Erin Canty: Owner/Choreographer/Instructor
Erin began her studies at Cathy Taylor School of Dance and graduated as a student of Boucher School of Dance. Erin holds an Associates Degree from Dean College as a dance major. While at Dean, she performed in many musicals such as “Fiddler on the Roof” as well as “Anything Goes”. She toured schools and performed with a Musical Theatre group and involved in student “one-acts”. She also danced with Dean Dance Company as one of the leads in “Oklahoma” and in numerous Modern and Jazz performances. After graduating Dean, Erin furthered her education with the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City where she studied Modern technique, Jazz, Ballet, African dance, strengthening and conditioning. There she was dancing with well known instructors under the direction of Judith Jamison. She continues to take Master classes in New York at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center and has taken class with Frank Hatchett, Slam, Chio, Rhapsody, and a number of other professional instructors. She attended the Broadways Dance Teacher’s workshop the summer of 2006. She takes classes at The Jeannette Neill Dance Studio in Boston with hip-hop choreographers Kelly Peters and Ricardo Foster. Erin Has attended The "Shock Intensive Workshop" for the past 4 years, taking classes from well-known choreographers such as Napoleon and Tabitha (aka “Nappy-Tabs”) & Melody Lacayanga both from "SYTYCD". Erin continues to further her dance education through various Master classes and dance workshops designed for teachers. Erin established Canty Dance Centre in 2000 at 24 years old and has over 30 years dance experience and 16 years teaching experience. Erin continues to invite Master class instructors to the studio, such as Richardo Foster and his crew from Boston, inspiring us with their innovative dance styles in Hip-Hop, Crump, Modern, Jazz and Funk, and Mr. Michael Pereira, a judge for numerous prestigious competitions including “Headliners” and “Star Quest” and guest choreographer for our “Bye-Bye Blackbird” competition routine, a Broadway performer and award-winning choreographer. Future plans for the studio are to incorporate more performances and theater into the curriculum, continue to involve Canty dancers in community events and benefits. The past four years, Canty Dance Centre has participated in benefits held to raise money for The American Cancer Association. We are also dedicated to the "Special Olympics" and "The American Heart Association" and will continue to show our love and support toward these amazing causes. In 2009, Erin had the honor of receiving the “Gold Torch Award”. This award is given to small business owners involved in community service and fundraisers. The studio and Miss Erin was nominated to receive this award by Cindy Boyd. She is a teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley and also affiliated with the National Honor Society. Erin has a wonderful family, husband Ricky, 9 ½ year old Savannah, Delaney who will be 6 in July and Zachary now 6 months old. Erin takes nothing for granted and is very grateful she is so fortunate to do what she loves. 
Greta Pearson - Choreographer/Instructor
Former student of Canty Dance Centre, Greta Pearson began her dance studies in 1994 where she was a full scholarship recipient at the LMT Dance Academy in Webster, MA. In 2000, the year the studio opened, Greta began teaching at Canty Dance Centre as well as studying dance. There she was awarded “Best All Around Dancer”. She toured with Dance Prism's "The Nutcracker" in the winter of 2000. She graduated from Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson, CT in 2003 with honors, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council. In 2003, she attended the University of Connecticut where she was on the Dean's List and performed on campus and at UCONN's "Midnight Madness" as a member of the UCONN Tap Team. She transferred to Dean College to study dance in 2004 and graduated Summa Cum Laude in the Spring of 2007 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance and Minor in Psychology. She was also the featured Baccalaureate Speaker at her graduation ceremony. In addition to dance and psychology, Greta completed in depth coursework in kinesiology, dance history and pedagogy. She was the recipient of the "Excellence in Dance Award" and the"Who's Who Among Students in America's Colleges and Universities" in the Spring of 2007.While at Dean, she served as the Vice President of the Honor Society. Her performances at Dean include Cabaret, Founder's Day Show, Dance Composition Show, Senior Performance, and the Dance Extravaganza. She has taken classes at both Steps and Broadway Dance Centre in New York City, and takes part in the annual "SHOCK" teacher's convention to enrich her dance experience. She has taken master classes with renowned teachers and choreographers including Denise Jefferson, Troy Powell and Dudley Williams of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, master tap teacher Diane "Lady Di" Walker, Jean Appolon, Maurice Hines, A.C. Ciulla, Derrick Grant, J.T. Jenkins, Napoleon and Tabitha D'Umo, and the late great tapper, Jimmy Slyde. Greta choreographed our finale number for last four Canty Dance recitals. She has ten years teaching experience and is thrilled to be part of Canty Dance Centre where her passions for dance and teaching can thrive! 
Kristen Surprise - Choreographer/Instructor
Kristen has twenty-two years of dance experience and is THRILLED to be part of the staff at Canty Dance Centre. Kristen teaches at the competitive and recreational levels, specializing in tap & jazz. She also teaches several recreational jazz, lyrical, tap and tot/kinderkids classes and has worked with several soloists on the competitive level. Kristen graduated from Worcester State College magna cum laude in May 2008, where she earned her BA in English/Journalism and French. She was an active member and choreographer of the Worcester State Dance Company, a student-run organization that performed bi-annual shows and participated in on-campus events such as Homecoming, sporting and fundraising events. Kristen was also the former President/Captain of the Worcester State College Dance Team for the 2007-2008 inaugural season, a student-run team which participated in local competitions and performances. In Spring 2008, Kristen helped lead her team to two gold medal and overall high score wins at two local competitions - Spirit Cheer and Starpower. In addition to dance, Kristen was also involved in several other campus-wide groups and activities including Alpha Mu Gamma and the French Club. Prior to entering college, Kristen gained her technical and competitive dance experience with Sally McDermott, LMT Dance Academy, and Canty Dance Centre. Over the years, she has won several studio awards including “Miss Ray of Sunshine,” “Best Overall Dancer,” “Best Technical Dancer” and monetary scholarships. Currently, Kristen participates annually in the SHOCK Workshop, taking classes from well-known choreographers such as Napoleon and Tabitha (aka “Nappy-Tabs”), Mark Goodman, Melody Lacayanga & Jennifer Faucher. Kristen has also hosted the Worcester State Dance Team auditions and takes adult and master classes at both local and state-wide studios. She is currently further pursuing her career in fitness and dance education. She is looking forward to becoming a larger part of the studio in Fall 2010! Alex "Backspace" Diaz: Choreographer/Instructor
Alex “B-boy Backspace” Diaz has been Breakin for 17 years with five years of Hip-Hop dance training and experience in teaching. He is a member of the world renowned Ground Fx Crew, performing and competing in countless competitions and events. Locally, he is also a member of TOP ROCK – “The Only People Rockin’ Our City Kids”. Alex is also the founder of “The Orphanage Movement”, an alliance of people from Maine to Rhode Island who guide the younger generation of dancers through teaching, sponsoring, and judging competitions and other social events related to dance. A Worcester Native, Alex has volunteered and is now a part of the Worcester Youth Center, where he grew up and practiced. He currently teaches at Over the Top Gymnastics, as well as Canty Dance Centre. Most recently, Alex and his crew have won a prestigious competition called “Soul 2 Soul”. They have also recently been to Puerto Rico and won the “Battlegrounds” competition. When asked about his success, Alex replies “It helps a lot with the bills, but growing up I find that the real satisfaction comes with teaching others and seeing faces light up when they understand and properly execute a move. I feel I truly am good at what I do when I see that I can teach it to others. I feel like I am giving back and keeping the dance going through teaching our kids, our future.” Carolyn Bates: Choreographer/Instructor:
Bio coming soon...
