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

For over 18 years, Stephanie has taught and worked with both entertainment professionals and students of all ages and ability levels. At the young age of 14 she was the first hip hop instructor for the City of Thunder Bay, and trained throughout her teenage years in jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop.

After graduating high school she left home in pursuit of her passion. Attending various workshops, conventions, and attending programs from New York to Los Angeles, Stephanie soon landed herself a new home in Toronto and found success making appearances in videos, television, film, and theatre, and working with major companies and outlets such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Much Music, Breakfast Television, YTV and Treehouse TV. She also worked as an in-house promoter and performer with MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. She was living the dream, but her hometown was in her heart and it was calling her back.

She believes in the potential of her local dance, music and the film industry, and wants to see it grow! Stephanie’s experience fueled her to create her very own company in Thunder Bay. BOUNCE Dance Convention operated in Thunder Bay for eight successful seasons, educating young dancers in the community. It also led to the creation of Dancing in the Schools – a dance program with an innovated dance curriculum for students in grades one through twelve.

Today, Stephanie remains in Thunder Bay’s dance scene and is enthused as ever about her future. She offers private training and coaching and leads the Army of Sass Thunder Bay team (part of a Canadian heels dance program that is currently taking the country by storm)!

Army of Sass speaks to Stephanie’s passion and values, providing an outlet for women of all levels of dance to come together, gain confidence and to be a part of a community of woman that has a goal to simply inspire others.

Through DANCE Thunder Bay, Stephanie continues to work towards developing professional dance entertainment for people of all ages to enjoy in the city.

Bio coming soon

Paula has been dancing for 20 years with Experience Dance Studio covering many styles. A few include ballet, jazz, lyrical, theatre, and hip-hop.

She has had the honour to teach at Experience Dance Studio for 4 years, working with all levels and styles of dance. A year was spent training with Grant McEawn in musical theatre, taking on new skills and challenges.

Preforming has always been a huge passion of Paula’s and she has spent much of her time pursuing just that. She has been a back up singer for the past 7 years with the band Morning Light. As well, Paula has created her own band Foxxy and The Hounds to keep sharing the gift of performance.

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 World 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 and has moved to Confederation College for Business Marketing and George Brown College for Social Media Marketing courses.

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 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.

For over 30 years, Lynda DePiero has motivated and inspired participants in dance, fitness and pilates.   Studying ballet, tap and jazz in her early years sparked the passion to teach and perform.   To this day she directs, choreographs and performs with her two adult performing dance groups “The Celtic Rythmns” and “Sassy Senior Dancers”.

Certified with ACE (The American Council on Exercise), Lynda specializes in senior and older adult programs.   Introduced to the discipline of pilates 20 years ago, Lynda initially practiced these precision exercises to improve her own posture, flexibility and balance.   Pilates transformed her body & body awareness, increased her strength and endurance as well as prevented injuries.   Certified with Stott Pilates and the Pilates Process, Lynda shares her experience and knowledge to clients of all ages and abilities.   She specializes in mat and reformer classes designing programs to fit individual needs from beginner to advanced levels.   Educated in Zenga, Core, Vinyasa, Halo Training and Therapeutic Pilates to address that extra edge to keep the clients’ muscles guessing and inspired. She currently teaching at Ross Pilates and also works with privates and semi-privates.

Lynda attributes her longevity in teaching success to being born a “Leo” and the love and support from her family.

She is excited to be part of the Army of Sass team in helping them with many behind the scene details!

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 dress up. 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 dance group by the name of Army of Sass-Thunder Bay via Social Media. She went to a Army of Sass Stage Performance and was instantly mesmerized by the dancing and music. She registered 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 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. In a short year 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 at home mom” to a confident woman whom is proud to be apart of Army of Sass Thunder Bay and has recently became a Certified Travel Consultant.
From the dance studio to the living room or office, if a song is on, you know Lisa-Marie is tapping her feet and grooving to the tune.