PURE Academy has dance lessons for all ages in Windsor, Chatham, and Wallaceburg

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With over 25,000 square feet and almost 20 years of offering introductory classes all the way to professional level competitive teams, we have something for everyone.

Founded in 2007, PURE Academy began with its first location in Chatham, Ontario. Since then, it has grown into a thriving dance community with four successful locations across Chatham, Wallaceburg, Lakeshore, and LaSalle.

Today, PURE is powered by a dedicated team of over 40 professionals, including directors, managers, faculty, choreographers, and administrative staff.

Over the years, PURE has proudly enriched the lives of thousands of dancers and continues to evolve with passion, always striving to enhance the dancer and client experience year after year.

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PURE Academy offers a wide range of dance lessons for students as young as 18 months through to adults—welcoming everyone from first-time recreational dancers to pre-professional and competitive performers.

At its core, PURE is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and positive environment—one that builds community, encourages self-expression, and nurtures a strong sense of belonging and purpose.

Our Values:

  • Personal Growth

    We believe dance is a powerful tool for building confidence, discipline, and resilience—skills that extend far beyond the studio.

  • Exceptional Training

    We are committed to providing high-quality dance education that challenges and inspires dancers at every level.

  • Inclusive Community

    We foster a welcoming environment where every dancer feels seen, supported, and valued, regardless of background or ability.

  • Artistic Integrity

    We encourage creativity and self-expression while maintaining respect for the art form, our instructors, and fellow dancers.

  • Passion for the Arts

    We strive to instill a love for dance that lasts a lifetime, whether students pursue it professionally or carry it with them as a joyful part of who they are.

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Meet our Team:

Directors:

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Our team of directors is a passionate group of individuals who bring their unique strengths together to lead our studio with heart, vision, and purpose.

Melissa Colman

Artistic Director

  • Melissa is a driving force behind PURE Academy, leading the studio with vision, heart, and a commitment to excellence for over a decade. As Artistic and Competitive Director, she has cultivated a thriving environment where dancers are inspired to push their limits while feeling supported, seen, and at home.

    With more than 20 years of experience in the competitive dance world, Melissa has built a studio culture that balances high-level training with a strong sense of community. She manages all aspects of PURE’s programming, staff development, and team direction, continually raising the standard for what it means to be both a successful studio and a supportive, inclusive space.

    Melissa’s post-secondary education in Human Kinetics and Movement Science informs her technical approach to teaching, helping dancers understand their bodies and train safely and effectively across styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop.

    She’s also a proud mom, and her perspective as a parent helps shape the compassionate, family-first values that define the PURE experience. Melissa’s mission is simple: to create a place where dancers grow not only as artists, but as confident, capable people—ready to shine both on and off the stage.

Corey Mariuz

Artistic Director

  • Corey Mariuz brings over 30 years of dynamic experience in the performing arts to PURE Academy. A seasoned performer, choreographer, and educator, his work spans film, musical theatre, and live stage performance. Corey has trained, taught, and performed internationally in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Hong Kong.

    He launched his professional dance career with Stiletto Entertainment and Holland America Cruise Lines, and later worked as Assistant Choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. His passion for arts education extends into the classroom, having contributed to both the Windsor-Essex County and Windsor Catholic District School Boards.

    Corey holds a B.A. Honours in Criminology and Philosophy with a minor in Women’s Studies, along with a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Windsor. Beyond the arts, Corey is also a successful real estate broker and co-founder of Keys Realty Group, brokered by Jump Realty Inc.

    Now in his 17th year at PURE Academy, Corey is proud to be part of a passionate and talented team, and remains continually inspired by the dedication of his students and the unwavering support of their families.

Candice Willmore

Costume Director

  • Candice is one of the original founders of PURE and has been a driving force behind its creative vision since day one. Known affectionately as the “costume queen,” Candice ensures that every dancer—from tiny prince to dazzling princess—feels confident and looks their best on stage. Each year, she expertly sizes and manages thousands of costumes for all our PURE students, making magic happen behind the scenes.

    With over a decade of experience in dental assisting and 12 years as the Human Resources Manager for WR Detasseling Ltd., Candice brings exceptional people skills, care, and attention to detail to everything she does. Her warm presence and sensitivity make her a beloved part of the PURE community.

Kent Willmore

Director

  • Kent is one of the original founders of PURE Academy and has been a driving force behind its growth and direction since day one. From designing and building our studio spaces to managing staff events, overseeing budgets and logistics, and even stepping into character as Buddy the Elf in our Holiday Shows—Kent truly does it all with dedication and heart.

    With over 20 years of experience in education, Kent has helped shape the culture of excellence, respect, and growth that defines PURE. His vision has always been to create a safe, inspiring space where children can learn, grow, and become empowered through the Arts.

    Kent is proud to be a part of the PURE journey and even prouder to be the father of two PURE graduates who grew up on the very stages he helped build.

Margaret Ross

Director

  • Margaret is one of the original founders of PURE and has played a vital role in shaping its welcoming, family-focused environment. With exceptional organizational skills and a naturally warm, nurturing presence, Margaret brings both structure and heart to everything she does. As a busy mother of four, she understands the needs of families and is deeply committed to ensuring every student at PURE feels supported and valued.

    Margaret is proud to be part of the PURE family and takes great joy in helping the studio deliver its very best to every dancer and their loved ones.

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Managers:

Our Managers play a key role in leading studio operations, and day-to-day logistics across all locations and programs. They bring energy, organization, and leadership to everything they do!

Faith Hudvagner

Chatham Location Manager • Competitive Choreographer • Assistant Program Manager • Dance Instructor

PURE Faculty Since Season 12

Tawnie Clarke

Lakeshore Location Manager • Competitive Choreographer • Dance Instructor

PURE Faculty Since Season 9

Queianna Park-Davis

Wallaceburg Location Manager • Competitive Choreographer • Assistant Program Manager • Dance Instructor

PURE Faculty Since Season 7

Tiffany Trofin

Studio Operations Manager •Assistant Program Manager• Ballet Program Manager • Dance Instructor

PURE Faculty Since Season 12

Holly Winter

Competitive Choreographer • Creator of the Early Years Bloom & Grow Program • Competitive Costume Manager • Dance Instructor


PURE Faculty Since Season 2

Kristi Thompson (Rodriguez)

Competitive Choreographer • Marketing & Social Media Manager • Dance Instructor

PURE Faculty Since Season 5

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Admin:

Our Admin Team is the heart behind the scenes at PURE—keeping things organized, welcoming families, and supporting our dancers and staff every step of the way.

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Faculty:

Our instructors are a team of educators well versed in dance and the performing arts from a variety of different backgrounds.

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Dance lessons help kids and teens build confidence and a love for dance.

How do we do that? Each and every dance lesson is rooted in quality training in both recreational and competitive program.

Not sure your child is ready? We're here to guide them to the dance lessons that are a perfect fit for them!

At PURE Academy, every dancer starts somewhere and we're committed to helping them grow with confidence and joy one dance lesson at a time.