Our Coaches
You might notice we say “coach” instead of “teacher” at Lift Acro Evolution. That’s intentional. We use the word coach because what we do goes beyond teaching steps—we’re here to guide, uplift, and inspire.
A coach walks beside you, motivates you when things get tough, and celebrates every small win. We’re not just building strong dancers and acrobats—we’re building strong, confident people.
Director & Coach
Dorian Pearce
Dorian has been coaching dance in Pembroke since 2016, working with recreational and competitive students in Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Acro, and Lyrical.
Dorian began dancing at the age of four and has completed various exams in Ballet (RAD), Tap (ADAPT), and Jazz (ADAPT). Over the years, he has continued to expand his training and teaching credentials, including:
- Artistic Dance Educators Jazz (2025)
– Tap Roots Syllabus Certification (2024)
– Acrobatic Arts – Module 1 (2024)
– Alixa Flexibility – Module 1 (2021)
– ADAPT Syllabus Teacher’s Training Program – 3-Year Certification (2020)
– ADAPT Assistant Teacher Program (2014)
Passionate about dance and the performing arts, Dorian sets a high bar for both himself and his students. He's committed to ongoing education and skill development. Many of his students have also excelled in their own exams, earning high marks. Beyond the studio, Dorian is the proud owner of Kitchissippi Productions, a forward-thinking events production company.
He is also the director of Festival Hall, the largest performing arts theatre between North Bay and Ottawa.
Dorian looks forward to many more years of coaching, training, and performing in the dance community.
Founder
Marie Crowe
Marie Crowe is the founder of Lift Acro Evolution. A graduate of the National Circus School - Instructor in Circus Arts Program; she has spent countless hours studying the mechanics of acrobatics, tumbling, hand balancing, and more, as she strives to learn the most effective ways to strengthen students and prevent injury.
Her certifications include:
– Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Acro-Preschool
– Acrobatic Arts Hoop and Silks
– Acrobatic Dance Teacher's Association Junior and Intermediate
– Aerial Dance Academy Hand-balancing Foundations and M1
– Progressing Ballet Technique Certified
– Alixa Flexibility Module 1 and Module 2
– ADAPT TTS year 1
Marie has spent many years training recreational and competitive acrodancers, with placements and special awards at nationally recognized dance competitions, and is looking forward to another season of Circus Training in the Ottawa Valley!
Coach
Amber Matheson
Amber has been part of the Lift family for several years, sharing her creativity and skill as a hoop coach. Known in the community as Lady Cirque, she’s a familiar face at local events, festivals, and gatherings—bringing joy, movement, and a little bit of circus magic wherever she goes.
With a passion for performance and a talent for connecting with students, Amber’s classes are a fun, welcoming space for everyone to explore, express, and grow.
Amber is certified in the Acrobatic Arts Aerial Hoop Theory program. She is now working towards completing her Aerial Arts Hoop Practical program.
Photo by Bold & Radiant Photography.
Coach
Gabbie Massicotte
Gabbie is a former gymnast and experienced competitive dancer with training in a wide variety of styles including jazz, ballet, contemporary, acro, tap, and more. She’s completed her Level 1 Gymnastics Coaching course and brings both skill and energy to her role as an Acro and Dance coach at Lift. Gabbie is currently completing her Acrobatic Arts Module One program.
Gabbie has been a recreational and competitive choreographer at Lift Acro Evolution for many years in a variety of styles.
Her classes are full of movement, motivation, and fun—and you definitely won’t miss her contagious smile and upbeat spirit!
Coach
Olivia C. Davies
Olivia C. Davies is a professional dance artist whose career spans across two decades in the areas of choreography, production, and performance. She started dancing at the age of three and trained as a Classical pre-professional dancer in RAD Ballet syllabus and Graham Modern Dance at Ottawa Dance Centre Schools and Toronto’s Interplay Dance Academy. She trained at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s summer intensive, before entering Etobicoke School of the Arts secondary as a Dance Major where she graduated with Honors in 2002. After attending York University’s BFA dance program, Davies built her early career in Toronto before moving to Vancouver where she founded her company O.Dela Arts. Her work has been presented across Canada and abroad since 2002.
Davies is passionate about sharing her love of movement with young and old. Davies has taught recreational Adult Ballet and Contemporary Dance, as well as Youth Ballet and Free Movement in studios and schools in Toronto and Vancouver. She regularly mentors emerging professional dance artists in peak performance techniques, choreographic method and advanced stage presence. She is excited to join the Lift Acro Evolution team!
Coach
Jessica Wren
Born and raised here in the Ottawa Valley, Coach Jessica fell in love with aerial arts back in 2016 and hasn’t looked back since! Jessica has trained with a variety of coaches and she loves coming up with creative modifications and new ways to help students work through challenges at their own pace.
Known for her contagious smile and encouraging nature, Jessica is all about creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where every student can feel strong, confident, and proud of their progress.
Jessica is certified in the Aerial Arts Silks Theory program. She is now working towards completing her Aerial Arts Silks Practical program.
Coach
Breann Kosnaskie
Breann Kosnaskie is a teacher at Lift Acro Evolution and a former competitive dancer with a passion for helping young dancers grow in confidence, technique, and creativity. With years of experience in the dance world, she brings a supportive and encouraging energy to every class.
Breann is certified in the Acrobatic Arts Preschool Acro Program and the ADAPT Assistant Teachers Program, and is currently completing her certification in the Artistic Dance Educators Jazz Teacher Program. She is dedicated to continuing her education and creating a positive learning environment where every student feels supported and inspired.
Coach
Kloé Sévégny
Kloé is returning this season as part of our coaching team after previously assisting in our aerial and acro classes. A dedicated and well-rounded student at Lift Acro Evolution, she’s trained for many years under Marie, Amber, Dorian, and Travis in aerial hoop, silks, dance, and acro.
With a strong competitive background in dance, hoop and acro—earning overalls, high marks, and special awards—Kloé brings a wealth of experience. She connects naturally with our younger students and brings a great balance of focus, fun, and encouragement to every class.
She has completed her Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher Certification.
We’re excited to see her continue to grow as both a performer and coach this season!
Lift Acro Evolution is owned & operated by Kitchissippi Productions Inc.