Melinda Morrall
Ms. Melinda is the proud director and founder of One Step Ahead (OSA). Melinda’s passion for dance inspired her to start her own studio in 1989. Since then, she has created a unique small studio environment where dancers form ever-lasting friendships and are empowered to pursue their dreams as artists. Melinda’s dance training began at several institutions, including: the Edmonton School of Ballet Professional Program, The National School of Ballet, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Program, The Royal Ballet School, and The Rambert School of Ballet, England. Instead of pursuing a career as a professional ballet dancer, Melinda chose to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of Calgary and pursue her teaching training certification at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England. After several years of teaching, Melinda chose to further her dance education. She is now certified in Acrobatic Arts (Level Two) and RAD “Silver Swans,” which is a mature adult dance program (NEW!). Miss Melinda loves watching her students grow into accomplished dancers, performers, teachers, and leaders. For this upcoming year, Melinda is looking forward to sharing her passion for ballet with the mature dancer or “Silver Swan.” She is also excited to continue teaching Ballet and Acrobatic Arts to dancers aged 3+.
Amanda Migliaccio
Ms. Amanda has been dancing for nearly thirty years and has had opportunities to perform all over the world. She has formal training in many styles of dance including ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre and specializes in tap. Amanda has trained throughout Canada and the USA and has studied extensively under tap masters in NYC. Amanda was chosen as a soloist performer and member of the Canadian National Tap Team to compete in Reisa, Germany. She has performed in tap shows in LA, NYC and in 2008 was part of the opening number for the internationally televised Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon. She has also performed in local Musical Theatre productions in Calgary. Amanda has a strong passion for teaching and has experience with children of all ages and abilities. She shares her love of dance with her students and wants to see each and every one of them succeed not only in dance, but also in life. Her positive attitude creates a great class environment and helps get the most out of her students. Amanda has also completed her Biological Sciences Degree in Ecology from the University of Calgary.
Kylie Penney
Miss Kylie dance training began at the young age of three at One Step Ahead Dance Studio, she has since expanded her training in styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Contemporary. Since joining and completing the Performing and Visual Arts program at Central Memorial High School, she has also been afforded the opportunity to train in the styles of Bollywood, Tap, Latin, and African, in both Calgary and New York City, with the help of choreographers Allison Stone, and Corinne Vessey. Kylie has performed on stage at numerous competitions and recitals including Terpsichore and Kick It Up, where she has won awards such as first place overall duet, and first place overall group winner. Kylie’s passion for teaching was sparked when assisting for Pre-Primary and Primary ballet classes at One Step Ahead Dance Studio, alongside Melinda Morrall. Recently, she has choreographed numerous pieces in the Central Memorial High School Dance Composition Course, with the help of other dancers and choreographer Jason Stroh, two of which were featured on stage. One of Kylie’s greatest accomplishments has been founding the Dance for Life workshop, which she created to give less fortunate children a chance to dance, chosen by Darrell Janz to be showcased on the CTV News segment “Inspiring Albertans.”
Jill Robinson
Miss Jill has been dancing for 15 years, never wanting to do anything else! Training first at Dance Debut and then Snap Dance Studios, these years have included training in jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, ballet, musical theatre, lyrical and contemporary. She has performed internationally in such places as Mexico, Nova Scotia and London, England. She has also performed in Alberta in the Artists Emerge competition, East Side Dance Festival, World of Dance Edmonton Qualifier, multiple parades and Canada Day celebrations. She has also performed with Artists Elite International. Jill has spent the last year training at illFX as a part of Alpha Crew and will be joining the illFX Apprentice Company to further her training as a professional dancer. She has learned that as a dancer, there are always ways to improve and to never settle for anything. Jill believes that dance not only develops technique and incredible artists, but that dance helps develop kids into wonderful, hardworking people as well.