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 is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring young artists through movement. Her commitment to excellence and artistry is at the heart of everything she brings to the studio.

Brittany received her training under the esteemed choreographer Vlad Novitski and is classically trained in the Vaganova method. She holds an A.D.A.P.T. certification and is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Her experience spans choreographing for high school and university dance teams, leading summer intensives, and teaching classes and workshops across a wide range of styles.

Her choreography has earned numerous awards, and her students are consistently recognized for both technical precision and compelling performance. Brittany fosters an environment where dancers are challenged to grow both as technicians and as expressive performers. She believes in dance as a powerful outlet for self-expression and personal development.

Through her competitive program, Brittany prepares dancers for the next chapter in their journey. Her greatest fulfillment comes not from the accolades, but from witnessing the growth of her students season after season. Many have gone on to pursue professional opportunities and further training with organizations such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Toronto’s International Ballet Theatre, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, and CLI Conservatory.

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/ TAP DIRECTOR

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/ Recreational Director

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/ASSIANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR

 Trav is a dynamic and versatile dancer with over 15 years of experience in styles including Hip Hop, Breakdancing, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, and more. His well-rounded training and passionate performance style have made him a standout both on stage and in the studio.

Currently, Trav is attending CLI Conservatory under the direction of Teddy Forance, furthering his professional training in a cutting-edge, immersive dance environment.

From 2019 to 2022, Trav was a featured member of the Raptors Lil’ Ballas dance team, performing at over 16 Toronto Raptors games each season. His Hip Hop technique and performance quality have been featured in promotional content for the convention For The Culture, and he has assisted in numerous Hip Hop classes, showcasing his leadership and technical skill.

Trav was named a Top 20 Teen at The Dance Awards in Orlando 2022 and most recently was a Top 20 Senior at The Dance Awards in 2025, a prestigious recognition of his talent and dedication. He has performed in The Dance Awards Opening and Closing Show under the choreography of Danny Lawn/ Andrew Winghart, Jenna and Val and has trained at conventions across North America, consistently recognized by Break The Floor faculty and awarded Weekend Warrior honors four times.

He has had the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by leading industry names such as Randi Kemper and Hef Tuita, Nika Kljun, Kenny Wormald, and Phil Wright—all of whom have praised his work ethic and encouraged his continued growth in Hip Hop.

Trav has trained and worked with acclaimed choreographers including Blake McGrath, Will Loftis, Nick Young, Teddy Forance, and many others through national conventions and intensives. In 2020, he was selected as a brand ambassador for Breaking Bounds Dance Competition, participating in professional photo and video campaigns.

He has also toured as a backup dancer with Mini Pop Kids under the direction of Faith Jade and Leah Totten, and has appeared in various film and television background roles.

Trav is passionate about giving back to the dance community and is eager to share his knowledge, energy, and love for the art form with the next generation of dancers.

Trav is excited to bring his experience and creative vision to Total Danceworx, not only as an instructor, but also as an assiant creative director, where he will help lead and enrich the studio’s competitive program. He’s passionate about inspiring the next generation of dancers and creating impactful, high-level work both in and out of the studio.

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

JESS HENRICKS

GUEST INSTRUCTOR