Born and raised in the small town of Ayr, Ontario, Nicole began her dancing career at the age of 3 in Paris, Ontario.  And throughout the last 23 years, Nicole travelled wherever her love for dance took her, from Burlington to Kitchener and ended her competitive career where she started, in Paris, Ontario.

Over the years, Nicole gained experience and completed exams both in Russian and RAD Ballet.  Since the age of 10, Nicole trained intensively under the professional hand of Miss Paula Morgan of L.A, who has developed and created her own technique that assists dancers in strength development and posture alignment.  Nicole has attended many workshops and training classes to improve her passion for dance and along with that she has travelled to New York City where she took intensive training classes at Steps on Broadway, has also travelled and performed with the world-renowned Carnival Cruise Lines and has performed with the Toronto Raptor’s at half-time.

In 2015, Nicole received the Young Choreographers Award at the age of 17, receiving numerous scores of 95+ with routines choreographed by her. Since this first choreography recognition, Nicole’s choreography and students have competed and been recognized at numerous national competitions, achieving many titles, special awards, and scholarships.  Nicole’s students have attended The Dance Awards in Orlando, Florida and in Las Vegas, where they have been selected to compete for the title of Best Dancer 2019 and have placed in the Top 10 dancers.  Nicole’s students have also been invited to exciting opportunities such as Stacey Tookey’s Camp Protégé and have received numerous scholarships for Dancer Palooza conventions with pieces choreographed by Nicole. Currently, Nicole gives her time teaching and instructing intensive workshops with numerous studios within the KW region and GTA.

Beyond the competition realm, Nicole’s choreography has been featured in many different professional showcases. Nicole has choreographed in London’s 2019 Fringe Festival show “Say Nothing” and has produced ad choreographed her own professional show "Inhale" that made it's debut in August 2022.

Nicole is a fully certified ADAPT teacher under Mr. & Mrs. Foley, she is also a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance run by Mr. Scott Kufske and is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructor. Nicole is also a Certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor. 

Ballet Director

Donna Bender is the Founder and Director of Centre Stage Dance Studio in New Hamburg, ON and former Kitchener location, Unlock Unleash Control by CSDS. With over 38 years of industry experience, she has worked with thousands of young dancers, and many of her students have gone on to pursue professional careers in the arts.

Donna is an Advanced Member, Master Teacher and Examiner for the Society of Classical Ballet (Vaganova Method), a Full Stage Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, a certified Pilates Instructor in matwork and equipment through the PhysicalMind Institute/Body Harmonics, as well as a Health & Wellness Coach through the Eben Pagan training program.

Over the years, Donna has adjudicated for numerous dance competitions. Since 2004, she has worked closely with Master Teacher, Paula Morgan, in technique and foundations for dancers, completing her full teacher certification in 2017.

Out of her passion to empower dancers with a safe and solid technical foundation, Donna co-created Groundforce Technique in 2020. She continues to guest teach students, as well as train and certify dance educators across North America in the Groundforce Technique method, sharing this knowledge in caring for and inspiring the next generation.

She is very proud of her former student, Nicole Clinton, who has gone on to pursue her dreams of opening NLC Dance Company, and is excited to be on staff as Ballet Director, to share her experience with the NLC dancers.

Competitive Instructor

Erika McMillan is an award-winning instructor and choreographer best known for her leading-edge concepts. She was the Owner and Artistic Director of The Movement Dance Company in Guelph, Ontario, where she has propelled her studio to win many top honours including "Overall Studio of the Weekend", "Top Choreography" and "National Title Qualifier". Erika has also had students successfully accepted into The National Ballet of Canada, Quinte School of Ballet, The Ballet Jorgen and the Ballet Jorgen's "Nutcracker".

Erika has been a part of the dance industry for over 30 years, beginning her training at the young age of two, and dancing competitively for 12 years. She has extensive training in jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, musical theatre, ballet, lyrical and contemporary, and completed exams with B.A.T.D in both tap and jazz. Erika is well known as an emerging choreographer, instructor and adjudicator, and has choreographed for Disney World's Magic Music Days, The Hamilton Ticats Halftime Show and countless community events and productions across Ontario. As well as being a passionate choreography and educator, she is an experienced performer on stage and television. Favourites include the American Bowl Halftime Show, Toronto's Breakfast Television and Motus O Dance Company's "A Mid-Summer's Night Dream".

After completing her Honours Degree in Political Science and Post-Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications, Erika worked on Season 3 of CTV's So You Think You Can Dance Canada, facilitating media relations, dancer media training and season photo shoots. Further excelling her dance education, Erika is a proud, certified member with Dance Masters of America and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.

Erika is consistently inspired by her role as a choreographer, dance educator and adjudicator, and continues her own training by attending a variety of workshops and conventions across North America. Erika is known for her raw and emotional approach to teaching and has used her experience and connection with her students to help guide them to win top honours of their own. Erika is proud to be a part of the ever-growing dance community, and strives to inspire and encourage young dancers to reach their full and endless potential.

Recreational & Competitive Instructor

From the very beginning, at 3 years old, stepping into her first baby ballet class ever, Marissa fell instantly in love with dance. She was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario and started her dance career at a local community centre.

From her first competitive solo ever, age 7, she knew she belonged on a stage performing. Over the years, Marissa gained experience and completed exams in RAD Ballet, received numerous achievements, awards and scholarships. Marissa always jumps at every opportunity she gets to dance and has been featured in 2 professional shows - both directed by Owner Nicole Clinton. Marissa has trained vigorously in a variety of disciplines from ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, acro, contemporary and hip-hop. 

Today, Marissa is continuing her competitive dance career with NLC, is a company dancer, and assists classes whenever possible. She is a strong believer in providing a safe space for dancers to come create, experiment and develop their artistry, as well as having fun. Marissa is beyond excited to continue to follow her dreams and can't wait to see what the upcoming years in her dance career have in store for her. 

Recreational Instructor

Mikayla did not take her first dance class until  she was 12, but it was love at first sight from there. By age 14 she was competing under the instruction of Nicole Clinton. Mikayla’s love for dance led her to the Eastwood Integrated Arts program, where she attended high school while majoring in dance and music. Here she learned her true passion for instruction and choreography, and this choreography landed her in every auditioned dance show and gala performance. 

Throughout her years of training Mikayla completed exams in both Russian and RAD ballet. She received many overalls, special awards, and scholarships throughout her competitive years, and attended a wide range of dance conventions to further her training. Though her competitive career is over, her love for the stage never ended. Mikayla continues to dance at the University of Guelph, and she has been featured as a choreographer and dancer in multiple professional shows around the region. 

She found her passion for teaching assisting classes at her studio, and when she was 16 she was recruited by a local studio to teach their competitive acro and contemporary programs. Since then she has been promoted to the lead competitive instructor, choreographing 20+ routines every season in the styles of acro, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop. She has received a collection of choreography awards and been recognized for her unique storytelling. Her students have received many overall awards, special awards, and scholarships for their routines. 

Mikayla values creating a safe space for dancers of all levels to learn and express themselves, and she is so excited to spark passion and develop skill with the NLC dancers, just like Nicole Clinton has done for her. 

Recreational Instructor

Hi Im Quinn!! I am 20 years old and have been dancing competitively since the age of 4. I have trained and competed in all styles of dance but if I had to pick a favourite to do myself, it would be Contemporary or Tap although my favourite to teach is Acro:)) After graduating dance from the studio I grew up with, I have continued to train on Laurier’s KAOS Competitive Dance Team, where I was able to choreograph solos and a duet, and a group. I have assisted teaching dance for over 10 years and have taught and choreographed for the past 5 years to all ages of children, starting from age 2 to age 16!! My true passion is teaching dance and having the opportunity to help people learn to love dance and grow, in a positive and engaging environment.

When I am not teaching dance, I coach gymnastics and cheerleading, I completed my Early Childhood Education program at Fanshawe College, and just completed my first year studying Youth and Children’s Studies at Laurier University. I am represented by DaCosta Talent Agency, where I have appeared in many tv shows and movies, and have also trained and performed with the Choreographer of Cirque Du Soleil, Debra Brown. I assist Dustin Wood for Acro workshops and intensives, and have been an Acrobatic Arts demonstrator. I won Miss Petite Dance of Western New York, for Dance Masters of America’s Pageant.

I have completed the teacher training programs below: 

•  The LegWarmers Workshop Certificate “dancing with the imagination”

• Intellidance Workshop Certificate

• (PAEC) Performing Arts Educators of Canada Certificate

• ADAPT) Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers Certificate

• (CDTA) Canadian Dance Teachers Association Certificate

• Healthy Dancer Canada Certificate “dance screening”

• Acrobatic Arts Certificate “introduction to acrobatic arts”

Junior Recreational Teacher

BIO COMING SOON!

Recreational Instructor

Entering her first jazz class at four years old, Maya knew she belonged on stage. Throughout her dance career, Maya’s passion for entertaining has grown stronger, inspiring younger dancers to follow in her footsteps. 

Throughout her years, Maya has received numerous judges choice, overall, and special awards, as well as completing several RAD Ballet exams. 

Trained at a young age by director Nicole Clinton-Schumacher, Maya trains in a variety of disciplines, including lyrical, jazz, acro, ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Her passion for hard work, self-improvement, and positive sportsmanship has allowed her to flourish, understanding the importance of a positive, uplifting dance environment. 

In the fall, Maya will begin studying Criminology at Laurier Brantford. Maya will continue her competitive dance career in university, aspiring to join Laurier’s dance team. 

Maya strongly believes in creating an environment where dancers feel included, accepted, welcomed, and part of a team. She loves witnessing her dancers blossom and evolve, as they further develop their passion for the art. Maya is beyond excited to continue her love for dance, as she inspires the next generation of dancers and performers. 

Recreational & Competitive Instructor

From choreographing her own dance performances for her family to joining her first competitive dance team, and presently dancing with her new NLC family; Elizabeth has fallen in love with the art of dance. 

She is beyond thrilled to continue pursuing her passion through inspiring other young dancers. Although Elizabeth has only been dancing for 6 years now, she is a strong believer that it’s never too late to immerse yourself in the world of dance. Throughout her years dancing, she has learned the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for dancers to experiment, grow, and fall in love with the art form as she has. Elizabeth has trained in a plethora of disciplines including ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, acro and hip hop.