Rose Nicholson

Raised in Burlington, Ontario, Rose Nicholson began her dance training at the age of three at Cheryle Bodrug’s Burlington Dance Company, studying ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and contemporary. She went on to compete across North America for 10 years and successfully completed her CDTA Dance Examinations with Honours.

Rose pursued her passion for dance academically, earning both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Dance from York University, where she focused on performance and choreography. During her studies, she had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers such as Julia Sasso, Holly Small, Tentacle Tribe, and Jon Ottman, experiences that shaped her artistry and teaching practice. As part of her Master’s program, she served as a resident choreographer for the York Dance Ensemble, further honing her choreographic voice. Following graduation, Rose continued to perform and choreograph professionally across North America.

With over a decade of teaching experience, Rose is celebrated for her warm, nurturing approach and her ability to bring out the best in her students. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom—she served as youth rehearsal director for Canada’s Ballet Jörgen’s The Nutcracker, guiding young dancers through the demands of professional productions with clarity and care. Her students consistently excel in competition, earning top awards in choreography, overall performance, and judges’ choice categories, with many continuing to pursue professional and post-secondary careers in dance.

Rose is a certified instructor with the Performing Arts Educators of Canada in Jazz and Early Dance Education, as well as through the Tap Dance Centre. She brings to every class a blend of strong technical foundation, creative exploration, and a deep passion for inspiring the next generation of dancers.