Michelle Hillier, B.A., B.Ed.

President and Creative Director

Michelle's been in love with dance and movement for over 30 years. Trained in jazz, hip hop, ballet, and tap from a young age, she soon started dancing professionally and performed on various stages - Drayton Entertainment, Paramount Canada's Wonderland and aboard the Norwegian Star while sailing across the Caribbean. During this time, she earned her B.A. and Bachelor of Education degrees and worked as a secondary school dance and drama teacher, sharing her passion for the arts with students in the Peel District School Board before opening fit2dance inc.

Michelle's love of fitness and dance led to her certification as a fitness instructor. She has been teaching for over 14 years in various fitness studios, gyms, festivals, and as a workshop presenter for numerous conferences across Ontario.

Qualifications

• Honours Bachelor of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Bachelor of Education, OISE/University of Toronto
• Dance Education Specialist, York University
• Fitness Instructor Specialist, Can-Fit-Pro
• Body Combat, Body Jam Instructor, Goodlife Fitness
• CDTA elementary exams in ballet, jazz, and tap
• Adult Education Course, Centennial College
• Current CPR and First Aid certification

Performance Highlights

• Norwegian Cruise Lines, dancer/singer
• Drayton Entertainment, lead performer/dancer
• Paramount Canada's Wonderland, dancer
• Theatre Aquarius, dancer/singer
• Waterloo Stage Theatre, lead performer/dancer

Presentation Highlights

• Peel School Board HPE Conference 2008 Presenter  
• OPHEA Kids Health Conference 2008 Presenter 
• PULSE Ontario Youth Dance Conference 08' Presenter 
• York University AQ courses guest instructor
• Centennial College adult dance program instructor
• DanceFest ajudicator and workshop presenter
• George Brown College Theatre program guest teacher
• Ontario Society for Education through Art workshop
• Literacy and Beyond Conference workshop presenter
• Arts Alive Conference workshop presenter
• Mississauga Parks and Recreation presenter
• YMCA workshop presenter for fitness professionals
• Peel, Toronto, Halton, Windsor-Essex, and Durham school boards guest teacher
• Various university fitness programs guest artist
• Group fitness programs at Bally's, Family Fitness, Sports Clubs of Canada, Premier Fitness

 * Up-to-date Criminal Record Check completed

"The Adult Dance Grooves are really paying off for my ego. At a work function I was dancing and used some of the 'moves' you taught in class, and lasted for three hours!  All the young people on the staff were so impressed with the 'moves.' and stamina they commented I how fabulous I was! Thank you!"

M.Arbulu, Adult Dance Participant  

 " After 2 weeks into Boot Camp, I am now able to fit into a dress that I couldn't zip up.  This is progress!!!You are fantastic and very motivating!!  I can't fathom how anybody can be so "up" at 6:15 am. I appreciate that you allow us to go at our own pace.  am feeling much more energetic and motivated in my daily life."

B. Picariello, Boot Camp Participant

"I am loving this class!  I NEVER thought that I would enjoy getting up that early to work out, let alone LOVE the work out. This class has taught me a lot about myself, and one of them is that now I know why I've never liked going to the gym. You are motivating, the pace is great, things keep moving, I love not using equipment. I'm seeing change in myself, more physical strength, and more mental strength.

S. Parisotto, Boot Camp Participant

 "Michelle is a talented, top notch instructor. Her classes are fun and energetic and always exciting! I've seen all ages participate and everyone wants to know when she is coming back - don't miss out!!"

Liz Wyatt, Adult Fitness Coordinator, YMCA 

"Having taught girls phys.ed. for over 10 years, one of the biggest challenges is getting them moving while having fun - when Michelle comes in to instruct she makes it look easy. Her way of motivating them is incredible - students beg to have her back and she is by far their favourite guest instructor every year!

Bonnie Adams, Physical & Health Education Teacher, Peel District School Board 

"Having Michelle come to our school made a great start to the day. She is very creative and energetic, and teaches moves everyone can follow!"

Grade 7 student, Lincoln Heights PS