The Team
Who We Are
Ellie Koffman
Co-Founder & Director
Ellie began teaching dance at the very early age of 14 at the Rollo Academy, assisting with the younger students. Whilst training at Masters, she taught students aged 3 & up, entering them in exams. Born in Nottingham, England, Ellie attended the Rollo Academy of Performing Arts, achieving her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) examinations at all levels in Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap including her Associate Teaching Qualification (AISTD) in the three dance styles. She also gained her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) major examinations up to Advanced 2 level and became an Associate of the RAD (ARAD). Ellie went on to win a 3 year scholarship to the Masters Performing Arts College in London, England, where she trained in all varying dance styles, singing and drama. Upon graduating in 2005, Ellie began her successful career as a professional dancer with Princess Cruises. She travelled the world whilst performing as a dancer in the production shows onboard, progressing to the position of Company Performance Manager with responsibility for the daily management of all dancers and guest singers.In 2013, Ellie moved to Toronto, and has been teaching both recreational and competitive students. In 2015 she became a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher. It has been her life long dream to open a dance studio of her very own & she cannot wait to begin this journey.
Jake Koffman
Co-Founder & Director
Jake, born in Toronto, is part of the next generation of musicians and educators dedicated to the preservation, the integrity, and the evolution of jazz music. Born into Canadian music royalty, Jake grew up admiring the accomplishments of two grandfathers who were musicians inducted into the Order Of Canada. On his mother’s side is Victor Feldbrill, who conducted the Toronto and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras, among many others, and to whom the Toronto Star referred as “an indispensable cog in the city’s musical machinery.” On his father’s side is one of the most prominent voices in Canadian jazz history, reedman and flutist Moe Koffman, whose work with Rob McConnell and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as hit song “Swinging Shepherd Blues”, have firmly ensconced him in jazz history, and helped put Canadian jazz on the world map. Starting on the alto saxophone, flute, and clarinet at the age of 13, Jake started playing gigs almost immediately in a wide range of bands, from jazz groups both big and small, as well as touching on rock, hip hop, reggae and Brazilian music. From playing with these groups, the tenor and soprano saxophones were quickly added to his arsenal of instruments. After graduating from high school, Jake attended the renowned Humber College jazz program, in which he stood out among the crowd, landing a spot in the Studio Jazz Ensemble, which lead to performances with such iconic jazz musicians as Randy Brecker, Mike Stern and Chris Potter, among others. It was at this time that Jake expanded his palette to include baritone saxophone, and bass clarinet. After earning his bachelor’s degree in music performance, Jake began his freelance career as both a bandleader, and a sideman. Jake can frequently be heard in Toronto clubs performing with such invaluable and consistent members of the Toronto jazz scene as Bernie Senensky and Neil Swainson, who are on Jake’s debut album, recorded in May, 2013. Jake has also been performing with highly acclaimed vocalist Nikki Yanofsky, which led to the opportunity to work with the legendary Quincy Jones. Cross-generational improvised music has been a strong part of the foundation with which jazz music continues to build its mountain, and by learning from the true masters of this music, Jake Koffman is ensuring its survival.
Brianna Halweg
Ballet, Jazz & Tap Instructor
Brianna Halweg is a seasoned dance instructor with over 5 years of experience, specializing in ballet, pointe, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, and national dance styles. Currently enrolled in The National Ballet School of Canada's Teacher Training program and registered with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Brianna is dedicated to fostering creativity, technique, and confidence in her students. Known for her dynamic teaching approach, she inspires dancers of all ages to explore the artistry of dance while cultivating positive experiences and achieving excellence. With a passion for nurturing both technical proficiency and personal growth, Brianna continues to uplift the next generation of dancers on their journey toward mastery and self-discovery.
Brendan Swanson
Piano, Vocal & Drum Instructor
Brendan Swanson’s first language is piano. Born in Alberta, currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Brendan has been immersed in music since infancy. Showing an early talent for piano, he quickly progressed to RCM Grade 10 by age 12 and then studied jazz piano at 15. Since relocating to Toronto, he has graduated from the Humber College Bachelor of Applied Music program and has performed internationally and recorded with the group YAMANTAKA//SONIC TITAN which has been nominated for a Juno, twice shortlisted for the Polaris Prize and won Best Soundtrack at the Canadian Video Game Awards. His arrangement and performance work was featured on the Canadian Screen Award-Winning film, “Through Black Spruce”.
Alyssa Kryger
Ballet, Lyrical & Jazz Instructor
Alyssa is a Toronto based dance artist, originally from St. Albert, Alberta. With extensive training in ballet, contemporary, and acrobatic arts, Alyssa enjoys finding ways to blend these disciplines into both a highly physical and technical style of dance. As a 2023 graduate of the Performance Dance program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Alyssa has danced and collaborated in many virtual, film, and live performances, including works created by Aria Evans, Alyssa Martin and Rock Bottom Movement, Louis Laberge-Cote, Kunal Ranchod, and Jesse Obremski. Alyssa has also previously trained and performed alongside Alberta Ballet and Ace Dance Theatre as a Junior Ace. In 2020, Alyssa had the privilege of working in collaboration with Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schaiber, and Shamel Pitts, to create a dance film which premiered in Fall For Dance North’s International Festival (FFDN) streaming program. Additionally, in 2023, Alyssa co-produced a choreographic show, titled An Ending; A Beginning, which premiered 20 original choreographic works from emerging Toronto dance artists.
Helena Zogogiannis
Vocal, Piano & Guitar Instructor
Toronto-based artist Helena Zogogiannis is a multifaceted creative force, known for her prowess as a singer, songwriter, producer, and poet. Admitted to Humber College for jazz vocal performance in 2021, Helena's journey as an artist has only just begun to unfold. Her debut single, "quittersneverwin," released on her birthday in 2022, garnered widespread acclaim, setting the stage for her burgeoning career. With her follow-up single, "You Died," Helena showcases her versatility, channeling influences from Xiu Xiu and Big Thief to craft a heartfelt ballad that captivates with its sincerity and musical intricacy. As an independent self-taught producer and multi-instrumentalist, Helena's meticulous attention to sonic detail shines through in every aspect of her music. Looking ahead, 2023 promises to be a pivotal year for Helena, with the release of her first EP and a series of live shows with her band, No Beauty. With each new endeavor, Helena remains steadfast in her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and solidifying her place as a trailblazing voice in the folk rock scene.
Jacob Eisen
Guitar Instructor
Jacob Eisen is a Toronto based guitar player who has been focused in the jazz tradition. He was born and raised in Toronto and has played music since an early age. He has just recently graduated from Humber’s Bachelor of Music program with honours, where he had the pleasure of studying with some of Canada’s premier jazz musicians. Such as Lorn Lofsky, Trevor Giancola, Jocelyn Gould and Nathan Hiltz. He has been gaining lots of experience performing in venues across the city,. both as a sideman and as a bandleader. As part of his fi nal year in Humber’ s Bachelor of Music program, Jacob had the great pleasure of getting to record arrangements of his favourite songs as well as his own original compositions and is extremely excited to share his work.
Kurt Nielsen
Bassist & Guitar Instructor
Kurt Nielsen is a full time bassist, guitarist and music teacher with 25 years experiencein the GTA Kurt has toured/performed with Noah Reid, Banners,The Great Lake Swimmers,Paul Reddick,Amelia Curran, and Ben Caplan. Kurt has worked with impactful producers such as Chad Irschick (Stephanie Martin,Susan Aglukark) and Stephen Kozmeniuk (Madonna,Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar) and keeps busy recording commercial jingles for film and television. Kurt's performance credits include BreakfastTelevision,The Jimmy Kimmel Show, tours across Canada,USA, and the UK, Mexico and the Caribbean,and Australiaas well as performingat major festivals such as Lollapolooza,Osheaga,Way Home, Hillside Festival, and Mopop.
Robert Chapman
Guitar Instructor
Robert Chapman is a guitarist from Hamilton,Ontario. As a teen, Robert completed his Grade 8 guitar studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music and also joined the Hamilton All Star Jazz Band, which awarded him a scholarship to attend MohawkCollege’s music program. After graduating from Mohawk,he then completed his Bachelor’s of Music at Humber College in Toronto. Since graduating from school, Robert has been performing at many of Toronto’s premier jazz clubs, including The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, and The Jazz Bistro. He is also a member of the Brad Cheeseman Group, which won Montreal Jazz Festival’scoveted Grand Prix de Jazz in 2016. The band was also nominated for "Jazz Album of the Year (Solo)" at the 2018 JUNO Awards for their 2017 recording,The Tide Turns. Robert has been teaching guitar and piano lessons for over a decade. He has experienceteaching many styles of music, including rock, pop, blues, jazz, and classical. The focus of his teaching is to provide a comfortable learning environment and have lessons that are catered towards each individualstudent’s learning style and goals.
Vharay Elliott
Ballet, Lyrical & Jazz Guest Instructor
Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Vharay started dancing at age 3. She has taught, choreographed and performed across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Currently she teaches children of all ages competitive and recreational dance in Toronto and the GTA. Her intensive dance background includes: R.A.D. Ballet (advanced level), CDTA Tap (Gold Star level), jazz, lyrical, modern, acrobatics, hip-hop, voice, and musical theatre. She is also an advanced level graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts Triple Threat Program. Recent credits include: Fashion Cares Toronto (live stage performances), Much Music Video Awards Live Shows (with the American rock band “Fall Out Boy”), Choreographer for Randolph Academy’s Graduate Musical “Into The Woods”, Toronto Argonauts Cheerleading Team (as well as Argos Alumni performances), Breakfast Television live performance “A tribute to Gregory Heins”, and adjudicator for the C.I.S. Dance Fest.
