Faculty
What sets VDC apart is our incredible faculty
For nearly three decades, Vlad has been one of the driving forces behind competitive dance training in Canada.
As the founder and Artistic Director of Vlad’s Dance Company, he has built VDC into one of the country’s most respected training environments for young dancers. Known for his emotionally driven choreography, theatrical storytelling, and uncompromising commitment to growth, Vlad has developed a reputation for creating work that is both technically powerful and deeply human. His training philosophy blends discipline, versatility, artistry, and authenticity — encouraging dancers to not only excel technically, but to develop confidence, resilience, and a strong artistic voice.
Drawing from a strong foundation of Russian ballet training, Vlad is recognized for building well-rounded, versatile performers capable of succeeding across both commercial and concert dance environments.
Beyond choreography, Vlad is highly regarded for his ability to connect with dancers on a personal level. His honesty, humour, and direct approach allow him to break through the noise of the studio environment and create meaningful relationships with his students. His classes are known for being challenging, inspiring, emotional, and unforgettable.
Under Vlad’s leadership, VDC became the only Canadian studio to win The Dance Awards “Studio of the Year” twice within three years — a milestone that helped solidify the studio’s reputation internationally.
Vlad’s impact extends far beyond the studio walls. Former students have gone on to perform and create professionally in film, television, Broadway productions, concert dance companies, and internationally recognized institutions including:
- Netflix
- Disney
- Cirque du Soleil
- Stratford Festival
- The Next Step
- Royal Caribbean
- SUNY Purchase
- Alvin Ailey
- Bayerische Staatsballett
Above all, Vlad remains passionate about mentorship, storytelling, and helping dancers discover who they are — both as artists and as people.
Vlad
Artistic Director & Owner
Michael Prince
Michael (he/him) is a driven, passionate, and versatile artist raised in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He began his training at the age of two at his family-owned, award-winning studio, Vlad’s Dance Company. Growing up in this environment helped shape the artist he is today, with creativity, work ethic, and positive energy at the core of everything he does. Trained in a wide range of styles including hip hop, ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, ballroom, breaking, musical theatre, and freestyle, Michael brings a unique blend of technical excellence and artistic versatility to every project.
Throughout his career, Michael has earned numerous awards as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. At just 15 years old, he became the youngest recipient of the Young Choreographer of the Year award at the American Dance Awards. He later earned Senior Male Best Dancer at The Dance Awards and has received multiple choreography awards for his innovative and impactful work. Michael also played a key role in Vlad’s Dance Company earning Studio of the Yearhonours at The Dance Awards.
His professional credits span film, television, stage, and live performance. Michael has appeared in Disney’s Zombies 2and Zombies 3, Sneakerella, Feel the Beat (Netflix), The Next Step, World of Dance, Bring It On: Cheer or Die, and Brilliant Minds. He has toured internationally as a featured performer with Switzerland’s acclaimed Art on Ice production and has created his own original productions, including Rise & Fall and In An Instant.
A powerful creative force both on stage and behind the scenes, Michael continues to evolve as a dancer, actor, choreographer, and director. He is passionate about connecting with others through the arts and inspiring the next generation of performers to pursue their potential with confidence, creativity, and purpose.
Megan Caines
Megan is a passionate performer born and raised in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She has trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, acrobatics, partnering, contemporary, hip hop, ballroom, freestyle, tumbling, choreography, musical theatre, acting. Meganhas won numerous awards including 1st – Runner up Senior Soloist at The Dance Awards in Florida and was also asked to represent Dancer Palooza as a member of the Beat Squad in Los Angeles. Megan has been featured as an Actress/Dancer/Singer in many TV shows and movies such as “The Next Step”, “Backstage”, “Degrassi”, “Star Trek”, “What We Do In The Shadows”, “Magical Christmas Ornament”, “Disney Zombies 2”, “Disney Zombies 3” and Season 1 & 2 of “Ginny and Georgia”. Megan has worked at the Stratford Festival and in those 10 months she starred Gracie Shinn in the “Music Man”, performed “The Shining People of Leonard Cohen” at the PAL Event, took part in “The Lab Track” and also helped workshop the Romeo and Juliet Remix. Megan performed 42 shows as a Dancer/Magician’s Assistant on “The Illusionists, Live from Broadway”. Megan has also danced for artists including James Bay, Jess Glynne, Stefanie Heinzmann, Paloma Faith, Birdie and Stress while touring with “Art On Ice” in Switzerland.
This performer has been in many promotional events including “The Nut Cracker” for MAC Cosmetics and “Welcoming Spring” for the Eaton Centre. She also teaches judges, and shares her knowledge with young dancers across Canada. She has taught at many Conventions including Dance Canada, CREO, iDance, Artys Dance, Impact Dance Challenge and more.
Megan is a certified personal trainer and barre instructor. She created her own 4 Week Fitness Challenge eBook called “Elevate your Game” to help dancers cross train and get in their best shape. Megan continues to dance, act, sing and teach and is excited to grow as an artist and reach new goals in this upcoming year.
Brandon Croisetiere
Brandon is an esteemed choreographer, educator, and adjudicator based in Toronto, Ontario. Recognized for his compelling routines and dynamic teaching practices, he is a prominent figure in competitive dance studios across the country. Brandon’s artistic vision and his capacity to evoke authentic emotion through his art have earned him significant accolades, including the title of ‘Best Choreographer’ at The Dance Awards in both 2023 and 2024.
In 2020, he distinguished himself as a finalist in the Capezio A.C.E Awards where he was awarded the honor of presenting a full-length production at the esteemed MOVES Festival, presented by Break The Floor Productions. More recently, Brandon’s choreography has been showcased in both seasons 4 and 5 of TVA’s acclaimed Revolution as well as their tour in the summer of 2024.
With a steadfast commitment to storytelling and movement, Brandon continually seeks to encourage the power of vulnerability in dance and inspire the next generation of dancers to cultivate and nurture their own artistic voice.
Ms. Juliya
Bio Coming Soon
Pauline Karabelas
Pauline is a passionate performer, choreographer and teacher born and raised in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
She began her training at the age of three and continued to train in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, acrobatics, and musical theatre at Vlad’s Dance Company until the age of eighteen. Pauline’s dedication and hard work was recognized by receiving many awards at competitions across North America as a soloist and group member including the regional Female Dancer of the Year in 2018 at American Dance Awards and Studio of the Year in 2017 at The Dance Awards.
Pauline recently graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree in Kinesiology and Health Science and was a member of Dance Energy, York University’s dance team where she continued to perform, choreograph, and compete in many styles and then became the captain for the 2021/2022 season. Pauline is also a Certified Personal Trainer and xercise Physiologist and wishes to utilize her knowledge of health and fitness in combination with dance to ensure a safe and healthy lifestyle for her students.
Currently, Pauline teaches and choreographs in multiple styles and is an Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Certified Teacher.
As a choreographer, she has been recognized at many competitions for her creative and innovative choreography and strives to continue sharing her creativity and passion for dance with her students and see them grow to their fullest potential.
Angel DiMartino Palladino
Angel is a passionate and dedicated performer from Vaughan, Ontario. She began her dance journey at the young age of 2 where she found her passion for the art form. She spent 10 years of her training at Vlad’s Dance Company, and has been working hard to become a versatile performer. Angel has excelled in multiple styles such as Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Tumbling, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and more. Her talent and dedication have led her to work with many renowned choreographers including Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Jamal Sims, Ryan Heffington, Ricky Ubeda, Talia Favia, and more. Angel’s professional credits include dancing in the Warner Bros. Pictures film “Trap”, Disney+’s “A Very Jonas Christmas”, Netflix’s “The Body”, Hulu’s “The Testaments”, Cadillac Fairview Mall’s “Holiday Campaign”, as well as other projects and concept videos. Angel has performed in several professional shows including “Rise and Fall”, “Come On, Dreamer”, and “Solar Fusion”. She also performed in three productions with the professional company Bridge to Artists. Angel has received many awards in her competitive dance career including, Top 4 Senior Female Best Dancer at The Dance Awards. A highly prestigious and well known competition across North America. This led her to assist well known conventions including Jump, Nuvo and 24/Seven. She also gained viral recognition on TikTok, where her most popular video received over 15 million views as well as starting the viral trend of the “Angel Jump”. Angel is also passionate about teaching and choreographing, she has shared her knowledge with young dancers across Canada. She finds great joy in watching her students fall in love with dance and is constantly inspired by this future generation of dancers. Angel continues to train and work on her talents everyday. She is very eager to see what her future holds for her in the upcoming years!
Zoe Cacciotti
Bio Coming Soon
Kaia Esnard
Kaia is an emerging dance talent from Richmond Hill. She is known for her dedication, fiery spirit, fun-loving nature and undeniable passion for dance. A graduate from Vlad’s Dance Company, Kaia has trained and worked with some of the industry’s most renowned choreographers, including Kirsten Russel, Molly Long, Talia Favia, Wade Robson, Bizzy Boom, Jamal Sims, Dexter Carr and Jordan Clark. Her extensive training spans a wide variety of styles, including contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, dancehall, popping, ballet, acro, lyrical, Hawaiian dance, and Polynesian dance.
Kaia has also made a name for herself in the television and film industry, appearing in notable projects such as “13 The Musical” and “I Woke Up A Vampire,” both on Netflix, as well as Warner Bros’ “Trap,” and “Circuit Breakers” by Apple Studios. Additionally, she has showcased her talent on programs like CityTV’s Breakfast Television and in various high-profile commercials, including the Dove Hair Campaign with Kelly Rowland, YTV commercial campaign for LOL Surprise and the Nike Air Max DN x Capsule x Run The Flex campaign. Kaia especially loves live performances, having played Martha Cratchett in SoulPepper Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol,” participated in Disney’s Animation Immersive Experience, performed backup to Masicka and currently being a member of the Toronto Raptors Northside Crew.
Kaia is now embarking on a new chapter as a choreographer and teacher. With years of experience choreographing competitive dances at various dance studios where she shares her creativity and passion with a wide range of aspiring dancers. Kaia looks forward to continuing her artistic journey and inspiring others through dance.
Mya
Bio Coming Soon
