For Stephanie DePiero, as soon as she could walk she could dance! As a teenager, Stephanie trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop. After graduating high school she continued her training through intensives and workshops in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Soon landing herself a new home in Toronto, where she performed with a variety of production entertainment companies and live music festivals. She worked with for several seasons with MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club as an in-house performer during all at home games. Stephanie also worked as a dance instructor at various private high schools around the GTA and City Dance Corps.

Stephanie believes in the potential of the thriving entertainment scene in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She now lives back home and loves working full time as a dancer and choreographer. Her own experiences have fueled her to be a leader with Army of Sass Thunder Bay team (a North American heels dance program that is currently taking many cities by storm)! This outlet of dance speaks to Stephanie’s passion and values, providing an outlet for all genders to come together, gain confidence and be a part of a community of dancers whos goal is to inspire others!

Steph is also the creator and director of The Dance Room, which offers studio rentals for private training, special workshops, and industry coaching from dance professionals who are invested in the growth and development of 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.

Sergeant Victoria was first thrown into a ballet class at the age of three. As an energetic child, her mom hoped it would give her a place to let her energy out! She has trained and danced competitively in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and Hip Hop until the age of 11. She continued to dance through high school, mainly focusing on contemporary, modern, jazz, and hip hop. She began choreographing contemporary and hip hop pieces at the age of 15.

When Victoria moved to Thunder Bay for University, she found Army of Sass while searching for dance classes online. After attending her first class, she was hooked and knew she wanted to be a part of the Army of Sass Family. She attended teacher training to become a Sergeant in June 2019, and has not looked back since.

Victoria prefers to teach high energy booty focused classes, that will get her students sweating and moving! She loves seeing the beginner students progress and become more confident in themselves in classes! She is excited to teach, and get her students in touch with their bootylicious selves.

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!

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.