Our Philosophy

To create an environment where dancers can grow as performers & technicians, as well as increase their self-esteem, discipline, and take pride in their accomplishments. We strive not just to teach dance but aim to teach young adults to be responsible and better their time management skills. These skills are most important for entering adult life. We value the process, not just the award at the end, and we encourage our dancers to appreciate all accomplishments, no matter how small, and learn to respect others and themselves.

The Team

Total Danceworx features a talented and diverse mix of instructors, all with a shared passion and energy for dance and the arts..

Brittany Carter

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

With a lifelong passion for dance, Brittany has dedicated her life to mentoring through the art of dance. She has been sharing her passion and knowledge for over 15 years.

Brittany has trained under the direction of the notable choreographer Vlad Novitski. She has been trained in Vaganova, earned an A.D.A.P.T Certification, and serves as a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Brittany has choreographed for High School and University Dance teams, leading Summer Dance Camps, and instructing classes and workshops. Her choreography has won numerous awards, and her dancers have been recognized for their strong performance and strong technique.

Brittany creates an environment where her dancers learn to grow as a performer and technician. No matter what dance is for your dancer, Brittany enourages dance as an outlet to express themselves. Through the competitive program, she prepares dancers form their next step. However, Brittany’s most rewarding accomplishments are represented by her students. The process of training,creating and seeing her students grow each season is what makes her job rewarding. Many of her students have gone on work with Norweigan Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Toronto’s International Ballet Theatre, and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Sasha Litvak

BALLET DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Sasha began training at the Academy of Pyatnetsky and Young Dancer’s Studio at the age of 5. After moving to Canada, Sasha was awarded a scholarship to Randolph School of the Performing Arts, he then went on to train at Vlad’s Dance Company and Derosier’s Dance Theatre before beginning his professional career working with the renowned Moiseyev Dance Company. Sasha has performed in many production Dance shows, including the Ontario Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” and many movies, music videos, award shows, corporate promotions, and industrials throughout Canada.

Sasha has been an instructor in the GTA for the past ten years, an experienced and sought-after instructor whose students have earned countless awards and National Dance Titles.

Megann McCandless

INSTRUCTOR

Megann McCandless started dancing at the age of 5 in all genres of dance; Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip-hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Acro. Megann has a strong dance background, her attention to detail when teaching is inspiring. 

Megann found a new love for the stage when she was cast as the Small Swing in the Toronto run of Billy Elliot the Musical at age 10. She was trusted to learn 5 different rolls and to be prepared to step in at any given time.

Megann has had many amazing opportunities to learn from many amazing teachers and choreographers such as: Tokyo, Ryan Foley, Andrew Prashad, Debbie Wilson, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, Ade Obayomi, as well as Brittany Carter, Trisha Carlton and Sasha Litvak who she now has the privilege to call colleagues.

Megann has been a teachers assistant since the age of 11 and began her teaching career as soon as she graduated teaching all ages and all levels. Megann looks forward to sharing her love of dance and performing with young dancers in the years to come.

Ben Armsworthy

INSTRUCTOR

Ben was a former Registered Behaviour Technician working with kids that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. From working as an RBT he’s able to take skills learned from this job and apply it to the classes he teaches, making his classes more inclusive and effective for dancers of all ages and skill levels.

Ben Armsworthy is a passionate and talented dancer and choreographer emerging in the Durham Region. Training as a competitive dancer at TJ’s Dance Troop (now known as Total Danceworx), under the direction of Trisha Carlton and Brittany Carter, Ben was inspired to continue his dance education in the Dance Performance Diploma Program at Centennial College. With the guidance of dance professor and director, Celestine Eagle, Ben’s passion to pursue a career as a professional performer and teacher grew.  While attending Centennial’s dance program, Ben got to work with choreographers such as, Jami Lynne Harper, Leah Totten, Nina Strazzula, and Drew Berry (to name a few). As an innovative artist, Ben is always looking to push new boundaries in his movement and choreography. He is very hard-working, putting his heart and soul into everything he does.

Travi Santos

INSTRUCTOR

Travi, is a dancer with 15 years of experience in the art form. He has trained in Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary and more, making him a versatile dancer. From 2019 to 2022 Travi showcased his talent as a member of the Raptors Lil’ Balla’s dance team performing in more than 16 Toronto Raptors games per season. His Hip Hop technique has been showcased in promotional videos for the convention For The Culture, as well as being an assistant in various Hip Hop classes. 

In 2022, Travi’s talent earned him a place in the Top 20 Teen Male at The Dance Awards in Orlando, as well as being recognized by many Break The Floor staff in his classes at every convention he has attended. Travi had the opportunity to work alongside Choreographer Danny Lawn to perform in the Dance Awards Closing Show. During these conventions Travi has been able to learn from some of the biggest names in Hip Hop such as Randi Kemper and Hef Tuita, Nika Kljun, Kenny Wormald and Phil Wright. All of them have praised him for working so hard in all his classes and have encouraged him to continue his passion for Hip Hop. Travi has been awarded 4 Weekend Warrior’s at his conventions by these teachers. Travi has worked with various choreographers such as Blake Mcgrath, Will Loftis, Nick Young, Teddy Florence and many more at various dance conventions. In 2020 Travi was selected to be an ambassador for Breaking Bounds dance competition which allowed him to take part in photo and video shoots for their promotion. He has performed on tour with Mini Pop Kids as a backup dancer under the direction of Faith Jade and Leah Totten. Outside of dance Travi has also had several opportunities to take part in background work in movies and T.V. shows over the last year. 

Travi is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and passion to the upcoming generation of young dancers.

Lexy Curran

INSTRUCTOR

Lexy is a professional dance artist based in Toronto. After graduating from Total Danceworx in 2022, Lexy went on to train at Intrepid Dance Company, a professional dance company under the direction of Mitchell Jackson. 

At Intrepid, she spent 2 years learning from the best in the industry, such as Linda Garneau, Derek Piquette, Lindsay Leuschner, Jac Valiquette, Alisha Lucchese, Derick Robinson, and more. There, she learnt a lot and is able to apply what she learnt to her teaching career.

Lexy has danced in Rêve Saturn Return Tour, On The Floor SickKids Gala, Raptors 905 halftime, CanFar Fundraiser Gala, Shawn Desman, Fever After Dark, multiple concept videos, and more.

 

Lexy has had the passion for teaching since she was young and was given the opportunity to be an assistant teacher at Total Danceworx. As a teacher, her goal is to create a positive environment while pushing students to their fullest potential.

Guest Faculty/Choreographers

Jordana Cohen

GUEST INSTRUCTOR