Monika is an Associate Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, Ontario Branch-Stage Division. Dancing since the age of three, Monika's extensive training and performance experience ranges in many forms of dance including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Gymnastics and Adagio.
      Dance has always played a major role and been a true passion for Monika. During her years of training as a student, Monika has performed in countless live shows in addition to many television performances, and competed regularly in dance competitions in both Canada and the United States . At the tender age of eleven, Monika was crowned the title of “Dance Queen”, for holding the highest adjudication in both the Junior and Senior age divisions of the competition. By the age of twelve, Monika was on her way to attaining her teaching qualifications through the C.D.T.A. and by age fourteen, “Monika's Modern Dancers” was founded. Teaching dance to children in a school gymnasium and church basement soon turned into a full time career by means of a second floor plaza dance studio by the age of 17. With only one dance room, a small office and a corner change room, the studio outgrew this location and moved to our second studio location in a nearby warehouse building. The growth of the studio prompted a number of changes for the business including the name change to “Toronto Dance Industry”. Seven years later, in May of 2003, the growing popularity of the studio brought us to our current home of 1510 Birchmount Rd.
      Through the years, Monika's students have been the recipients of many honorable awards in both Canada and the US . Title, High Score and Scholarship awards are common entities of a competitive season for those who have trained with Monika. Former students have found success with the National Ballet of Canada, Toronto's production of “The Lion King”, Cruise Ship entertainment, and many local theatre performances to name a few. Earlier in her career, Monika has received the title of Niagara's “Young Choreographer” and has continued to receive unfailing recognition for her work; most recently being honored with ADA's Diamond Choreography award. Annual visits to New York City with world renowned instructors/choreographers keep Monika's teaching styles and techniques up-to-date.
      As a performer, Monika has been cast upon the high seas with offers of Dance Captain position, with Carnival Cruise Lines, “the most popular cruise line in the world”. On board duties included lead dancer in the highly acclaimed Vegas-style production shows, as well as the instruction of line dance and ballroom classes.
      Advice to her students: Hard work is crucial for the successful dancer, but no matter how high you jump, or how fast you spin, it means nothing unless it comes from the heart. Share your passion with the rest of the world…and always, always dance, as if no one is watching.