For Stephanie DePiero, as soon as she could walk, she could dance, and has been dancing ever since.

As a teenager, Steph trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop and after graduating high school, she left home in pursuit of her passion. Traveling anywhere she could get to, Steph danced at various workshops, conventions, attending intensive programs in New York and Los Angeles. Soon landing herself a new home in Toronto where she was able to make her papa extra proud by working with MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club for several seasons promoting and performing during all at home games.

Stephanie believes in the potential of a thriving entertainment scene here in Thunder Bays, through its own growing dance, music, and film blazers, and she wants to see it grow!

Her own experiences have fueled her to create her very own Thunder Bay dance companies. She leads the Army of Sass Thunder Bay team (part of a North American heels dance program that is currently taking the country by storm)! This outlet of dance speaks to Stephanie’s passion and values, providing an outlet for dancers of all levels to come together, gain confidence and to be a part of a community of dancers that has a goal to simply inspire others to dance and have fun!

Steph is also the director of DANCE Thunder Bay, which offers private training, industry coaching, off-site entertainment services, and seasonal workshop classes with dance professionals wanting to that help in the development of young dancers.

Emma Dubinsky started dancing with Dance Dynamics Studio in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is currently a performing artist and pursuing her dreams of being a professional dancer.

Emma has completed up to the pre-advanced jazz in her ADAPT examinations, and 9levels in tap and ballet, as well as the ADAPT teachers-revision course in Ottawa. After one year of post-secondary education at York University studying Psychology, Emma continued attending many master dance classes in Toronto, and soon after was accepted into the Commercial Dance Studies program at George Brown College. At George Brown, she trained in jazz, hip hop, ballet, modern, musical theatre, vocal, and acting. Emma trained for years with a heels company called Sensual Heeling under Kaela Faloon.

She has many stage performance experiences performing with companies such as such as the Ballet Jörgen in the Nutcracker, Hairspray with St. Ignatius High School, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pan America Games Opening Ceremony with Cirque Du Soleil, the 6th Annual HUM Awards, the Canadian Dance Awards launch, Creativiva, The MAS Fest, Makeup Forever, performing backup for vocalists and DJs at music festivals, Army of Sass Toronto, Nuit Blanche, Seneca Pulse Casino Grand Opening in New York and more.

Emma also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing. Emma taught heels classes for Army of Sass Etobicoke, Army of Sass Peel, her own hip hop classes at The Pink Studio Toronto and other drop in classes in Toronto. As well, she choreographed a music video for an up and coming Toronto artist. Emma is the creator of Here & Now,  a local showcase in Thunder Bay that is a charity fundraiser featuring all local performers including dancers, singers, musicians and actors.  She is also the co-creator of Next LevelWorkshop which inspires young dancers and gives them insight into being a professional. She has taught in studios and choreographed for numerous competition numbers in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, musical theatre and acro.

Starting at a young age Maddy Bou has always had a lover for the stage and performing. First starting out at the age of 7 years old performing with Cambrian Players. And their One act play festival in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. From there, a few movie roles with the local college film and broadcasting program as an extra.

 Maddy has done numerous productions with Frankly Scarlett Productions. On stage, and backstage as well stage managing.

Maddys love of dancing begin at the age of 17 with Burlesque classes. At the age of 18 she joined a local burlesque troupe; Les Coquette Rouge. She has been an on going member for 5+ years.

This is Maddy’s fourth year with Army of sass Thunder Bay. Having completed teachers training in the summer of 2019, she extremely excited to bring all of her knowledge to the Thunder Bay Army of Sass team.

At the age of 8, Nicole entered the dance world. She took classes both recreational and competitive at local dance studios Spirit of Dance as well as International Dance Academy. Nicole developed a love for hip-hop, jazz, and musical theatre.

Over the years, Nicole had the opportunity to perform and compete both locally and out of town. Nicole’s love of music also translates into a passion for singing and vocal training. Seeking an outlet that combined her love of dance with her vocal talent, Nicole joined BOUNCE Productions. She took part in many classes and local productions with BOUNCE including BOUNCE Senior Year: The Concert.

Through her training in dance and singing Nicole was able to develop her technique as well as her confidence on stage! Nicole is incredibly excited to be a part of Army of Sass Thunder Bay! She looks forward to continuing her training in the heels style. Nicole can’t wait to help empower and encourage other women to pursue their passion for dance!

Kassandra joined the dance world at the age of 4. She has danced at local studios Fay Gleeson and Spirit of Dance training in styles such as Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Ballet and many more. She traveled for dance competitions and performances. Her favourite being Dance the Walt Disney Parade in Orlando Florida.

She took a break from dance to focus on her education. Kassandra has graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Confederation College with a Business Marketing Diploma and George Brown College with a Digital Marketing Diploma.

She knew that she was missing something in her life and that’s when she came to us. Army of Sass fit well with her love for other people and passion for dance. She has since then taken ballet classes to continue to strengthen her dance training and skill.

She loves making new friends from the program and being on stage is her favourite place. Kassandra is excited to see Army of Sass grow and looks forward to improving her dance skills in heels!

Shannon was born and raised in Thunder Bay and lives with her husband and dog Finn. She joined AOS in the winter of 2017 at the age of 36, having never danced before in her life, proving you are never to old to follow your dreams!

Shortly after joining, she took on the role of Fundraising and Event coordinator. In this role, she books events on behalf of AOS Thunder Bay, organizes community outreach and volunteer opportunities, and manages the fundraising aspect of our stage shows.

Shannon is very passionate about giving back to the community and is proud to be able to carry that enthusiasm over from her professional life to her involvement with AOS.

Lisa-Marie was born and raised in Thunder Bay. She was a happy go lucky little girl with so
many dreams and aspirations.

Throughout her life, Lisa-Marie has been driven by her imagination and creativity towards
the arts. Particularly to music, dance and theatre. She loved to perform in front of a mirror
and often for others.

In the meantime, life happened; and in the midst of being a busy stay at home wife and mom
of boys for nearly 9 years, Lisa-Marie got lost in what she really wanted in life.

Lisa-Marie decided that it was time to embark on something for herself! She was drawn to a
heels dance group by the name of Army of Sass-Thunder Bay via Social Media. She went to
an Army of Sass Stage Performance and was instantly mesmerized by the dancing and
music. She registered for the Winter 2017 Session during intermission and remembers how
incredibly nervous she felt not knowing what she was signing up for. Lisa-Marie then
attended her first few Sass Classes and immediately felt a sense of belonging and
fellowship.

With no previous dance training, Lisa-Marie’s determination has been to strive towards small
dance goals and work within what Army of Sass embodies. Just within a few years, she has
gained confidence, developed mental and physical strength along with meeting like minded
individuals whom all inspire and build each other up. Dancing has opened up the opportunity
for Lisa-Marie to step onto a stage and perform in front of a live audience of which was a
great sense of accomplishment for her. Army of Sass has also given Lisa-Marie the chance
to be involved in her community through volunteer programs and community events held
throughout the year.

Today Lisa-Marie has emerged from being “just a stay home mom” to a confident woman
whom is proud to be apart of Army of Sass-Thunder Bay. She has thus far performed in 8
Army of Sass Productions and is training at the Corporal Level.
From the dance studio to the living room or car, if a song is on, you know Lisa-Marie is
tapping her feet and grooving to the tune.

Hannah was born and raised in Thunder Bay and has a passion for being involved in her community. She is currently in her fourth year of a double major in Women’s Studies and Political Science at Lakehead University. Given her motivation for empowerment, building confidence and dance, Army of Sass was a natural fit. 

Having never danced before, stepping into a sass class for the first time was invigorating, exciting, and a little nerve-wracking! Hannah has always loved theatre and performance and is happy that she can express this love with Army of Sass. She is very thankful for her dear friend who encouraged her to try her first class, as joining this powerful community has allowed her to grow in and out of the studio.

The creative outlet that dance provides has given her the opportunity to build self-esteem and body positivity, all the while being, unconditionally supported by a wonderful team and group of dancers.

Hannah loves to share her passion for Army of Sass and is looking forward to continuing her journey through heels dance.