over 18 years experience with PKS. She is the Director of our Preschool Programming and Director of Summer Camps and Events. As a registered Educator and our Mini Movers Director since we opened in 2006, she brings vast experience and energy to our youngest dancers. She holds Diplomas and Certifications in Early Childhood Education, Child Behaviour Management and Children with Exceptionalities, as well as her newest certifications in Personal Training, Module 1 Acrobatic Arts and ADAPT Teacher Certification.
Cassandra now also trains and mentors new teaching staff, overseeing their classes and supporting their development as educators. She is passionate about growing and developing staff, helping them build confidence, refine their teaching skills, and deliver high-quality dance education to students.
Cassandra continues to learn and develop her skills and knowledge to bring the most current and relevant training to our students. She is passionate about creating a dance classroom where dancers feel successful, happy, and comfortable coming to class each and every week. She is excited to see dancers grow and develop over the years just as she did with PK and S.
Meagan Palmer
Recreational Instructor, Mini Movers Instructor
Dancing since the age of two, Miss Meagan joined the PKS family at just six years old and went on to compete as part of our competitive team for many seasons. During that time, she discovered her passion for teaching while assisting in Mini Movers classes and summer camps, sharing her enthusiasm and love of dance with our youngest students.
Outside the studio, Meagan has worked as a camp counsellor at the Toronto Zoo for many summers and volunteered in special education classrooms. She is currently in her final class term of Early Childhood Education diploma at Durham College, specializing in supporting children with exceptionalities.
Miss Meagan strives to create an inclusive, encouraging environment where every dancer feels safe, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential. She can’t wait to help the next generation of young dancers discover the joy of dance!
Kate McKeen
Mini Movers Instructor
Miss Kate has been dancing since the age of five and brings a versatile background in tap, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and lyrical to every class she teaches. A longtime member of the PKS Dance Family, she has spent many years as a classroom assistant, camp counsellor, and is an integral part of our Parents’ Night Out events, always sharing her enthusiasm and positive energy with our dancers.
She is certified in CPR and First Aid, helping ensure a safe, supportive learning environment for all students. Ms. Kate is also furthering her own training as she prepares for her Advanced 1 Ballet exam with the world renowned Royal Academy Of Dance, demonstrating her commitment to growth and excellence.
Passionate, encouraging, and full of creativity, Ms. Kate is excited to inspire the next generation of dancers and help them discover the joy of dance!
Abby Baldino
Mini Movers Instructor
Miss Abby has been passionate about dance since the age of two, and joined the PKS family at thirteen years old, where she went onto compete with the studio until 2023. Abby started off as a placement student this year where she discovered her enjoyment and love for teaching dance.
Currently, Abby is a third year student at Trent University, where she’s working toward becoming a teacher and majoring in Child and Youth Studies. She’s always had a passion for working with kids, and has had many experiences working with children in schools and as a camp counsellor this past summer with Clarington camps!
Abby is excited for this new adventure, and strives to create a fun and inclusive environment where all dancers feel supported in their dance journey!
READY TO DANCE WITH US?
Secure your spot for the 2025/2026 season!
