Melinda Garvie

CEO, Artistic Director, Dance Instructor

Melinda was born in Toronto, Ontario where she started dancing at the young age of 3. Beginning her classes in ballet and tap, she later expanded into all styles of dance and was asked to join the competitive program at 6 years old.

As a competitor, Melinda won numerous overall and top mark awards including the prestigious Sr. Miss Vaughan award. She was invited to the summer intensive program in L.A. as well as to compete alongside the top dancers in Spain. She performed hip-hop and jazz with the Dance Company in Toronto and was a member of the Bringing Tap Back Company for many years. Melinda considers her greatest achievement completing her RAD Advanced Foundation Ballet Exam with Honours.

Melinda continued her knowledge and passion by studying under artists including Sean Byfield, Shanna Cipressi, Shannon Mather and Everett Smith. Melinda has received her Teacher certification through the Acrobatic Arts program and is recognized as a qualified Module One acrobatic dance teacher. She also attended the Dance Teacher Summit in New York City in 2014 to further her knowledge and ability as a teacher.

As an award winning choreographer Melinda attends many workshops throughout the year to continue her education through all styles of dance. Melinda’s choreography has received overalls and special awards for groups, duets and solos. Melinda has spent the last few years sharing her love and passion for dance with students across the GTA and is excited to bring her unique style and philosophy of dance to her new home at Ambition Performing Arts Centre.

As a professional in the arts, Melinda understands the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve your dreams but believes that the root of success is based in the enjoyment and love for the art. Melinda instills confidence, focus, pride and perseverance in her students and helps them realize their individual goals. Dance is a part of who she is, not just something she does and she cannot wait to help harvest and mold the minds of the next generation of dancers.