About Studio 9
Studio 9 was founded in 2004 by mother-daughter team, Anna and Jessica Yee. Together, they launched a dance studio that would cater to the unique needs of each student. Small classes would allow the instructor to focus more attention to each student than traditional dance class sizes. Unlike other dance studios, we focus more on the creative upbringing and individual development of the student than competition. Many students were attracted to this idea simply because the ideology allowed them to dance to their own liking, with the rigours, discipline and training from a qualified instructor without worrying about being in a competitive environment.
We boast students of all ages, genders, abled and disabled. Each staff member loves to teach, choreograph and inspire dancers of all ages. We are passionate, qualified and educated in their field, and this is apparent in their teachings. We dreams to inspire future dancers and dance instructors to teach and dance with passion and compassion. The studio places much emphasis on the healthy dancer, incorporating imagery and strength training into all classes.
We are also very involved in the Toronto community, participating in events such as CNE - Chinese New Year 2004, Yee Hong Annual Dance Show, or fundraising for charitable events. We hope to provide all students who wish to perform with positive and exciting performance experiences while building their self-confidence and their awareness for social conditions.
Studio Profiles
Jessica YeeArtistic Director, Choreographer and Principal Instructor
BATD Stage Associate
York University Dance Undergraduate
Jessica Yee has over 20 years of professional and pre-professional dance training. She began dance at the age of five, and she has now graduated from the York University Dance Program. Prior to York, Jessica studied several different disciplines in the fine arts, including dance, singing, martial arts, and music. She has participated in many competitions where she has earned many medals and awards, including Fifth overall in the Ottawa Region, and First in her category Internationally.
Jessica trained at several different dance schools and academies such as Debbie Dance Academy, Rideau Lake School of Dance, Brockville School of Dance, Zhonghua Arts and Language Academy, Ten Talent Management and Chi Ping Dance Group. Through her extensive training, she has developed her personal unique choreographic style to be a blend of different dance disciplines as well as being influenced by her oriental heritage. In 2002, Jessica earned her BATD Stage Associate and had taught part-time at the York University's recreation program for 2 years and at her private studio "Studio 9". Jessica's students have performed all over Ontario and Montreal at various events as well as appearing on national TV in Canada.
Jessica has performed and choreographed with the Chi Ping Dance Group in various events and productions. She is also part of the Le Stelle Music Theatre Program where she first appeared as one of the stepsisters in "Cinderella". She recently performed in the lead role of "The King and I" as well as Tszitel in"Fiddler on the Roof".
Anna YeeDirector and General Manager
Anna Yee has been involved in the dance scene for over 20 years. She began as a supportive parent, driving her daughter to and from classes, and today, she is the rock of Studio 9. Anna is the costume director, adminstrator, book-keeper, agent, handy-person, critic and much more. She has over 30 years experience in the business world, operating several businesses since the mid 1970's. Her sewing expertise has been widely used in various recitals, productions and events.