Our Vision & Commitment
Newcastle Family Connection (NFC) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that has proudly served the Clarington community for over 30 years. We offer affordable recreational dance classes for families, and our operations are overseen by a dedicated volunteer board of directors.
Our pricing reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility. We offer a single, all-inclusive fee for the entire dance season—there are no surprise costs. Costume rentals and a professional photo page are included, so you won't have to worry about paying extra for pictures or outfits later in the year. We also offer Discounts for multiple classes and family members.
Our Dance Season runs from late September to the end of May, after which we break for the summer. At the end of the season, students have the chance to shine on stage during our year-end performance. Copies of the show are available for purchase.
NFC is proud to offer programs for both children and adults in a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment. We are LGBTQ2S+ friendly and committed to creating a space where everyone feels respected and valued.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who are passionate about providing affordable recreational dance opportunities for families in the Clarington area. Thanks to our volunteers for taking on the administrative work which costs so much at other dance studios, we are able to keep our fees low.
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Board members attend approximately nine meetings per year to discuss and decide on the class line up, song lists, fundraising, costumes and organize the year-end performance. There are many different types of tasks to suit everyone's talents and interests!
Janel Tutak,
Studio Coordinator
Janel overseas the day-to-day operations of our recreational program, working closely with teachers, families, and the board of directors to ensure a fun, inclusive, and organized experience for all dancers. Please let her know if you have any questions; newcastlefamilyconnection@gmail.com.
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Our Teachers
Sami Kreslin
This is Sami's third year teaching at Newcastle Family Connection Dance. Sami has 10 years of dance experience. She trained at Hype Danz Studio in Courtice.
This year, Sami is teaching our Saturday morning classes: Movement to Music, Creative Dance and Intro to Hip Hop as well as our 2025 Fall Session for Adults (8 weeks).
"I love to encourage kids in their love for dance! I can’t wait to create memories with each student."
Shanna Pearson
This is Shanna's second year teaching at Newcastle Family Connection Dance. Shanna has two years dance experience at NFC as well as 6 years of gymnastics experience.
This year, Shanna is teaching Tuesday evenings; Intro to Acro 1, Continuing Acro 1, Junior Advanced Acro 1, and Intermediate Advanced Acro, and Friday evenings; Movement to Music 1, PreAcro 1, and Intro to Acro 2.
"Being around kids has always been my happy place, they show the energy I don't show around people my age. I enjoy being able to act like a kid again and show my silly side. I love knowing I'm a role model to these kids and hoping to be a fond memory of their childhood like my old coaches were. I'd like my class to be a safe, enjoyable, and memory filled place. I am fluent in French, and have been working with kids for a large majority of my life. And I volunteered for NFC last year and it was extremely successful."
Lia Joseph
This is Lia's first year teaching at Newcastle Family Connection Dance. She has 8 years of experience in competitive artistic gymnastics at Galaxy Gymnastics and Fitness, 1 year in competitive power tumbling at Osborne Academy of Acrobatics, and 2 years experience at Bowmanville High School for Dance.
This year, Lia is teaching Saturday afternoons; PreAcro 2, Intro to Acro 3 and Continuing Acro 2 (formally Intermediate Acro)
"I like teaching because I love being able to connect with kids and passing on my knowledge and experience to help them improve as athletes! I am looking forward to helping kids improve their Acro skills and putting together dances for the recital. A fun fact about me is that I was a two-time Team Ontario gymnast."
Johi Dyck
This is Johi's first year teaching at Newcastle Family Connection Dance. She has been dancing for 13 years. Johi trained at York Dance Academy in Newmarket. She has experience teaching contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical and is so excited to expand her skills.
This year, Johi is teaching Monday; Intro to Hip Hop, Junior Hip Hop, Junior Intermediate Hip Hop 1, Junior/Intermediate Hip Hop 2, Wednesday; Creative Dance 1, Intro to Musical Theatre, Junior Musical Theatre, Junior Intermediate Musical Theatre, Intermediate Contemporary Choreography, Thursday; Creative Dance 2, Intro to Contemporary, Intro to Jazz Funk and Junior/Intermediate Jazz Funk.and Saturday; Junior Hip Hop 2
"I have had the pleasure of training under teachers who cater to everyone’s unique skill set and experience level which is what inspired me to begin teaching. I hope to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they have a place and purpose. I love being able to push dancers out of their comfort zone and give everyone space to grow."
