Spark Studios Faculty

Quality Dance Instruction Done Right

Your child deserves the best and at Spark Studios, we ensure they receive top-notch dance training. Our highly qualified instructors are not only experienced dancers but also trained educators. They take the time to connect with and guide both students and parents throughout their dance journey at Spark Studios. We're proud of our dedicated, passionate, and talented team, who are all eager to share their knowledge with our dancers.

Nicole Gornik

CEO | Owner | Artistic Director

Nicole Gornik, now in her 9th season as the owner of Spark Studios (Formerly Royal Dance Conservatory), began her enchanting dance journey at the same studio at the age of 5. Imbued with the spirit of RDC's legacy, she has become an integral part of its rich tapestry.

Dedicated to perpetual growth and refinement, Nicole remains steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge, immersing herself in ongoing education in both business and the dance industry. She holds full certification from Acrobatic Arts, CLI Studios, and Royal Academy of Dance Exams. Her unwavering dedication to continuous education in business, dance, and teaching methodologies positions her as a guiding light within the dance community. This unyielding commitment ensures that Spark Studios continually crafts an exceptional experience, consistently raising the bar for both staff and students.

Her formative years as a student took her on a journey across North America, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of distinguished choreographers such as Travis Wall and Mia Michaels. Nicole's expertise spans an array of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballroom, Heels, Street Jazz, and Contemporary. Notable highlights include enthralling performances with the Great Russian Ballet in 2009 and 2011, as well as captivating audiences at Disney World for Dance the World. Her competitive spirit led her to travel across North America for various competitions, enriching her artistry and shaping her as the accomplished dancer she is today.

Under Nicole's visionary leadership, Spark Studios is poised for an exciting future. Prepare to witness the unfolding chapters in the remarkable journey of Nicole Gornik and Spark Studios .

Isabel Cwiak

Office Manager

At age four, Isabel began her dance journey where she trained at multiple studios throughout Winnipeg before she found her place at Spark Studios (formerly Royal Dance Conservatory) in 2018. Isabel's dedication and love for dance led her to join the company program and she hasn't looked back since. Isabel excelled on the competitive stage where she participated and performed at many competitions including Canadian National Dance Competition, Dance Canada, CanDance, MOVE Dance Competition, and many more earning many overall and special awards. She has also had to opportunity to work with local choreographers such as Brenda Gorlik as well as many well known choreographers through CLI Studios. But Isabel's journey with Spark Studios didn't stop at performing. After several seasons of assisting classes, she joined the Spark Studios apprentice program. Over two years, she worked closely with instructors, improving her skills to become an instructor herself. Additionally, she completed a year-long internship, collaborating closely with Director Nicole Gornik, gaining valuable insights into the administrative side of the studio, and becoming part of the administrative team. Currently, Isabel is pursuing her studies at the University of Manitoba while continuing to share her passion for dance. She is excited to continue sharing her love of dance to others and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Ari Quijada

Instructor | Social Media

Ari, born in Caracas, Venezuela, began dancing at Nina Novak Ballet Academy when she was just two years old where she trained in Vaganova technique. She excelled in ballet, eventually graduating in 2017. Ari took classes with numerous dance companies including The Opera of Paris Ballet School and the American Ballet Theatre School and performed with companies such as Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers and New Dance Horizon. But Ari's dance interests weren't limited to classical ballet— she explored Jazz, Tap, and Acro too. In 2022, she graduated from The School of Contemporary Dancers' Professional Program in partnership with the University of Winnipeg where she got to work with choreographers such as Jolene Bailie, Bill Evans, Jera Wolfe, Constance Cooke, Robin Poitras, and Gaile Hiley. The next year, she completed the Rehabilitation Assistant program at MITT. Now, Ari looks forward to sharing her love for dance with the talented students at Spark Studios. She's excited about what the upcoming year holds, anticipating growth and amazing experiences in the world of dance

Jenna (Voth) Leclair

Instructor

Jenna was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has shared her love for dance across Canada as well as in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. A 2019 graduate of the Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers, Jenna has been teaching for over six years. Her professional dance community projects include the 40 Dancer Project (New Blue Festival, Toronto), Stream of Dance Festival 2018 (New Dance Horizons), Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra – Mars (Odette Heyn Projects), Paula Blair Projects, Stephanie Ballard's Landscape Dancing: Human Rights Museum, Landscape Dancing (Stephanie Ballard and Dancers), LIVE Dance (BOSS Dance Crew Winnipeg), and Creando lazos a través de La Danza – Mexico 2019 (“Creating ties through Dance”) in collaboration with the School of Contemporary Dancers, Roberto Mosqueda, and Ilse Torres. She has also participated in Winnipeg Women Dancing Performances (Stephanie Ballard). Jenna joined our Spark Studios teaching staff in 2017. Her passion lies in working with students, building their confidence, and challenging them to grow in their technique and artistry.

Lee Frketich

Instructor

Lee Frketich began their dance training at the age of three in their hometown of Hamilton, ON. They trained in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, and Musical Theatre, and competed locally. In high school, looking to expand their dance training, they began classes at the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre in Toronto, as well as the Dance Centre in Hamilton. Lee is in their third year of the Professional Program at the School of Contemporary Dancers and studying environmental sciences at the University of Winnipeg. They’ve worn a number of hats within the artistic world from performance to arts administration, to backstage and technical work, and have always loved to share the art of dance with others. They made their professional performance and choreographic debut in Field Notes From This Side of Nowhere, a show they produced and directed, at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in the fall of 2022, and toured Twenty-Four across Winnipeg and Southern Ontario over the summer. Lee is excited to be working with dancers at Spark Studios and help create the next generation of artists!

Lindsay Becx

Instructor

As a passionate dancer since the age of three, the Spark Studios (formerly Royal Dance Conservatory) holds a cherished place in Lindsay's heart. The warm embrace and unwavering support from this dance community has been her anchor on even the most challenging days. Growing up with Spark has been an extraordinary honour, molding her into the dancer she is today. Her love for dance extends to teaching kids, where each week presents a new adventure in sharing the joy of movement. Lindsay has recently graduated from the Université de Saint-Boniface with her ECE II diploma. She has gained invaluable insights into how children flourish through play and refined her skills to nurture their learning journey. As she looks forward to the upcoming year in dance, her excitement knows no bounds. Lindsay anticipates stepping into another year filled with opportunities for success and the chance to achieve countless remarkable feats. With determination and a passion for the art, she is eager to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, making this year one to remember.

Maddie Oliver

Admin Team

Maddie is a young Red River Métis woman, born and raised in Northern Manitoba. She is new to the dance world and is always excited to learn anything she can. A few fun facts: she loves all kinds of music and plays many instruments including fiddle, guitar, piano, and loves to sing. Maddie had previously for a wonderful non-profit organization that provides computers to Manitobans who may not be able to afford them at retail value. This fall, Maddie will be attending Red River College Polytechnic's Network Services Technician course to obtain the certifications needed for the Information Technology field. She has a plethora of hobbies ranging from playing video games to many different mediums of crafting. “While I may not have an extensive dance background, I love the community and helping it flourish. I am so happy for the opportunity to do what I do for Spark Studios."