Artists
BEST OF THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY
MELISSA BARLOW
Melissa Barlow is an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer from Los Angeles, known for her explosive style and unmatched stage presence. Her work has been featured in music videos and live performances with global icons like J Balvin, Tyga, Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, and Lil Baby. Signed with Bloc Talent, Melissa has lit up world stages and major productions, bringing her signature energy and precision to every performance. She’s also the creator of “Baddie Language,” a choreographic movement rooted in confidence and authentic female power. Now, for the first time, Melissa brings her talent to the Montreal Heels Festival. This is your chance to train with a true industry powerhouse, don’t miss it!
HECTOR INVICTUS LOPEZ
Hector Lopez, a native Bronxite, graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Theater Studies in 2012. It was there that he began dancing, pursuing it as his career shortly after his graduation. Since then Hector has worked as a professional dancer under the choreographic direction of Yanis Marshall, Kyle Hanagami, Ashle Dawson, Luam Keflezgy, Ramon Baynes, and Yvonne Marie-Sain . His credits to date include artists such as Halsey, Prince Royce, Pabllo Vittar, and Todrick Hall as well as industrial work with Samsung, Adidas, and Moncler. With the guidance of his mentors Hector has been able to transition into teaching. Over the past three years Hector has established himself as an educator in Street Jazz, Jazz Funk, and more specifically Heels Technique.
NANCY MARTEL
Former figure skating champion, At the age of 28, she redirected her sporting career towards dance; Heels, advertising, Burlesque, Hip hop, she specializes as artistic director of drag queen shows where she has the chance to perform on several stages from Canada to the United States. She has performed and directed shows such as Quebec, Montreal and Chicago Pride, the influencer gala, Dance World Cup Canada Showcase as well as several music videos. She has been perfecting heels for over 8 years now from L.A to Montreal, she has followed training with; Jessica Castro, Cisco, Marissa Hart, Jessica Cummings, Kaela Faloon, Kiana Smith, Brinn Nicole and many more. His style is extravagant which highlights performance and self-confidence
NINA LI
Nina is a professional dancer and dance teacher based in Toronto, Canada. She started dancing competitively at the age of 4, training extensively in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Contemporary growing up, and found her love for commercial styles in her adulthood. She has since then performed for Snoop Dogg, the Juno Awards, and various other brands and artists in addition to various jobs in music videos, TV, and live performances. Nina has taught for heels workshops and conventions in the UK, Dublin, France and Netherlands so far and can’t wait to continue meeting different international heels communities!!
LAUREN KEATING OF UNDERDOG
The Underdog Dance Corp. is Waterloo's first beginner-focused adult dance studio for those who "never thought they would"! If you have two left feet - we want you! We are here to meet you where you're at and help you discover a love for dance and movement. We are often described as Waterloo's most inclusive, encouraging, and friendly space, as well as a "second home" for many of our students. Our studio values are safety, inclusivity, and respect. Lauren Keating (Underdog) Born and raised in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Lauren leads the Heels and Chair Dancing programs at the Underdog Dance Corp. Lauren’s passion for Heels and Chair Dancing sparked in university when she took her first Heels class, “It was my first time experiencing an environment where I wasn’t only permitted to embrace my sexier side, but was encouraged to embrace my femininity as a source of strength, creativity and power. Ever since, I’ve been addicted to creating this same atmosphere for dancers of all experience levels.”
KSENIA KONDRATOVA SCHOOL OF MODERN DANCE
Ksenia is a talented choreographer and dance teacher with over a decade of experience in the field. She studied in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she developed a deep passion for dance. For the past six years, she has been sharing her expertise at the School of Modern Dance in Ottawa. Specializing in street styles, femme choreography, and heels, Ksenia brings a unique energy and creativity to her classes. Her commitment to her students is evident as she fosters an inclusive and inspiring environment for dancers of all levels. Ksenia loves her profession and is dedicated to continuous growth and development in her craft. She believes that dance is not just a form of expression but also a powerful tool for building confidence and community among dancers. With her extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm, Ksenia continues to make a significant impact in the dance world.
MONTREAL TWERK
Gabriela discovered twerk in 2016 and fell in love with the dance style right away! She founded her company Montreal Twerk shortly after and has since been sharing her passion with women all over Montreal. Her mission was to create a safe space and a judgment-free environment for women to connect with their bodies and explore their femininity! Her classes are an awesome mix between dancing and fitness, that will make you work out your whole body and particularly your legs and core. You will learn to move your hips and enjoy yourself to the sound of different music styles, such as hip hop, rap, dancehall, reggaeton and more.
RACHEL ROMANOSKI
Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Rachel Romanoski is a multifaceted Canadian artist proficient in acting, singing, dancing, choreography, and modeling. With a B.A in Performance Arts, she has showcased her talents across Ontario cities such as Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and Mississauga, as well as a guest artist for the 2nd Edition of the Montreal Heels Festival. Trained since age five, Rachel's expertise spans dance forms like Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and more. Not only has she led Performing Art Seminars and global workshops, but she's also competed internationally, notably at World Of Dance. She's worked with artists like Reet Roy, Kaela Faloon, and Lauren Lyn, including international stars Nessa Preppy and Cocanina. Rachel passionately nurtures her students to foster confidence and self-expression. Dedicated to inspiring others, she eagerly shares her knowledge and zeal with those on similar artistic journeys.