Staff — Ignite Dance Academy

Meet our Dance Family

Ignite Dance Academy is dedicated to igniting the passion for dance while promoting mental health awareness within the dance community. Through innovative programs, experienced instructors, and a supportive environment, we nurture skills, creativity, and self-awareness in dancers of all levels. Our studio offers a diverse range of classes, including acro, ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and many more, providing opportunities for artistic expression and personal growth. Join us on a journey where dance and mental wellness come together, creating a vibrant and inclusive community for dancers to thrive both on and off the dance floor.

Quinn began dancing at the very young age of two at her Grandmothers studio, Markall’s School of Dance and Baton.

Quinn trained for and successfully executed exams in Checcetti, BDTA (Boston Dance Teachers Association), Dance Educators of America and Al Gilbert Exams. In 2012 Quinn traveled to Calgary, AB where she took an Acrobatic Arts certification course and subsequent exams and is now a qualified Acrobatic Arts Certified Teacher!

As a young competitive dancer Quinn won many awards and scholarships at local and out of town competitions. Some of these include, Adjudicators Choice Award at the Lakehead Music Festival, as well as top senior Acro and Lyrical scholarships for four years in a row.

Quinn also spent multiple summers traveling to Sudbury and Sault St Marie where she attended Acro Intensives with Ida Sauve and Trixie Hardy; both leaders in the Acro community.

Quinn began teaching dance at the age of 15 and found a new passion for developing dance ability in young dancers competitively as well as for the pure enjoyment of dance. Over the years Quinn was hired by Dawn Dott’s Dance studio in Marquette MI, and Still Dancing Studios in Squamish BC, to teach acro and jazz workshops.

At the age of 21 Quinn was hired by Club Med Cancun in Mexico to teach their resort dance program and perform in the nightly shows. There she preformed in many different shows including, La Revue, Moulin Rouge and Titanic, in which Quinn had the lead dance role as Rose.

On her return to Thunder Bay Quinn accepted a position at Dream Dance Company in 2006 and has spent 13 years teaching Competitive Acro for the studio. While teaching for Dream Dance Quinn’s Acro routines have won many first place honours, high scoring awards, choreography awards, Teachers Choice awards at the Lakehead Music festival and speciality awards at both local and out of town competitions.
After the past 30 years of teaching Quinn is excited to start a new chapter as studio owner/director. Quinn has successfully completed the Dance Studio Owner program from IAP College, graduating with honors, to support her new dream!

Ashton Desaulniers discovered her passion for dance at the tender age of 3 and has since dedicated 17 years to refining her craft. Throughout her dance journey, Ashton immersed herself in a variety of disciplines, mastering jazz, tap, lyrical, acro, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and cabaret. With a natural talent and unwavering dedication, she transitioned seamlessly into teaching and choreography, a role she has embraced for the past 9 years with boundless enthusiasm and love. Along the way, Ashton has earned numerous awards, including multiple 1st place solo scholarships in lyrical and acro, as well as the esteemed Lakehead Musical Festival All-Around Dancer Bowl in 2018 and various memorial scholarships.
Ashton sought enrichment through travel, venturing to Los Angeles and New York to train in workshops and participate in renowned drop-ins. In New York, she had the honour of dancing at the Broadway Centre under the guidance of world-famous dancers and choreographers, and even shared the stage with the iconic Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
As a dedicated educator, Ashton has furthered her qualifications by obtaining her ADAPT teacher jazz exam and Level 1 Acrobatic Arts exam. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to pursue a college course at IAP College, where she acquired invaluable knowledge to become a knowledgeable dance studio owner, graduating with honours.
Throughout her career, Ashton's choreographic talents have shone brightly, with many of her pieces securing top honours in their respective categories, including top placements in overalls. Now, as she embarks on a new chapter, Ashton is filled with excitement to share her boundless love for dance with her students, nurturing their growth and witnessing their journey toward greatness with pride and joy.