Chelsea Lefaivre
Dance Instructor (Toronto)
Chelsea comes from an early background of ballet, tap and jazz training, however, these interests quickly gave way to hockey and soccer. She rediscovered dance – in particular swing dance – at her University’s swing dance club and has been swinging out ever since. Her love of dance stems from a deep-seated desire to fly which she acquired from multiple, repetitive viewings of Mary Poppins and Peter Pan. From this, evolved a passion for fast dancing and aerials – her dance specialties. She is also known for her skill in Rock and Roll, Charleston, Balboa and East Coast Swing. She can often be found flying around the various dance floors of the Toronto scene and many other cities during her travels.
Erin Nazario
Dance Instructor (Toronto)
Since Erin moved to Toronto in 2002, she has been discovering the freedom and excitement of Lindy Hop. Although she has been dancing since the age of three learning many different styles-including hip hop, ballet, jazz, musical and physical theatre, contemporary, and many others-Lindy Hop continues to be her absolute favourite.
A performer at heart, Erin loves the limelight. She has been a part of different dance troupes since coming to Toronto-DWA Performance Company, Hogtown Lindy Hoppers, and Bees’ Knees Dance. While studying Acting at the Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, she also expanded her dancing talent as a featured dancer in multiple shows on the Paul McCartney Auditorium stage.
Erin started teaching dance in 2003 to high school students at WillowWood School. While teaching at WillowWood, she choreographed and orchestrated 8 different musicals and other all-school performances. As a teacher, Erin brings a fresh and enthusiastic energy with her that is infectious to her students.
Whether teaching, performing, or just out on the floor for a good time, dancing is what keeps her alive…it is her oxygen.
Randy Panté
Dance Instructor (Toronto)
Randy dances. All the time. He has trained extensively in New York Mambo, Afro-Cuban, Funk, Lindy Hop, Vernacular Jazz, and Blues. Randy is excited to be part of the Blues Dance scene in Toronto and to be able to spread his love of Blues Dancing through Bees’ Knees Dance.
As a dance instructor, Randy likes to focus on the individuality of the dance and helping people to find ways to express themselves rather than memorizing set patterns. In Toronto, Randy is known as a fierce competitor having won four Blues competitions in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Ottawa. His Blues team, the “Toronto Cuttin’ Crew”, came in 2nd place at the first ever Blues Team Competition which fellow Bees’ Knees instructor Shannon Refvik was also a part of.
Kathleen Molto
Dance Instructor (Toronto)
Kathleen loves to dance. She took her first dance class at the age of 9 and can’t remember a day that she hasn’t danced since then. After 14 years of competitive Irish dance, she retired after representing Eastern Canada at the World Irish Dance Championships in Belfast, and took her first Lindy Hop class with Mandi at the TSDS. She started training with Randy in Lindy Hop and Blues in 2009, choreographing and performing a routine together at Swing Out to Victory.
Kathleen has been teaching Irish dance and loving it for 8 years, and was thrilled to be asked to join the Bees’ Knees teaching team in 2010. She loves social dancing, so please ask her to dance!
Dave Mott
Dance Instructor (Toronto)
Dave Mott has been showing his bees’ knees now for over 3 years and was hooked on Lindy Hop ever since his first lesson with Mandi and Krister. He’s been working on the meanest Suzie Q ever since then.
Dave has performed in 2 of Toronto’s Homegrown Cabarets, at the Palais Royale’s annual Valentine’s Day Ball, at the Dovercourt House, with Mad For Dance’s weekly dance showcase, and has had the honour of performing for Frankie Manning during his Toronto visit in 2008.
His passion for Frankie’s authentic style shows in his teaching, and his dancing. “Thanks Mandi”
All time favourite move…..of course……the swing out, Frankie style!!!
Alexi Manis
Dance Instructor (Toronto)
Alexi Manis teaches high school arts by day and beginner swing by night.
She has an extensive background in Ballet, Tap, and Modern Dance, and highly enjoys the partner aspect of Lindy Hop.
Although most comfortable in jeans, she can be seen donning vintage 1950’s dresses at social dances and events. She’s performed in a variety of dance shows and has swiveled into a few retirement homes and schools.
Alexi also enjoys hosting Outdoor Swinging Under the Stars, in the summertime with Dave Mott.
Favorite all time move….ride the pony…..”thanks Krister!”