Dance Faculty

Monique Roy-Keller

Assistant Director "Tap, Pre-Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical Instructor" Certified Instructor in the Al Gilbert Syllabus, Bachelor of Education

Kristen Yuel is an Al Gilbert certified dance instructor of tap and jazz, and she holds a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Business Administration Diploma. Kristen was a dancer herself at a very early age but found her passion in teaching dance. She began her teaching career in 1998 at Steppin’ Time Dance Studio, where she is now the Assistant Director. She currently teaches jazz, tap, lyrical, and pre ballet, fulltime. Along with her students, she attends provincial and national conventions and competitions annually.  She continues to attend professional development opportunities in order to work with and learn from the world’s top teachers and choreographers so she can share this knowledge with her students. In 2002, Kristen took over as the sole instructor of the Virden Dance Club, teaching in Virden on Wednesdays to over 115 students. Kristen is also a permanent teacher with Brandon School Division. In 2012 she began teaching half time at Neelin High School in the Performing Arts Department as their dance teacher. Kristen also continues to be Neelin’s choreographer for their major productions which she began in 2006. She has adjudicating experience with Birdtail, Deloraine Border, Evergreen, Northwestern Marquette, Rolling River, and the Virden Festival of the Arts. Kristen is married to her husband Dave and they have two energetic children Willem and Mila. Kristen loves sharing her enthusiasm for dance with all of her students and her positive energy is contagious in all of her classes. She is dedicated to seeingSteppin’ Time continue to be successful, by producing talented dancers who showcase kindness and providing a safe and nurturing environment to all.

“If you dance with your heart, your body will follow.” Mia Michaels. 

Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical Instructor, R.A.D.R.T.S
Royal Academy of Dance Certified Instructor
Studied in: ISTD ( Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) Cecchetti, Vagonava

Tamara Topsnik Hicks R.A.D.R.T.S. moved to Brandon in 1993 after teaching for four years in British Columbia at her own school, Marpole Studio of Dance. She is a graduate of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet professional Division. Tamara Topsnik Hicks performed with the Royal Winnipeg in their productions of Swan Lake, Nutcracker and Giselle in 1988. She toured with the R.W.B. to Japan. In 1989 she danced in Germany in the “Nick Haberstich Ballet Company”. Mrs. Hicks is a registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher and is qualified to enter students in R.A.D. exams. She has been an adjudicator with A.M.A.F. since 1995 and has loved every opportunity of sharing her knowledge with others. 

Hip-Hop and Contemporary Instructor

 Katey Rogowsky is an instructor and choreographer who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Calgary, where she extensively trained in Contemporary and Jazz, as well as focuses in Pedagogy, Anatomy, Conditioning, and Design & Production. She has worked with choreographers and performed works from Peggy Baker, Melanie Kloetzel, Michèle Moss, Marie France Forcier, and Mario Velez Jr. Katey has created multiple choreographic works presented at the University of Calgary, and her hard work and creativity has led her to receive multiple awards for her choreography. Her choreographic style bridges style and fun, and her contemporary pieces always leave you thinking. In addition to her experience and training at the university, Katey is a certified Tap instructor in Al Gilbert Tap syllabus and has completed her Advanced Foundation RAD ballet exam. Katey has been teaching at Steppin’time for over 10 years, and is passionate about sharing her movement knowledge with her students in a fun and welcoming environment that allows every student to grow. 

Acro, Aerial Silks, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Pre-Ballet, Instructor
Steppin' Time Office Manager

Certified Acrobatic Arts and Aerial Arts Instructor

Brooke Webber is a former Steppin’ Time dancer herself and has been teaching at the studio for over ten years. Along with being a certified Acrobatic Arts and Aerial Arts instructor, Brooke also teaches jazz, tap, lyrical, hip hop and pre-ballet classes. Brooke also graduated university in 2021 with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree. Through her teaching, Brooke hopes to encourage the next generation of dancers to embrace their individual talents, push through challenges, and bring kindness with them wherever they go. Brooke takes great pride in seeing her students progress and achieve their dreams. She cherishes every moment, big or small, and feels truly honoured to be part of the Steppin’ Time faculty. 

Hip Hop/Tap/Stage Dance/Jazz/Musical Theatre Instructor and Senior Assistant

My name is Avery Praznik, I am a recent graduate of Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, ON. Where I learned about the professional industry and everything musical theatre! Originally I am from Brandon, my dance career started at Steppin’ Time where I danced competitively at the studio for 8 years as well as taught for 3. I am so excited to be coming back to the studio and sharing the love I have for dance and performing with my students. 

Pre-School Instructor and Senior Assistant

Quinn has been a dedicated member of Steppin’ Time for over twenty years, beginning as a young student and growing into her current roles as a preschool instructor and senior assistant. Her passion for dance shines through in every class as she inspires and encourages her students to find joy through movement.
Quinn is certified in the Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus, having recently completed her tap exams, and brings that technical expertise into her teaching. In addition to dance, she is also a certified mat/reformer Pilates and spin instructor, sharing her enthusiasm for fitness at a local gym.
By day, Quinn works at a car dealership and is currently entering her final year of the Automotive Business program at Georgian College, studying online.
With her diverse background, dedication, and warm spirit, Quinn brings energy, knowledge, and heart to everything she does—both inside and outside the studio.

Toning/Core Fitness for Company Dancers

In her 20s, Gail fully embraced activity and wellness, becoming a passionate advocate for positive, active lifestyles. She holds multiple certifications, including International Certified Fitness Instructor, International Certified Personal Trainer, Pilates Certified, Healthy Eating and Food Coach, 200 Hr Registered Yoga Teacher, Strong Nation, and Circl Mobility. One of her greatest joys is witnessing class participants discover the incredible capabilities of their bodies and what they can achieve!

Ballet and Contemporary Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Laura started dancing at Steppin’ Time when she was two years old, exploring multiple genres and joining the competitive Company as soon as she was able. She has also taken contemporary instructor training and serves as an Assistant Teacher at the studio. Laura auditioned and was accepted to the Quinte Ballet School in Ontario for three consecutive summers, and she had the opportunity to attend an immersive Tap intensive with Toronto Rhythm Initiative. She completed Al Gilbert Tap examinations and RAD Ballet examinations. Currently, Laura is a student at Brandon University, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Arts, followed by an after-degree in Education. She is extremely excited to continue sharing her love of dance with others.

Hip Hop Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Payton has been at steppin time for 10 years!

She is going into her third year of teaching and sixth year of assisting. Payton is also a Spin instructor, has a personal training certificate, and is in the phys ed program at Brandon University. She enjoys sharing her love of movement with the kids and creating a space to built their confidence! Payton always loves the connections she makes with the students and is excited to make even more this season!

Combo Classes, Tap, Jazz, Creative Movement and Assistant Instructor

Inara has been dancing at Steppin’ Time since she was 3 years old and has experienced many amazing festivals and competitions with the studio over the years! She is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue teach while she starts her 2nd year at Brandon University.  She can’t wait to make connections with new dancers and share her passion for dance this season! 

Acro Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Piper has been dancing for over seven years and has participated in Al Gilbert Tap exams as well as RAD ballet exams. She is currently working toward completing her Pre-Professional 3 Acrobatic Arts exam, with plans to continue training in the Graduate Study Program to become a certified instructor. She is also studying Psychology and Business at Brandon University. At the studio, Piper can often be found assisting classes and dancing herself. She is passionate about creating a fun, supportive environment where students can grow in confidence and discover their love of dance

Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Tap Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Sidney Curtis R.A.D, better known as Miss Sid to everyone around her, has been dancing at Steppin’Time for over 15 years. Along with being a certified instructor of ballet through the R.A.D exam syllabus and of tap through the Al Gilbert exam syllabus, Sidney has also participated in numerous Acrobatic Arts exams, competitions, and conventions to further her knowledge of different styles of dance. Sidney has spent many years as an assistant dance teacher across all age groups and hopes to have inspired some young dancers along the way. Supporting her students through challenges and watching them discover their love of dance has been and continues to be a remarkably rewarding experience. Sidney is so excited to take on another season of dance with Steppin’Time!

Pre-Company Jazz Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Ella Guthrie has been dancing for over 15 years and has grown up training with Steppin’ Time since the beginning. She currently teaches Pre-Company Jazz and assists classes across all age groups, sharing her passion and knowledge with younger dancers. Ella is certified in the Al Gilbert Tap syllabus and has participated in Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet exams throughout her training. She is currently working toward completing her Pre-Professional 3 exam in Acrobatic Arts, further expanding her skills across multiple disciplines. Ella is a grade 12 student at Vincent Massey High School, who brings both experience and enthusiasm to every dance class. She is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where dancers feel encouraged to grow, take risks, and fall in love with the art of dance. Ella hopes to inspire the next generation of performers just as she was inspired growing up in the studio at Steppin’ Time.

Tap, Pre-Ballet, Hip Hop Instructor and Assistant Instructor

New Photo Coming Soon... (Phoenix on right)

Phoenix started dancing at Steppin Time when she was only two years old and competed on the company dance team for 6 years. She has assisted many classes across all ages throughout her dance career and is so excited to continue expanding her role at Steppin Time as a dance instructor and mentor. Phoenix is also a full time student at Brandon University where she is working towards her Bachelor of Education so she can continue to inspire future generations inside and outside of the dance studio. Phoenix is so excited to continue to build new connections with her students and share her passion for dance this season!

Combo Class, Tap Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Bio and New Photo Coming Soon... (Taryn on left)

Pre-School Combo Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Bio Coming Soon...

5+ Combo Instructor and Assistant Instructor

Lauren Funk has been dancing at Steppin’ Time for 15 years, training in many different styles and disciplines. She has been an assistant for the past three years and looks forward to share her love of dance with the next generation of dancers as she takes on teaching this season. Lauren is certified in the Al Gilbert Tap syllabus and has performed and competed throughout her dance career. Lauren thrives on positive energy and an encouraging environment to allow students to feel welcomed, loved, and free to take risks and discover the beauty of dance through movement of the body!

5+ Combo Intructor and Assistant Instructor

Aubrey began as a dancer at Steppin’ Time at 3 years of age and her dedication only grew as she did!  As a young dancer, tap dance was her passion and her mom could tell you stories of all the tap dancing done on the kitchen tiles! She was excited to join Steppin’ Time Company as a “mini” at age 10, and some of her best memories are being apart of a production; more recently The Nutcracker Reimagined and also attending competitions! As an older dancer, Aubrey grew to love lyrical dance, and was also thrilled to be added as an assistant; she loves to help make dance fun for her “littles”. As a new graduate from Steppin’ Time, Aubrey is happy to be attending Brandon University this year, which will give her the opportunity to take graduate classes at the studio, continue her work as an assistant and also co-teaching a class. She is looking forward to this upcoming dance year!

Senior Assistant

Emma started her first dance class at Steppin’ Time about 12 years ago. Since that class, she quickly became a member of the company team, participated in RAD and Al Gilbert exams and every other opportunity she could jump into to further her passion of dance. After graduating high school, Emma moved to Winnipeg for one year to become a CFL cheerleader for the Blue Bombers as well as be a member of the first season of the company “The Heels Method”. As she returns back to Brandon to finish her education at Brandon University, she is so excited to come back to Steppin’ Time to meet so many new faces as well as see some familiar ones.