Jonathan Morin, Co-Artistic Director, Choreographer, Performer

Jonathan Morin is a 33 year old indigenous (Nehiyaw) tap dancer hailing from Treaty 6 Edmonton, Alberta. Now residing in Treaty 13Toronto Ontario he is a force in the tap dance community and known across the country and around the world. A Dora Award Nominee,Johnathan co-produces and co directs Rhythm and Sound Dance Company alongside Cori Giannotta and also runs his own drop in classes inToronto. His passion for the dance has taken him across the world performing and teaching in Germany, as well as the USA. Some of hisaccolades include TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Sarah Reich’s Tap MusicProject, Vancouver International Tap Festival, and the TorontoInternational Tap Festival.With his talent, dedication, and impressive list of accomplishments,Johnathan Morin is sure to continue making rhythmic waves in the worldof Canadian tap dance for years to come

Cori Giannotta, Co-Artistic Director, Assistant Choreographer, Performer

Cori Giannotta (she/her) is a tap dancer, choreographer, and producer from Tkaronto, Ontario. As a young artist, creating opportunities for the community was always an essential goal for Giannotta, and ultimately led to co-founding, co-directing and choreographing for tap dance company Rhythm & Sound, alongside her partner, Johnathan Morin. The company has presented an annual production in Toronto for the past 10 years, has been presented in festivals across Canada. Her dancing has been featured in the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival, Night Shift: produced by Citadel and Compagnie and co-presented with Fall For Dance North, and the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival: produced by Toffan Rhythm Projects.

Veronica Simpson, Performer

Veronica Simpson is a Canadian dancer based in New York City. Performance credits include projects with Dorrance Dance, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Rhythm and Sound, (in)sight dance, Dianne Montgomery at Fall For Dance North, Michelle Dorrance at New York City Center, and Danny Nielsen’s 2023 tour of On Foot. In 2021, Veronica attended the School at Jacob’s Pillow as part of the Tap Dance Performance Ensemble. Veronica is a co-founder of Boys’ Club Tap Dance Collective, which has been selected for national and international residencies and performances. Veronica continues her freelance and creation work in New York City and in Toronto.

David Lafleur, Performer

David Lafleur (he/him) is a Tap dance artist with a master’s degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa. Combining movement, sound, and technology, he develops multidisciplinary artistic projects embedded in collaboration, improvisation, and experimentation.Through his collective (in)sight, with Winnipeg artist Ella Steele, they create bold works that aim to connect the past, present, and future of Tap dance. M/W/D, a piece commissioned by the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival in partnership with the Harbourfront Centre Theatre, toured across Québec in February 2025 with the support from La danse sur les routes du Québec and le CALQ. David recently presented work at the National Arts Centre with Pierre-Luc Clément as a part of the Big Bang Festival. He has also created Entrelacés, through a residency at l’Avant-Première, a performing arts centre in Gatineau.

Ella Steele, Performer

Ella Steele (she/her) is a Tap dancer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Through her work as co-director of (in)sight tap dance collective alongside David Lafleur, and as a dance educator, artist, and performer, Ella shares Tap dance on a multitude of platforms to students and audiences. Ella has been a main cast member of Toronto based Tap dance company “Rhythm & Sound” since 2017, most recently performing in their seven show run of “In Passing” at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Ella’s collective, (in)sight, was commissioned to be presented at the Toronto International TapDance Festival, fall 2022, with their debut production Mirror/Water/Doorway, which was performed again as an official selection by La Danse Sur Les Routes Du Quebec for Parcours Danse, Montreal, fall 2023. Mirror/Water/Doorway recently toured Quebec as a part of Les Danse Sur Les Routes Du Quebec’s touring program “Futur Danse.” Additionally, Ella is a multi-disciplinary artist passionate about visual art, poetry, movement, and video art, all of which influence her practise as a Tap dancer.

Barbara Vargas, Stage Manager and Lighting Designer

Barbara Vargas is an experienced Stage Manager with a passion for bringing tap dance performances to life. She has worked with organizations such as Rhythm and Sound, Mandela Arts, 151 Red, and the Scotiabank Dance Centre, among others. With a background in tap dance and music, she ensures everything happens on time and in time. Barbara looks forward to working with Unplugged again and continuing to create magic on stage.

Artistic Director, Choreographer, Performer: Ralph Escamillan (Kiki Legend Posh Gvasalia Basquiat)

Performers: Solange Alexander (Solar Siriano 007), Jocelyne Cajamarca (Father Jaws Siriano), Devon Lewis (Symba, Symba Mulan 007)

Other Production Credits:

Produced by FakeKnot, Co-produced by National Arts Centre.

Costume Designer: Mother Diseyie Juicy Couture

Styling:  Ralph Escamillan

Black Dance Vernacular/Decolonising Practice Consultant: Justine Chambers

Ralph Escamillan, Choreographer/Performer

Ralph Escamillan is a queer, Canadian-Filipinx performance artist, choreographer and teacher based in Vancouver, BC. Ralph started his training in street dance styles, and is a graduate of Modus Operandi—a Vancouver-based Contemporary Dance program. He has danced/toured/created with Vancouver-based companies, Film and TV as well as a beacon for the Vancouver Ballroom Scene since 2017, through his other nonprofit VanVogueJam. As the artistic director of FakeKnot, he develops collaborative performance works that have been presented both nationally and internationally. Having ancestral roots in the Philippines, he’s fascinated by inquiries into what it means to be North American, especially within the context of cultural traditions, dance, music and costume in an increasingly interconnected global community. The exploration of how culture is created through the accumulation of ideas and concepts is at the center of his work. He has found the body to be a powerful vessel through which these ideas can be investigated—incorporating music, costume and new media design.

Solange Alexander (Solar Siriano 007), Performer

Solange Alexander grew up in Scarborough, Ontario in a small quiet place called Clairlea. During this time, she developed an interest in the performing arts! She would dance for her teachers and even perform at talent shows for fun – and discovered a wide range of dance styles (afro-caribbean dance, kompa, vogue, contemporary). Solange always wanted to expand and grow her dance to reach and speak to everyone around the world. Till this day she stands by that and dances at shows like Blockorama, Modecanadarock, Pride Parade, Aliens of Manila and ect. She pushes her boundaries of dance to new levels and heights and she continues to amaze herself and others around her!

Jocelyne Cajamarca (Father Jaws Siriano), Performer

Jocelyne Cajamarca is a trans non-binary latinx artist, dancer, teacher, new ‘fatha’ and ballroom performer in the Canadian Ballroom Scene, also known as Jaws. They are highly dedicated to uplifting and prioritizing trans and queer artists, curating new explorative work, and engaging with the community through workshops, outreach, and support. Jaws furthers their craft by discovering new ways to merge their foundation in streetdance with ballroom and is continuously learning about other dance styles, history and culture.

Devon Lewis (Symba, Symba Mulan 007), Perfomer

Devon Lewis, known as Symba in the ballroom community, is a Toronto-based performance artist, teacher, choreographer, and movement director. He blends contemporary dance training from the Dance Arts Institute with years of commercial and underground dance experience. For over 15 years, Symba has brought the butch queen vogue femme category to life, enriching Canada’s ballroom culture with his expertise. A former member of the House of Ebony, he has competed across North America and Europe. Symba is also recognized for his work on Canada’s Drag Raceand his current role as Toronto’s Mother of the International Kiki House of Hua Mulan.

Choreographer: Alyssa Martin

Performers: Riley Berger, Drew Berry, Ethan Bracken, Brayden Cairns, Chloe Cha, Reese de Guzman, Sam Grist, Spencer Hack, Steph Harkness, Kate Kolo, Atira Santosh, Natasha Poon Woo

Composer: Dante Green

Lighting Designer: Noah Feaver

Creative Associate: Karessann Juteau Mercier

Chloe Cha 차승은, Performer

Chloe Cha 차승은 is a performer and artist based in Tkaronto – entrenched in vivid multidisciplinary embodiment and expression, their creative practice merges performance, sound, experimental filmmaking, graffiti, and poetry. Chloe is currently in their second year of Performance: Acting at TMU; recent credits include Hermes in Manic Theatre’s upcoming production of Fire and Frost: Prometheus, Pandora and the Birth of Humankind (2025), Sheep’s Clothing Theatre’s Bard Luck does Macbeth (2024), and co-creator/performer of There Is So Much More To Say (2024), a multigenerational gathering of sharing and weaving that has been performed through various iterations around Canada.

Natasha Poon Woo, Perfomer

Natasha Poon Woo is a Dora Award-winning dancer and freelance artist based in Toronto. She joined Rock Bottom Movement in 2015 and has since had the joy of being part of more than ten original works with the company. Natasha is also an ongoing performer with Côté Danse and Compagnie de la Citadelle, and as a teacher and rehearsal director has worked with companies and institutions including Human Body Expression, kNonameArtist, Transcen|Dance, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, and Toronto Metropolitan University, among others. Natasha is a proud alumna of CCDT, SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance, and Codarts: Rotterdam Dance Academy.

Atira Atira, Perfomer

My name is Atira. Im a brown girl finding her way through the big city of Toronto. I am currently completing a bachelor’s in Child and Youth Care. I also have a degree in psychology and I am currently working the field. But beyond the books, dance has always been my escape, my passion, and my joy. I am grateful for a chance to perform it is an honour to be part of this journey with an incredible team. I hope we can make some great memories!

Karessann Juteau Mercier, Perfomer

Originally from Montreal, Karessann Juteau Mercier is a Toronto-based dance artist. She graduated from Ballet Divertimento’s professional training program and the Dance Performance Program at George Brown College. She has performed with Reason D’Être at the Contact Dance International Film Festival and in Unleashed 2023 and 2024, dancing works by Christopher Knowles, Susie Burpee, and Cynthia Macedo. She was also part of Jörgen Dance’s Junior Company Split Program. As a choreographer, she created L’Envers for Next Stage and Change Your Perspective for Unleashed. She is currently engaged in a mentorship with Human Body Expression under Alyssa Martin’s guidance.

Kate Kolo, Performer

An indie filmmaker from Crimea. Organizes participatory artworks and festivals described as civic engagement exhibitions. Funny and cool.

Resse de Guzman, Performer

Reese de Guzman is an avid arts enthusiast who enjoys stretching her creative muscles through photography, drawing and, most recently, dance. She graduated from OCAD University, worked in various arts administrative roles for several Toronto galleries, and curated exhibitions for Scarborough Arts and Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue in partnership with The Image Centre and Gladstone House. She currently works as a Visitor Services Representative at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Drew Berry, Performer

Drew Berry is a Toronto-based performer and teacher specializing in dance, photography, videography, and classical piano. She joined Rock Bottom Movement in 2016 and has toured Canada, performing in nine productions. Two of these works have been honoured with Dora Mavor Moore Awards for Best Performance by an Ensemble and Best Production. In addition to her performance career, Drew works as a professional videographer and photographer, specializing in archival documentation for arts organizations in the GTA. She graduated from Quinte Ballet School of Canada’s post-graduate program and holds a BFA (Honours) in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Sam Grist, Performer

Sam Grist is a Toronto-based dancer, collaborator, and rehearsal director. She has been performing with Rock Bottom Movement since 2012, winning the 2020 and 2023 Dora Mavor Moore Awards for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble” and “Outstanding Production” for their works hollow mountain and Sex Dalmatian. Sam has been a guest teacher and/or rehearsal director for Rock Bottom Movement, Dance Arts Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University, George Brown College, The Fifth Dance, Quinte Ballet School, VIEW Dance Challenge, and many more. Recently, Sam joined Dance Arts Institute as Artistic Associate and Recruitment Manager, and is proud to be supporting the next generation of emerging dance artist.

Riley Berger, Performer

Riley Berger is a 14 year old student who recently graduated from East Alternative School of Toronto and is very happy to be attending Etobicoke School Of The Arts for drama in the fall. Other credits Include: Chicago, MainStage, Fred Casely/ Happy Familes, Chong productions, Darla. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching Horror movies, and dancing.

Spencer Hack, Performer

Spencer Hack is a Principal Dancer with National Ballet of Canada (NBoC) who has also collaborated as a performer with Rock Bottom Movement and Peggy Baker Dance Projects. He was born in Toledo, Ohio and trained at Canada’s National Ballet School before joining NBoC in 2014. His repertoire includes featured roles in ballets by Crystal Pite, William Forsythe, Alonzo King, David Dawson, James Kudelka, Robert Binet, Alexei Ratmanksy, Wayne McGregor, John Neumeier, Paul Lightfoot and Sol Leon, George Balanchine, and Alyssa Martin. In summer of 2024, Spencer performed with Rock Bottom Movement at Festival of Dance Annapolis Royal.

Noah Feaver, Lighting Designer

Noah Feaver is a Dora Award nominated lighting designer. He works frequently in Dance and Opera and has designed for companies such as: The National Ballet of Canada, Edmonton Opera, Toronto Dance Theatre, Tapestry Opera, Soulpepper Theatre Company, Holla Jazz, Citadel + Compagnie, The Royal Conservatory of Music, and Rock Bottom Movement. Noah holds a BFA from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Performance Production program and spent two summers as a lighting design practicum at The Banff Centre. He works as a Lighting Design Coach at The National Theatre School of Canada. Noah is a member of the Associated Designers of Canada.

Brayden Jamil Cairns, Performer

Brayden Jamil Cairns (he/they) is a Toronto-based performance artist, costume designer, and longtime lover. Bray left rural Ontario in 2015 to train at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Performance. Since his training, Bray has worked with the likes of Alyssa Martin, Rodney Diverlus and many of his peers in collaborative processes. They are interested in movement that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Bray will often be found researching what it is to feel pleasure and what can come from self-exploration.

Steph Harkness, Performer

Steph Harkness (they/them) is a performer, teacher, and choreographer originally from Mississauga, ON. Steph graduated from Purchase College, SUNY in 2022, receiving a BFA in Dance and a BA in Anthropology. In addition to performing with Rock Bottom Movement, Steph has performed works by Colleen Snell, Eilish Shin-Culhane, and Rakeem Hardy. Steph teaches Limón Modern dance and is a certified Conditioning with Imagery instructor, both under the mentorship of Donna Krasnow. Steph’s artistic practice explores the potential of dance as a means for cultivating cathartic experiences and fostering community.

Ethan Bracken, Performer

Ethan Bracken was born and raised in Guelph Ontario. As a sensitive child who’s grown into a sensitive adult he is inspired by vulnerable and messy artists. He sympathizes with those who wear their heart on their sleeve and the un-mysterious. An admiration for old Hollywood stars also fuels his creative passion. If his fashion didn’t mostly consist of basketball shorts and black hoodies he’d insist he was born in the wrong generation. But he would never dare argue with fate, so he will continue to champion the modern day crybabies who yearn to tap dance like Liza Minnelli.

Dante Green, Composer/Performer

Dante Green is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist. Composing credits include AN INCOMPLETE LIST (Toronto Fringe, Sheridan College), TO RONNIE, WITH LOVE (Sheridan College First Drafts Commission), THE BOY PROJECT (FringeArts, Pig Iron Theater Company), THE CAREGIVERS (Pig Iron), and more. Dante is an award-winning theatre director whose work has been celebrated internationally. Upcoming: MINOR MUSIC (International Theater Amsterdam). www.dantegreen.com