VALERIE STANOIS

From her first dance lesson at the age of six to starring as “Oz”, the rocker rebel in the award winning Mirvish production of “We Will Rock You”, to rockin Broadway in ‘Rock of Ages’, to mentoring and inspiring her students through the arts, Valerie brings an undeniable passion, poise and an unforgettable attitude that truly has made her an accomplished and award winning singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, director and teacher who redefines the term “Triple Threat”.

A native of Toronto, Valerie developed her skills throughout her high school years at Wexford School for the Arts and later went on to study Musical Theatre at Sheridan College. With over 20 years of experience, she has trained in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles studying a wide variety of dance styles extending from jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, contemporary, hip-hop, ballroom, Latin, and Greek dancing.

Musical Theatre credits include: Dance Captain for Rock of Ages (Broadway and Toronto companies), Hello Dolly and Into the Woods at the prestigious Stratford Festival, Sillibub in Cats (Theatre Aquarius), Rizzo in Grease, Ginger in Best Little Whorehouse, Mickey in Leader of the Pack, the Canadian Premiere of California Dreaming (Stage West), and Hair (CanStage). She has also worked as a featured singer and dancer, travelling the world on Celebrity and Holland America cruise lines.

An acclaimed vocalist, Valerie has be noted to have “impressive stamina and disciplined vocal control” along with “lungs of leather and a real command of the stage” and been featured on Breakfast Television (CITY TV), New Years Bash (CITY TV), Edo Kai Tora (OMNI), Living in Toronto (CBC), Go! Radio(CBC) and The Zone (YTV). She recorded a duet with Canadian Idol runner up, Rex Goudie, entitled ‘Won’t Have to Wait’ now available on Itunes and was part of an all-star cast for the song “We Shine As One” for the 2007 World Blood Donor Day, performing with two-time Juno Award winner Liberty Silver, Edwin and Mista D. She has performed with Queen, Carly Rae Jepsen, Danny Fernandes, and Suzie McNeil. In addition, she is the lead singer of her band ‘The Remedy’ who can be found playing around the City as well as private events and weddings.

Valerie creates work that inspires and entertains. She has the ability to motivate her performers and students to express themselves in a positive and powerful way. Her choreography credits include Canadian International Auto Show, General Motors, Warner Brothers, Universal Recording artist Suzie McNeil’s live shows, Mandell Entertainment, The Marilyn Denis Show, 2011 Canadian National Show Choir Champions Wexford Gleeks, Devan Events, Bosco and Jones and Nursery School Musical (Fence Post Productions/2009), West Side Story, Grease (York Minstrels), Director/Choreographer Hot Stuff and Assistant Choreographer Karaoke Dreamers (Bluewater Summer Playhouse), The Performing Arts Collective, Les Mis, Hairspray, Kiss Me Kate, Godspell, Footloose (Wexford School for the Arts), Director/Choreographer (Bluewater Gleeks.) As a teacher, coach and Certified Zumba Instructor, Valerie’s zest for the arts is what continues to drive her. She has worked within the Toronto, Durham and Peel School Boards for over 10 years and has taught for Toronto Rock Camp, Can-Stage Educational Workshops, Etobicoke School for the Arts, Step into Your Power Programs, Extreme Fitness, numerous dance studios in the GTA and surrounding areas and is a resident choreographer/coach at her alma mater, Wexford School for the Arts.

With passion, grace and undeniable talent, Valerie continues to strive as an artist and mentor, reaching out as an active member of the community. She has teamed up with the Toronto Police Service and Cybertip for their campaign, “Every Keystroke Has a Consequence”. This movement supports internet safety, especially for today’s youths battling online sexual exploitation.  She has lent her talents to numerous events including the Sick Kids Telethon, Easter Seals Telethon, Gilda’s Club, Alzheimer’s Society, United Way, Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, Children’s Wish Foundation, Performing Arts Lodges, Actor’s Fund, Youth Day and the Run for the Cure.