Born and raised in the small town of Ayr, Ontario, Nicole began her dancing career at the age of 3 in Paris, Ontario.  And throughout the last 23 years, Nicole travelled wherever her love for dance took her, from Burlington to Kitchener and ended her competitive career where she started, in Paris, Ontario.

Over the years, Nicole gained experience and completed exams both in Russian and RAD Ballet.  Since the age of 10, Nicole trained intensively under the professional hand of Miss Paula Morgan of L.A, who has developed and created her own technique that assists dancers in strength development and posture alignment.  Nicole has attended many workshops and training classes to improve her passion for dance and along with that she has travelled to New York City where she took intensive training classes at Steps on Broadway, has also travelled and performed with the world-renowned Carnival Cruise Lines and has performed with the Toronto Raptor’s at half-time.

In 2015, Nicole received the Young Choreographers Award at the age of 17, receiving numerous scores of 95+ with routines choreographed by her. Since this first choreography recognition, Nicole’s choreography and students have competed and been recognized at numerous national competitions, achieving many titles, special awards, and scholarships.  Nicole’s students have attended The Dance Awards in Orlando, Florida and in Las Vegas, where they have been selected to compete for the title of Best Dancer 2019 and have placed in the Top 10 dancers.  Nicole’s students have also been invited to exciting opportunities such as Stacey Tookey’s Camp Protégé and have received numerous scholarships for Dancer Palooza conventions with pieces choreographed by Nicole. Currently, Nicole gives her time teaching and instructing intensive workshops with numerous studios within the KW region and GTA.

Beyond the competition realm, Nicole’s choreography has been featured in many different professional showcases. Nicole has choreographed in London’s 2019 Fringe Festival show “Say Nothing” and has begun choreography for her own professionally produced show “Inhale” coming August 2022.  

Nicole is a fully certified ADAPT teacher under Mr. & Mrs. Foley, she is also a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance run by Mr. Scott Kufske and is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructor. Along with these certifications, Nicole is also the proud Creative Director and co-owner of Breaking Boundaries Movement and is the Director of NLC Dance Company.

Ballet Director

Nicole Bachellier has studied dance for over 50 years and has been teaching Classical Ballet, Modern Jazz(Luigi) Lyrical, Contemporary,Modern, National Folk,Character,Natural Movement and Tap for 35+ years. 

Nicole also specializes in Pilates, Floor Barre and Body Conditioning/Stretch and Strength classes and has devoted considerable time to injury prevention, and physical rehabilitation.

Nicole has been a fully registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for 30 years, holding both the Teachers Certificate, and the Teaching Diploma (Distinction on the Vocational Grades specialization). Nicole holds the Dance History Diploma obtained through the RAD andYork University, and the Anatomy Diploma obtained through the RAD and Waterloo University in addition to Music Theory and Child Development. Nicole has also been a tutor and mentor for the RAD, assisting teacher trainees enrolled in the CBTS degree programs. Nicole is also well versed in the ISTD Imperial Ballet, ISTD Cecchetti ballet and the Russian Vaganova training methods.

Nicole has trained with many highly acclaimed teachers and international examiners in all disciplines and has successfully entered students into RAD/ISTD examinations. Her students have been accepted into various post secondary institutions and has been teaching, choreographing for competitions (winning overalls, special awards and choreography awards)as well as creating story ballets for her students for over 30 years and many of these dancers have also gone on to pursue successful teaching careers.

Nicole has owned and operated two very successful dance academies over the last 25 years and now operates a home studio as well as freelancing and guest teaching at various studios in Southern Ontario.

Competitive Instructor

Erika McMillan is an award-winning instructor and choreographer best known for her leading-edge concepts. She was the Owner and Artistic Director of The Movement Dance Company in Guelph, Ontario, where she has propelled her studio to win many top honours including "Overall Studio of the Weekend", "Top Choreography" and "National Title Qualifier". Erika has also had students successfully accepted into The National Ballet of Canada, Quinte School of Ballet, The Ballet Jorgen and the Ballet Jorgen's "Nutcracker".

Erika has been a part of the dance industry for over 30 years, beginning her training at the young age of two, and dancing competitively for 12 years. She has extensive training in jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, musical theatre, ballet, lyrical and contemporary, and completed exams with B.A.T.D in both tap and jazz. Erika is well known as an emerging choreographer, instructor and adjudicator, and has choreographed for Disney World's Magic Music Days, The Hamilton Ticats Halftime Show and countless community events and productions across Ontario. As well as being a passionate choreography and educator, she is an experienced performer on stage and television. Favourites include the American Bowl Halftime Show, Toronto's Breakfast Television and Motus O Dance Company's "A Mid-Summer's Night Dream".

After completing her Honours Degree in Political Science and Post-Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications, Erika worked on Season 3 of CTV's So You Think You Can Dance Canada, facilitating media relations, dancer media training and season photo shoots. Further excelling her dance education, Erika is a proud, certified member with Dance Masters of America and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.

Erika is consistently inspired by her role as a choreographer, dance educator and adjudicator, and continues her own training by attending a variety of workshops and conventions across North America. Erika is known for her raw and emotional approach to teaching and has used her experience and connection with her students to help guide them to win top honours of their own. Erika is proud to be a part of the ever-growing dance community, and strives to inspire and encourage young dancers to reach their full and endless potential.

Recreational & Competitive Instructor

From the very beginning, at 3 years old, stepping into her first baby ballet class ever, Marissa fell instantly in love with dance. She was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario and started her dance career at a local community centre.

From her first competitive solo ever, age 7, she knew she belonged on a stage performing. Over the years, Marissa gained experience and completed exams in RAD Ballet, received numerous achievements, awards and scholarships. Marissa always jumps at every opportunity she gets to dance and has been featured in 2 professional shows - both directed by Owner Nicole Clinton. Marissa has trained vigorously in a variety of disciplines from ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, acro, contemporary and hip-hop. 

Today, Marissa is continuing her competitive dance career with NLC, is a company dancer, and assists classes whenever possible. She is a strong believer in providing a safe space for dancers to come create, experiment and develop their artistry, as well as having fun. Marissa is beyond excited to continue to follow her dreams and can't wait to see what the upcoming years in her dance career have in store for her. 

Recreational Instructor

Hope began dancing at the age of 3. During her years as a dancer, Hope trained in many styles including: Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Hip-Hop! Hope gained experience and completed exams in both Russian and RAD Ballet Syllabus’. At the age of 7, Hope began travelling to compete at several different dance competitions and trained at various workshops. Throughout her dance career, she travelled to New York City where she took training classes at Steps on Broadway. Hope also travelled and performed with Carnival Cruise Lines and has performed with the Toronto Raptors at half-time. In 2014, Hope performed at the local St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in the Drayton Entertainment Musical “Footloose”. 

Hope’s love for teaching began at the age of 14 while assisting her first dance class. Since this time, she has taught recreational dancers in her hometown of Wellesley, Ontario where she was able to share her love and passion for dance with her students. 

In 2021, Hope completed the nursing program and started working as a Registered Practical Nurse. Hope enjoys the passion and freedom that dance provides her and she aims to share this passion with her students while helping them to grow in a comforting and encouraging environment. Hope is beyond excited to continue her teaching career with NLC Dance Company! 

Recreational Instructor

Mattie started dancing at age 3 and danced competitively from age 5 until she graduated high school. She has trained and competed in many genres including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, acro, pointe, and musical theater. While competing she participated in a variety of conventions including VIP Dance Events hosted by Blake McGrath, The Audition Factory with Amy Wright, and Battle of the Next Generation to further her training. 

She continued to share her love for dance in teaching intermediate/advanced jazz and contemporary classes for the University of Guelph and choreographing routines for university level competitions. In addition, she was lead of the U of G dance program. Her leadership fostered a program that allowed dancers to discover or reignite their own passions for dance throughout their university experience.

Mattie has performed in and choreographed performances for the Enchanted Masquerade Fashion Show presented by Guelph Gryphons and One Tooth Activewear Guelph in 2018 & 2019, supporting She’s Got Game, an initiative to raise funds for female athletic scholarships at the University of Guelph. She has also danced for the Guelph Nighthawks, a CEBL professional basketball team, as a member of the Flight Crew.

Mattie’s favourite place to be is in a dance studio. She is so excited to be a part of the NLC team to support, encourage, and provide a safe space for individuals to spark a love for dance the same way that the instructors and choreographers she has worked with did for her.

Recreational Instructor

Entering her first jazz class at four years old, Maya knew she belonged on stage. Throughout her dance career, Maya’s passion for entertaining has grown stronger, inspiring younger dancers to follow in her footsteps. 

Throughout her years, Maya has received numerous judges choice, overall, and special awards, as well as completing several RAD Ballet exams. 

Trained at a young age by director Nicole Clinton-Schumacher, Maya trains in a variety of disciplines, including lyrical, jazz, acro, ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Her passion for hard work, self-improvement, and positive sportsmanship has allowed her to flourish, understanding the importance of a positive, uplifting dance environment. 

In the fall, Maya will begin studying Criminology at Laurier Brantford. Maya will continue her competitive dance career in university, aspiring to join Laurier’s dance team. 

Maya strongly believes in creating an environment where dancers feel included, accepted, welcomed, and part of a team. She loves witnessing her dancers blossom and evolve, as they further develop their passion for the art. Maya is beyond excited to continue her love for dance, as she inspires the next generation of dancers and performers. 

Recreational & Competitive Instructor

From choreographing her own dance performances for her family to joining her first competitive dance team, and presently dancing with her new NLC family; Elizabeth has fallen in love with the art of dance. 

She is beyond thrilled to continue pursuing her passion through inspiring other young dancers. Although Elizabeth has only been dancing for 6 years now, she is a strong believer that it’s never too late to immerse yourself in the world of dance. Throughout her years dancing, she has learned the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for dancers to experiment, grow, and fall in love with the art form as she has. Elizabeth has trained in a plethora of disciplines including ballet, modern, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, acro and hip hop.