Quality Dance Instruction Done Right

You're child deserves nothing but the best when it comes to instructors. Our goal is to always provide students the best possible dance training. We make sure all our faculty at RDC are highly qualified in terms of not only their dance experience but their training as a teacher as well. Our instructors also take time to connect and guide both students and parents though their dance experience at Royal Dance Conservatory. We are happy to have such a dedicated, passionate, and talented team who are thrilled to pass on their knowledge to our dancers.

Nicole Gornik

CEO, Owner, and Artistic Director

​Nicole Gornik, now in her 8th season as the owner of Royal Dance Conservatory, began her enchanting dance journey at the same studio at the age of 5. Imbued with the spirit of RDC's legacy, she has become an integral part of its rich tapestry.
Dedicated to perpetual growth and refinement, Nicole remains steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge, immersing herself in ongoing education both in the realms of business and the dance industry. She is a fully certified will all Acrobatic Arts Teacher Certifications, CLI Studio certifications, Royal Academy of Dancing Exams, and her unwavering dedication to continuous education in business, dance, and teaching methodologies. This positions her as a guiding light within the dance community. This unyielding commitment ensures that RDC continually crafts an exceptional experience, consistently raising the bar for both staff and students.
​
Her formative years as a student took her on a journey across North America, where she honed her skills under the tutelage of distinguished choreographers such as Travis Wall and Mia Michaels. Nicole's expertise spans an array of styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballroom, Heels, Street Jazz, and Contemporary.  Notable highlights include enthralling performances with the Great Russian Ballet in 2009 and 2011, as well as captivating audiences at Disney World for Dance the World. Her competitive spirit led her to travel across North America for various competitions, enriching her artistry and shaping her as the accomplished dancer she is today.

Under Nicole's visionary leadership, she steers RDC toward an exciting future. Prepare to witness the unfolding chapters in the remarkable journey of Nicole Gornik and the Royal Dance Conservatory.
Jenna Voth

Jenna (Voth) Leclair

Jenna was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has shared her love for dance across Canada as well as in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Jenna is a 2019 graduate of the Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers and has been teaching for over 6 years.
Some of her past projects within the professional dance community include: 40 Dancer Project (New Blue Festival, Toronto), Stream of Dance Festival 2018 (New Dance Horizons), Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra – Mars (Odette Heyn-Projects), Paula Blair Projects, Stephanie Ballard: Landscape Dancing: Human Rights Museum, Landscape Dancing (Stephanie Ballard and Dancers), LIVE Dance (BOSS Dance Crew Winnipeg), Creando lazos a través de La Danza – Mexico 2019 (“Creating ties through Dance”) in collaboration with the School of Contemporary Dancers, Roberto Mosqueda, and Ilse Torres, Winnipeg Women Dancing Performances (Stephanie Ballard).
Jenna joined our RDC teaching staff back in 2015. Her passion is working with students, building their confidence, and challenging them to grow in their technique and artistry.
Taylor Wiens

Taylor Wiens

At age five Taylor began her dance journey.  She has trained in various styles of dance, including: Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Acro, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. In 2015 Taylor moved to Winnipeg where she joined RDC to continue training at to compete on their competitive team. Over the years she has had the opportunity to be choreographed by the renowned So You Think You Can Dance alumni Moses Layco. She has also learned from choreographers such as Josh Assor, Jon Ole Ostad, and Samantha Grist. She has attended competitions such as Canadian National Dance Championships, MOVE Dance Competition, Dance Canada, KickIt (Toronto), and CanDance (Alberta).

Prior to beginning her teaching career at RDC she participated in a one year training course with RDC’s owner, Nicole Gornik and instructor Tracy Tomchuck. Over the last year she has also committed her time to complete her CLI Studio teacher training certification.
​
Taylor is beyond excited to continue teaching at RDC and cannot wait to see what the future brings.
Ari Quijada

Ari Quijada

Ari, born in Caracas, Venezuela, began dancing at Nina Novak Ballet Academy when she was just two years old where she trained in Vaganova technique. She excelled in ballet, eventually graduating in 2017. Ari took classes with numerous dance companies including, The Opera of Paris Ballet School, and the American Ballet Theatre School, and performed with companies such as Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, and New Dance Horizon.

But Ari's dance interests weren't limited to classical ballet—she explored Jazz, Tap, and Acro too. In 2022, she graduated from The School of Contemporary Dancers' Professional Program in partnership with the University of Winnipeg where she got to work with choreographers such as Jolene Bailie, Bill Evans, Jera Wolfe, Constance Cooke, Robin Poitras, and Gaile Hiley. The next year, she completed the Rehabilitation Assistant program at MITT.

Now, Ari looks forward to sharing her love for dance with the talented students at RDC. She's excited about what the upcoming year holds, anticipating growth and amazing experiences in the world of dance.
Isabel Cwiak

Isabel Cwiak

At age 4, Isabel began her dance journey where she trained at multiple studios throughout Winnipeg before she found her place at Royal Dance Conservatory in 2018.

Isabel's dedication and love for dance led her to join the company program and hasn't looked back since. Isabel excelled on the competitive stage where she participated and performed at many competitions including Canadian National Dance Competition, Dance Canada, CanDance, MOVE Dance Competition, and many more earning many overall and special awards. She has also had to opportunity to work with local choreographers such as Brenda Gorlik as well as many well known choreographers through CLI Studios.

But Isabel's journey didn't stop at performing. After several seasons of assisting classes, she joined the Royal Dance Conservatory's apprentice program. Over two years, she worked closely with instructors, improving her skills to become an instructor herself. Additionally, she completed a year-long internship, collaborating closely with director Nicole Gornik, gaining valuable insights into the administrative side of the studio, and becoming part of the administrative team.

​Currently, Isabel is pursuing her studies at the University of Manitoba while continuing to share her passion for dance. She is excited to continue sharing her love of dance to others and can't wait to see what the future holds.
Sara Goodman

Sara Goodman

As a very shy 3-year-old, Sara began her dance journey, summoning every bit of courage to attend classes and perform on stage. Over time, her love for dance eclipsed her fears, and she embraced styles like Lyrical, Jazz, and Hip Hop. Her training encompassed Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, and Musical Theatre.

From age three until 2011, she refined her skills at The Dance Centre, and from 2011 to 2014 at Kickit Dance Studio. Sara's passion drove her to compete on various stages, earning scholarships and awards at prestigious competitions such as Canadian National Dance Championships and Triple Threat Dance Convention.

In 2014, she pursued her dance dreams in Los Angeles, training at Millennium Dance Complex and Edge Performing Arts Centre alongside renowned figures like Jaja Vankova and Sho-Tyme from SYTYCD. Sara also shared her expertise in Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop with students at Elevate Movement Studio in Costa Rica during 2018 and 2021.
​
Sara's love for dance remains steadfast, guiding her forward. She eagerly anticipates her new role as a faculty member at Royal Dance Conservatory, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her dance career.
Lee Frketich

Lee Frketich

Lee Frketich began their dance training at the age of 3 in their hometown of Hamilton, ON. They trained in Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern and Musical Theatre, and competed locally. In high school, looking to expand their dance training, they began classes at the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre in Toronto, as well as the Dance Centre in Hamilton. He is in his third year of the Professional Program at the School of Contemporary Dancers and studying environmental sciences at the University of Winnipeg.

They’ve worn a number of hats within the artistic world from performance to arts administration, to backstage and technical work, and have always loved to share the art of dance with others.

He made his professional performance and choreographic debut in Field Notes From This Side of Nowhere, a show they produced and directed, at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in the fall of 2022, and toured Twenty-Four across Winnipeg and Southern Ontario this summer.

Lee is excited to be working with dancers at RDC and help create the next generation of artists!
Lindsay Becx

Lindsay Becx

As a passionate dancer since the age of 3, the Royal Dance Conservatory holds a cherished place in my heart. The warm embrace and unwavering support from this dance community have been my anchor on even the most challenging days. Growing up with RDC has been an extraordinary honor, molding me into the dancer I am today.

My love for dance extends to teaching kids, where each week presents a new adventure in sharing the joy of movement. At present, I'm a student at the University of Saint Boniface, pursuing my dream of becoming a childcare worker. Here, I'm gaining invaluable insights into how children flourish through play and refining my skills to nurture their learning journey

As I look forward to the upcoming year in dance, my excitement knows no bounds. I anticipate stepping into another year filled with opportunities for success and the chance to achieve countless remarkable feats. With determination and a passion for the art, I'm eager to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead, making this year one to remember.
​
Maddie Oliver

Maddie Oliver

Maddie is a young Red River Métis woman, born and raised in northern Manitoba. She is new to the dance world and is always excited to learn something new.


A few fun facts:
  • she loves all kinds of music and plays many instruments including fiddle, guitar, piano, and loves to sing
  • she works for a wonderful non-profit organization that provides computers to Manitobans who may not be able to afford them at retail value
  • she is an avid digital artist and graphic designer; currently attending the Graphic Communications program at Red River College Polytechnic
  • she has a plethora hobbies ranging from playing video games to many different mediums of crafting.

“While I may not have an extensive dance background, I do have many other skills that can benefit the studio. I am so happy for the opportunity to do what I do for RDC”
Join Our Faculty
​
Interested in teaching for us? We’re always on the lookout for passionate, energetic and experienced teachers to join our rock star faculty. We’d also love to hear from you why you’d like to join our inspiring team of teachers. We look forward to hearing from you!