Instructors
Meet Our
Amazing
Instructors
Our talented and passionate instructors are the heart of our studio, bringing years of experience, dedication, and love for dance to every class. Each instructor is committed to helping students grow, refine their technique, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Learn more about their backgrounds, specialties, and teaching styles by exploring their profiles below!
Ashley Berrns
Artistic Director
Ashley Berrns is a passionate and accomplished dancer, choreographer, and studio owner with over 30 years of experience in the dance world. Beginning her journey at just three years old, she quickly fell in love with dance, and by 15, she was already sharing her passion as an instructor. Early in her teaching career, she earned her ADAPT Teacher’s Certification, solidifying her expertise and dedication to excellence.
As a young dancer, Ashley was a member of Dance Saskatchewan's Dare to Dance Company, an experience that fueled her love for performance and choreography. She later served as Artistic Director for two dance studios, honing her skills in leadership and studio management. After attending the College of Commerce at the University of Saskatchewan, Ashley fulfilled her dream of opening her own studio. In 2011, she founded Dance Ink, which has since become a cornerstone of the Saskatoon dance community. Under her leadership, Dance Ink has grown from a single location into three state-of-the-art facilities, offering a supportive and innovative environment for dancers of all ages and abilities.
That same year, Ashley co-founded The Saskatchewan Dance Project and served as its Director for three years. This non-profit organization brought together pre-professional dancers from across the province to train, create, and share their passion for dance with the community. The company produced full-length shows that toured to various cities and communities across Saskatchewan. With support from the Saskatchewan Arts Board and Dance Saskatchewan, the project provided meaningful opportunities for both dancers and audiences alike.
Ashley’s performance career includes making callbacks for Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, a thrilling milestone in her journey. She was also selected for the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, where she impressed the judges with a solo performance and advanced to the choreography round with Blake McGrath, earning the nickname “firehouse” for her energy and talent. As a teenager, she received a performance theatre scholarship from renowned choreographer Sean Cheesman at his Calgary dance camp, an experience that played a pivotal role in shaping her craft.
Beyond her studio, Ashley has left her mark on the dance and entertainment world. She served as Head Coach and Choreographer for the Sask Rush, performed for the Queen at the Lieutenant Governor’s Centennial Gala, and starred in multiple editions of Swinging with the Stars, where she was crowned Judges’ Favorite.
Ashley’s commitment to her community is just as inspiring as her dance career. She founded Dancing for Dogs, an annual event benefiting Saskatoon Dog Rescue, and plays a key role in the Weiger’s Care for Kids committee, coordinating dancers and performers for an event that has raised millions for the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital. She is deeply dedicated to making dance accessible to all, frequently performing at senior homes and working with youth in underserved areas.
Her Dance Inklusive program is a testament to her passion for inclusivity, offering specialized dance and music classes for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Dance Ink’s fully wheelchair-accessible facilities ensure that every dancer has the opportunity to share in the love of movement.
In addition to her dance career, Ashley is a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and a National Gold Medalist. She shares her love of martial arts by teaching alongside her father, Sensei Brad.
Ashley’s greatest inspiration comes from her son, Josh, whose enthusiasm for music and movement has further fueled her passion for working with the youngest dancers in her studio.
Through her talent, dedication, and community spirit, Ashley Berrns continues to inspire and lead in the dance world, making a lasting impact on future generations.
Rae Ann Hydamaka
Ballet Director
Growing up in Calgary, AB, Mrs. H had the privilege of training under Umran Suman, a former Principal Dancer with the Turkish Ballet Company. At the age of 13, she moved to Winnipeg, MB, where she studied under Patti Caplette, a professional dancer with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company. Her training was further enriched through two years of private instruction with Arnold Spohr, former Artistic Director of The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company. She also attended professional summer programs at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and The Quinte Ballet School of Canada, where she was awarded a full-year scholarship.
Mrs. H later continued her training in Regina, SK, under Darlene Williams and Anna Campos, successfully completing her Advanced 2 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exam and earning her RAD Teaching Certificate.
In 2005, she transitioned into modern dance performance, receiving a Saskatchewan Arts Board grant to further her artistic pursuits. She has performed as a guest modern dance artist with YBCS and the W.I.P. Series in Saskatoon and Regina. For the past eight years, she has served as Saskatchewan’s City Rehearsal Director for the Moscow Ballet Company, preparing local dancers for productions of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Additionally, she was a company dancer with The White Birch Ballet Company, Saskatchewan’s only professional ballet company, from 2009–2010.
Mrs. H is dedicated to ongoing professional development, consistently upgrading her training with the Royal Academy of Dance as new curriculum is introduced. She is certified not only in RAD, but also in Acrobatics and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). She firmly believes that continuous education enhances both her teaching and her students’ growth.
We are thrilled to have Mrs. H share her passion, experience, and expertise with our students. They are truly in the best of hands.
Brandon Brown
(AKA SnakeMan)
Hip Hop Director
Brandon Brown, known in the dance community as SnakeMan, has been a dedicated figure in the hip-hop scene since 2004. Specializing in popping, animation, tutting, and breakin’, he brings a deep understanding of these styles and a passion for their cultural roots.
Having trained with renowned mentors across Western Canada and the United States, Brandon emphasizes the importance of strong foundational techniques as the key to unlocking a dancer’s creativity and joy in movement. His teaching style blends precision with expression, focusing on mastering fundamentals while incorporating freestyle, cyphers, swag, and the fusion of hip-hop styles into dynamic choreography.
Brandon’s energy, experience, and commitment to the culture make him a powerful influence both in and outside the studio, inspiring dancers to develop their own unique voice within the hip-hop movement.
Elise Bremner
Tap & Musical Theatre Instructor
Elise is a passionate dance educator and performer with a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree from Capilano University in North Vancouver, BC. Originally from Kamloops, BC, she grew up immersed in the competitive dance world while also excelling in voice competitions throughout her teenage years.
With extensive experience teaching multiple dance genres, Elise has worked with studios and live musical productions across British Columbia, Alberta, and now Saskatchewan. Her dynamic choreography and dedication to the arts have made her a sought-after instructor and mentor.
While raising her two children—and soon welcoming her third—Elise remains deeply committed to sharing her love of dance with the Dance Ink family. She brings creativity, energy, and an ambitious approach to choreography, inspiring her students to grow both technically and artistically.
Anne Neudorf
Dance Instructor
Anne Neudorf is a passionate dance artist and educator with a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Dance Performance from the University of Winnipeg and the School of Contemporary Dancers. Anne’s training extends beyond contemporary dance, with strong foundations in ballet and jazz. She refined her classical technique at programs such as the Ballet Jörgen Summer IV Intensive in Toronto (2017-18), where she honed her skills under world-class instructors. Her early years with the Youth Ballet of Saskatchewan and additional training at the Arts Umbrella International Dance Intensive have shaped her versatile teaching and performance style.
Anne strives to foster a supportive environment that emphasizes technical proficiency, teamwork, and self-confidence, while nurturing each student’s artistic expression.
Beyond teaching, Anne is an active performer in the dance community. She has worked with renowned choreographers and companies such as Q-Dance under Peter Quanz, Free Flow Dance Theatre, and New Dance Horizons, performing across Canada in theatres, festivals, and site-specific works. She is currently involved in a Saskatoon-based dance film project and continues to seek opportunities to grow as both an artist and educator.
Alexyn Stokalko
Ukrainian Dance Instructor
Alexyn’s Ukrainian dance journey began at the age of eight, igniting a lifelong passion for the art form. Growing up, she immersed herself in festivals and training camps, developing a deep appreciation for the rich cultural traditions of Ukrainian dance. Over the years, she has studied and performed a variety of regional styles, including Lemko, Kuban, Pokuttia, and Gypsy. Her love for learning and performing naturally led her to teaching, where she now shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with dancers of all ages.
Fourteen years later, Alexyn remains an active performer and is a proud member of Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet in Saskatoon. Some of her most memorable performances include guest appearances with the National Ballet of Ukraine, the Saskatchewan Roughriders Half-Time Show, and the Dauphin’s National Ukrainian Festival Grandstand Show. Her talent and dedication have also taken her on international tours, performing in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
When she’s not dancing, Alexyn enjoys spending time with her beloved pets, staying active at the gym, and creating lasting memories with her Yevshan family.
Karl Signo (Bboy Karlo)
Breakdance Instructor
Karl Signo, known in the breaking community as Bboy Karlo, not only found breaking at the age of 20—he found a lifelong passion he now shares with others. What began as an exploration of movement quickly became a transformative journey—one that shaped his identity, strengthened his physical and mental well-being, and connected him to a thriving community.
Through breaking and hip-hop culture, Karl developed invaluable traits such as self-confidence, discipline, and resilience. The physical and mental challenges of the art form pushed him beyond his limits, teaching him perseverance and the power of continuous self-improvement. More than just a dance, breaking became his outlet for creativity and emotional healing, helping him process stress and past traumas. It was a form of therapy—one that allowed him to turn struggles into strength, movement into meaning.
At the core of Karl’s philosophy is a belief in free expression, the joy of movement, and the deep connections built through dance. He sees breaking not just as a competitive art form, but as a way to explore oneself, build meaningful friendships, and contribute to the culture that gave him so much. Whether on the floor or in the community, Karl continues to inspire others with his passion for growth, self-discovery, and the ever-evolving art of breaking.
Mackenzie Nelson
Dance & Acro Instructor
Mackenzie’s love for dance was evident from the moment she stepped into her first class at the age of three. After trying soccer and skating, she quickly realized that dance was her true passion, exclaiming, “This is fun!”—and she never looked back. She spent the next 15 years training and competing with Van Dance Studio in Lethbridge, Alberta, developing her skills across multiple dance styles.
In 2019, Mackenzie had the incredible opportunity to represent Team Canada Tap West, training under the renowned Lisa LaTouche and competing at the IDO World Championships in Riesa, Germany. This experience deepened her appreciation for the art of tap and further fueled her dedication to the dance community.
Mackenzie pursued her studies at BYU-Idaho, where she explored the history of modern dance, modern technique, tap technique, and dance kinesiology. However, with the onset of COVID-19, her university studies were cut short, leading her back to Canada, where she shifted her focus to Acrobatic Arts certification and began her ADAPT Teacher Training.
Now a valued member of the Dance Ink team, Mackenzie loves helping students push their limits, build confidence, and grow as dancers. She is passionate about sharing her expertise in dance and acro, fostering an environment where students feel inspired to reach their full potential.
Sheri Turgeon
Dance Instructor
Born and raised in Martensville, SK, Sheri discovered her love for dance at the age of three, training at the University School of Dance. Her passion for movement and expression led her to New York City, where she spent two summers training under Kitty Lunn at a prestigious Summer Dance Intensive. There, she completed Level 2 training in dance technique adapted for students with disabilities, deepening her understanding of inclusive dance education.
Sheri became part of the Dance Ink family in 2013, working closely with Ashley Berrns to refine her lyrical and contemporary styles, while furthering her ballet technique under Rae Ann Hydamaka. She has graced the stage at numerous fundraisers and events, including Telemiracle, Dancing for Dogs, the Regina International Film Festival (RIFFA), Saskatchewan Fashion Association’s Fashion Week, and various conferences in Saskatoon and Edmonton. She has also performed with Dare to Dance and Dance on the Saskatchewan, further showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Currently, Sheri co-teaches Dance Inklusive classes alongside Ashley Berrns, helping to create an accessible and empowering space for dancers of all abilities. She continues to train in lyrical, ballet, and contemporary styles and is eager to add to her collection of Dance World Cup medals this season.
With a lifelong passion for dance and a commitment to inclusivity, Sheri is dedicated to sharing the joy of movement with her students and the dance community.
Alexa Maurer-Markus
Dance Instructor
Miss Lexi’s passion for dance began at the age of three when she first enrolled in ballet classes. Over the next 16 years, she received extensive training in ballet (including pointe, Cecchetti, and A.D.A.P.T.), tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Her dance journey brought her to Dance Ink in 2013, where she has continued to grow as a dancer and instructor.
Competing from the age of eight, Alexa participated in numerous competitions across Saskatchewan and Alberta, while also attending various workshops to further her dance education. At the age of 13, Alexa began pursuing formal examinations in ballet, tap, and jazz to work towards her dream of becoming a dance instructor.
In 2017, at just 17 years old, Alexa became the head instructor at Davison Dance Club.. From 2017 to 2020, she proudly led her students to numerous choreography awards, celebrating their growth and accomplishments.
Now a hairstylist and educator, Alexa is excited to bring her love of dance and teaching back to Dance Ink, where she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers.
Bryana Calyniuk
Dance Instructor
Bryana Calyniuk is a dynamic and passionate dance and fitness professional who brings energy, expertise, and a deep love for movement to every class she teaches. Specializing in hip hop and street jazz at Dance Ink, Bryana’s vibrant teaching style and enthusiasm make her a favorite among students of all ages. With a special affinity for working with young children, she creates a nurturing and inspiring environment where dancers can grow in skill and confidence.
Beyond the studio, Bryana is a sought-after guest instructor in school programs, sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with the next generation. Her dedication to continuous growth is evident in her commitment to ongoing training in various disciplines, including pilates and yoga, which she incorporates into her teaching to promote strength, flexibility, and overall well-being.
A seasoned performer, Bryana has danced professionally for the Saskatchewan Rattlers and the Saskatchewan Rush, showcasing her talent on some of the province’s biggest stages. She approaches every opportunity with an open heart and a relentless drive for excellence, always striving to elevate her craft.
More than just an instructor, Bryana is a ray of sunshine—a positive force who uplifts and inspires those around her. Her infectious energy, warm spirit, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable part of the Dance Ink family. We are incredibly fortunate to have her sharing her talent, passion, and light with our community.
Amin Nasr
Animal Flow Instructor
“You have many habits that weaken you. The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
— Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman
Amin Nasr is a dynamic force in the world of fitness and wellness. As a fitness leader and certified personal trainer, Amin’s fitness journey began at a gym in North Delta, BC at the dawn of 2016. In 2018, Amin graduated from a diploma program in BC and has since emerged as a versatile trainer, providing expertise in a variety of modalities, including Animal Flow® from Global Bodyweight Training. At present, he’s Saskatchewan’s only Animal Flow Level 1 certified instructor.
Credentials:
Fitness Leadership Diploma (Hilltop Academy)
Certified Personal Trainer (BCRPA)
Weight Training and Fitness Theory (BCRPA)
Animal Flow L1 (Global Bodyweight Training)
Group Fitness Fundamentals (SPRA)
Total Body Conditioning (SPRA)
Multi-Tool Mobility (Trigger Point )
Squat and Deadlift Seminar (NashFIT)
First AID/CPR/AED Level C