the BCTO Family

Meet our talented and educated instructors who value mindful, functional movement, with a focus on the education that addresses the WHY behind each movement. We encourage you to take agency in deciding how you show up and move through each class, while celebrating your own progressions and achievements. 

Shelley-Anne Castro (she/her) is a certified Barre, Pilates, and Yoga Instructor (E-RYT 200 + RYT 500), lululemon Ambassador, and movement educator with over two decades of experience as a professional dancer, choreographer, and performer. Her journey in movement has taken her to more than 150 countries through an international performance career, shaping a teaching style rooted in artistry, mindfulness, and joyful challenge.

Blending strength, nervous system awareness, intentional movement, and music, Shelley-Anne’s classes are designed to help you feel strong, grounded, and deeply connected in your body. Whether you’re sweating, strengthening, slowing down, or dancing it out, expect thoughtful movement, supportive energy, and playlists that make it hard not to move.

  • SHELLEY-ANNE CASTRO (she/her)
    @breathe.love.inspire

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Bad Girls by: Donna Summer

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Empowering you to become the Master of your own body!

Born and raised in Toronto, Bethany Litner (she/her) holds a BFA in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University and a Masters of Teaching from OISE at the University of Toronto. After completing her BFA, Bethany began working as a contemporary dance artist, dancing in cities throughout Canada and Europe. She has over 15 years of teaching experience teaching ballet and contemporary movement to all ages. In addition to the arts, Bethany is certified in Barre, Mat, and Reformer Pilates with pre and post-natal training, and has been teaching to wonderful communities throughout Toronto for several years.

  • BETHANY LITNER (she/her)
    @bethanylitner

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Dance

    Favourite song to move to:
    Nobody's Supposed to Be Here - Deborah Cox and Hex Hector

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want my clients to fall in love with movement!

Miranda Davidson (she/her) is a dancer, fitness instructor and Registered Massage Therapist from Victoria, BC and based in Toronto since 2011. She has a passion for helping people feel their best! Her multifaceted expertise in movement and the human body enriches her fitness classes with an in-depth understanding of anatomy and thoughtful sequencing. You can expect an energetically warm room that offers a fun amount of challenge with supportive options to accommodate levels and injuries. 

When she isn’t teaching in the studios or treating in The Clinic, you can find Miranda biking around the city, seeing live shows or planning her next adventure. She hopes to see you soon!

  • MIRANDA DAVIDSON (she/her)
    @randsmeijer

    Movement Modalities:
    Barre, Pilates, Strength Training, Dance

    The Clinic:
    RMT

    Favourite song to move to:
    Good as Hell - Lizzo

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Every day is different! I hope in my classes you feel welcomed and supported no matter what your body or mind may be carrying that day.

Martha Hart (she/her) is a Dora-nominated dance artist, choreographer, and educator based in Tkaronto/Toronto. After a childhood of playing hockey and competing in triathlons, she found a love for ballet at age 13 and was accepted into Canada’s National Ballet School at 15. She later received training internationally recognized institutions Palucca Schule Dresden, L’École Supérieure du Ballet du Québec, and Arts Umbrella Dance, beginning her career with Dresden Semperoper Ballet before returning to Canada in 2010. Since then, she has performed with Côté Danse, Canadian singer iskwē, Human Body Expression, TranscenDance Project, Eilers Dance Theatre, and Hit & Run Dance Productions. From 2015–2016, she toured internationally with Metamorphosis Dance Collective, later producing Metamorphosis Method Workshops in Toronto (2017–2020). In 2020, she founded hART dance as a platform for her choreographic work, which has toured to Italy for three consecutive years. Her work has also been featured at Nuit Blanche, Stackt Market, in the Canadian Film Centre’s short film Oasis, and in Jessie Reyez’s music video Mutual Friend. Martha is dedicated to nurturing Toronto’s dance community and creating cross-disciplinary artistic connections.

  • MARTHA HART (she/her)
    @marthavictoria 

    Movement Modalities: 
    Dance, Mindfulness & Meditation, Yoga

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - The Platters 

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To help you move with awareness, intention and ultimately to LISTEN to your body, it holds all the answers.

  • ETHAN WILLIAMS (he/him)

    Movement modalities:
    Strength training

As a dancer Irena Ponizova (she/her) passion for movement drew her to yoga in 2013. She is certified in both Yoga and Barre which she enthusiastically shares with studios all over Toronto. Irena’s current teaching practice seeks to encourage authentic movement generated from the inside-out and is guided by the breath. Students can expect creative flows, seamless trasnsitions, alignment cues delivered through imagery and plenty of variations to honor students wherever they are on their journey.  Irena believes that fostering a strong mind-body connection begins with gazing inwards and working with our strengths and funks to determine what we really need from our practice. Prepare to get curious, move expansively and SWEAT. 

  • IRENA PONIZOVA (she/her)
    @irenaponizovayoga

    Movement Modalities:
    Yoga, Dance, Barre, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to:
    Reckoner by Radiohead

    Movement goal for our Community:
    As a facilitator and a forever student, I’ve had the absolute privilege of being inspired by the BCTO community’s dedication, curiosity and genuine hunger for knowledge and movement.

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Britanny Booth (she/her) holds a diploma from the Teacher Training Program at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, as well as from The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Dance Training Program.

In addition to dance, Britanny has a passion for fitness and well-being, which led her to become a barre certified instructor at Barreworks, where she taught from 2017 - 2021. Britanny is also a mat certified Pilates instructor (Muse Movement). Currently Britanny teaches at studios such as The Toronto Barre Collective, Equinox, and Jaybird. Her goal is to lead clients through movement with a deep emphasis on form and function of the body, creativity, a sense of humour, and a killer playlist.

Britanny’s dance, barre, and Pilates practices inform all aspects of her teaching, which keeps her classes dynamic, creative, and ever evolving.

  • BRITANNY BOOTH (she/her)
    @britannybooth

    Movement Modalities:
    Barre, Pilates

    Favourite song to move to:
    Yodelady by Old Man Luedecke

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I care deeply about creating a community where people feel empowered to show up for themselves. BCTO is a place to move in ways that meet your needs - whether that's relaxation, challenge, or dedicated time for yourself.

Originally from Colombia, Mateo G. Torres (he/him) is a multidisciplinary dance artist, producer, performer and movement educator based in Toronto. He is a graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and Centro Prodanza de Cuba professional programs. Mateo is also a barre fitness and pilates trained instructor, and is currently faculty at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. As a performer, he has worked internationally with a wide array of directors and choreographers, for live theatre, voice over and film. As a choreographer, his work is highly influenced by his Latinx American background, often politically charged, and inspired by social subject matters. Mateo fuses his eclectic movement training within his choreography creating a distinct movement quality.

  • MATEO GALINDO TORRES (he/him)
    @guetchaguaritcha

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Raiz - Bomba Estereo

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Let's move towards loving our bodies. True growth and evolution happens from self love and acceptance. 

Reece Caldwell (he/they)is a contemporary dance artist and a certified mat and reformer Pilates instructor located in Tkaronto/Toronto. As a performer and dance educator Reece approaches Pilates through rich embodied experience and curiosity. Reece is leaning into the joy of movement while rooting deeply into mind-body connection and autonomy. Expect detailed and creative cueing through connected, flowy sequences with an emphasis on sustainable movement.

  • REECE CALDWELL (he/they) 
    @reececcaldwell

    Movement Modalities: 
    Pilates, Barre, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Vivid Light - Blood Orange

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I enjoy moving with the BCTO community because their curiosity and willingness to commit & dive into movement is unmatched!

Tiana (She/Her) is a perimenopause and transformation coach who helps women reconnect with their bodies and thrive in midlife. 

As a coach, she aims to make movement fun while pushing the limits of your comfort zone to a banging playlist. The focus of her practice is nervous system work, strength training and nutrition and believes that a healthy mindset is the foundation in all aspects of wellness. She's also a competitive powerlifter who loves to throw heavy weights around.

  • TIANA POLLARI (she/her)
    @tianapollari

    Movement Modalities:
    Strength, HIIT

    Favourite song to move to:
    Fallin' by Kes

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Everyone shows up ready and excited to move their body, the commitment is unmatched.

  • NAIKE VICTORIA (she/her)
    @naikeandyoga

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Yin Yoga, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to:
    Real Love - Mary J Blige

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want people to discover their bodies, who they are from the inside out.Meditation is a wonderful tool to know who you are.

Jessica Germano (she/her) is a contemporary dance artist, dance educator, and Barre/Pilates instructor based in Toronto. During her studies in the Performance Dance program at the Toronto Metropolitan University, she was introduced to practices including Barre and Pilates. 

With a BFA in Dance, and certifications in Barre (Barreworks), Mat Pilates (Equinox), and Reformer Pilates (Muse Movement), Jessica's passion for movement is always evolving. Her experience both as a teacher and a dancer provides her with the tools to develop classes that are functional, creative, and adaptable for all levels. She delivers cues through imagery, creates seamless transitions, and gives students the freedom to explore, and express themselves. Through mindful movement, Jessica will encourage you to stay curious, and discover what a sustainable, and enjoyable practice can look like for you.

  • JESSICA GERMANO (she/her)
    @barrebyjessica

    Movement Modalities: 
    Dance, Barre, Pilates

    Favourite song to move to: 
    I Fink You Freaky by Die Antwoord

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I want to help people have an interconnected mind-body experience and discover pleasure through movement.

Abby Robson (she/her) is a dancer and fitness instructor from Australia. While dancing professionally in Sydney for over a decade, she expanded into teaching dance fitness in elementary schools, before making the transition to instructing Pilates and Barre in 2016 when she moved to Canada. Abby is certified in Pilates and Barre in both Australia and Canada, and is also a Pre and Postnatal FitnessSpecialist, Swiss Ball and TRX instructor. She loves to bring fun to her classes while making sure you find your best form and challenge zone with each move. 

Abby enjoys taking classes herself and experiencing different teaching styles.  She believes that a balance of formal training, self-education and learning from her peers is essential to maintain a high level of instructing. 

When she's not in the studio, she is a mum of 2. If she has a free moment and isn’t enticed by a glass of wine on the couch watching action movies with her husband, she will be baking treats or her favourite Finnish food.  

Abby makes sure her classes are for everyone and will always give modifications as needed. Don't let her smile and upbeat personality fool you though, her classes can be tough. She will make sure you find your challenge zone, work within that good pain, while enjoying those happy endorphins.  

  • ABBY ROBSON (she/her)

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Pre Post Natal, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Anything Pitbull 

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Improving the way you feel from the inside out.

Dylan (he/him) is a Toronto based yoga & meditation teacher. He first started practicing yoga in theatre school over 10 years ago, and continues to be inspired, challenged and humbled by this practice. He’s a graduate of Downward Dog’s 200-Hr Yoga Teacher Training Program, and Octopus Garden’s 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program. Many thanks to all of my teachers, colleagues, and community.

  • DYLAN CHISHOLM (he/him)
    @dylangrantchisholm

    Movement Modalities: 
    Yoga, Meditation

    Favourite song to move to: 
    I love EDM, anything with a great beat!

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Empower people to feel good about the body that they have right now. To help people find contentment and joy in the present movement, and to help people find mental & physical strength, agility, and balance.

black and white photo of instructor Tricia in the studio

  • TRICIA MARTIN (she/her)

    Movement Modalities:
    Yoga, barre

  • FELICIA CAMMOCK (she/her)

    Movement Modalities:
    Strength Training

Serwaa Daley (she/her) is a Dance Performer, Choreographer, and Fitness Trainer. She explored her curiosity for Dance Science and injury prevention while completing her BFA in Dance from York University. Since then, Serwaa has obtained additional certifications as a Personal Trainer and recently Barre Fitness. She teaches from the physical embodiment of her knowledge in various modalities such as Strength Training, Flexibility and Mobility, and Yoga. She continues to deepen her knowledge to create classes and workshops that help people feel stronger, free, and more confident in their movement.

  • SERWAA DALEY (she/her)
    @goingmyrightway

    Movement Modalities:
    Barre, Dance, Yoga, Strength Training

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Don’t stop the music by Rihanna 

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To connect beautifully through shared movement and explore what our bodies are capable of. 

Rachelle Ashmore (she/her) is a contemporary dance artist, professional dog groomer, and barre instructor. Having discovered her passion to move at a young age, this led her on a journey from Ottawa to Toronto where she completed her dance education at Conteur Dance Academy as well as completing her Barreworks certification in 2021. Rachelle strives to create a fun and empowering class where one can push themselves safely in an encouraging and inclusive space. She prioritizes safety by providing descriptive alignment cues to improve your form. Her classes are designed to be all-levels inclusive and will provide modifications when necessary.  She is thrilled to embark on this journey at BCTO with you all!

  • RACHELLE ASHMORE (she/her)
    @rachelle_ash

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Let’s dance - David Bowie

    Movement goal for our Community:
    To harness your inner strength and beauty

Chiara Lucchetta (she/her) is a freelance dance artist and also a barre, pilates, meditation, and yoga instructor. Chiara began her dance education at a young age and went on to train at various institutions, including Canada’s National Ballet School. She has danced competitively and even performed with the Argos A-Team as a cheerleader for the Toronto Argonauts. Chiara believes movement is a means of expression, energy, and play. Through mindful movement practice, she hopes to help people celebrate and honour the body while connecting mind, body, and soul.

  • CHIARA LUCCHETTA (she/her)
    @chilucchetta

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Yoga, Dance, Meditation, Pilates

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Before I Let Go by Beyoncé

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Using movement as a way to get to know yourself better! Connecting body, mind, and spirit.

Leora Kirshenblatt (she/her) 's love for movement began at a very early age. She grew up dancing competitively in all styles of dance. After numerous years of training, teaching and choreographing, Leora decided to expand her movement vocabulary. She started teaching barre modalities, dance cardio, as well as Pilates. She is Pilates Mat Certified from Equinox's Pilates Training Institute. Leora believes in movement that makes you feel good, while lengthening & strengthening. She finds joy in sharing her love for movement. Leora is so excited to be a part of BCTO and cannot wait to share her light with you in class!

  • LEORA KIRSHENBLATT (she/her)
    @leorapaigek

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Pilates, Dance

    Favourite song to move to: 
    I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston

    Movement goal for our Community:
    I believe movement is always the answer!

Rachel Fackoury (she/her) is a vibrant and energetic trainer, whose vision is to lead people on a path of self-discovery through fitness.

Her passion for personal fitness, health and wellness is rooted in a love of sport, which ultimately led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and play on their varsity field hockey team. In the past ten years, Rachel has pursued her passions by teaching group fitness classes, and serving as a personal fitness instructor in local communities throughout Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.

From a young age, Rachel was involved in a variety of sports. Dance, gymnastics, cross country and track, soccer, volleyball and field hockey - you name it, she played it. When it came time to select a field of study, kinesiology was an obvious choice. Originally having her sights set on becoming a dentist, fitness instructing and personal training began only as a summer job. As Rachel developed and grew her own fitness classes, she quickly realized that she not only saw remarkable improvements in people’s physical strength, but their mental health and well-being too! Having a career that allowed her to be involved in igniting positive change in another person’s life is something she never knew could have existed. From then on, Rachel has been devoted to helping people lead their best lives and become their best self. She is trained in barre, mat Pilates, strength training, and cardio dance. Through injury, Rachel discovered the importance of pelvic health and is pre & post natal certified. She continues to take various continuing education courses yearly to expand her knowledge.

  • RACHEL FACKOURY (she/her)
    @rachelfackoury

    Movement Modalities: 
    Barre, Mat Pilates, Strength Training, Cardio Dance, Pre & Post Natal

    Favourite song to move to: 
    Anything Dua Lipa!

    Movement goal for our Community:
    Listen to your body, choose your own adventure, feel GOOD in the options you choose (whether that be elevating the intensity or honouring a more gentle pace), and have fun!

Move in community

Class Offerings

Look for these wonderful faces when you come to BCTO HQ! They are here to help you navigate our offerings and educate you on all things BCTO!! Get the most out of your experience in this community by connecting with the FDC + OC :)

Front Desk Crew (FDC)

  • Favourite way to move:
    Dance

    What are you currently listening to?
    Fleetwood Mac and Hozier

    Favourite thing about this community:
    Everyone's positivity and friendliness creates such an uplifting and supportive environment. I am always so excited to come to the studio.

  • Favourite way to move:
    Frisbee, volleyball or baseball

    What are you currently listening to?
    - Taylor Swift and Queen
    (What music do you listen to??)

    Favourite thing about this community:
    How kind and welcoming everyone is!

  • Favourite way to move:
    Dancing, sports

    What are you currently listening to?
    Old reggae or anything carib

    Favourite thing about this community:
    The family feeling! We feel like one big family and everyone just brings the vibes

Operations Crew (OC)

  • Favourite way to move:
    Rugby, Basketball, and the gym

    What are you currently listening to?
    U2, Billy Idol, David Bowie

    Favourite thing about this community:
    Building relationships with regular customers and meeting new ones

  • Favourite way to move:
    Curling, Hockey

    What are you currently listening to?
    Oasis and Jeff Buckley

    Favourite thing about this community:
    I like that this community is really nice and respectful

  • Born and raised in Toronto, Shelley-Anne has spent a lifetime moving through dance, performance, and wellness. A natural creative with an eye for rhythm and storytelling, she believes movement should feel joyful, empowering, and deeply personal. Inspired by her Caribbean roots and a lifelong love of music and movement, she created BCTO as a space where people of all backgrounds can feel strong, supported, and welcome exactly as they are.

Founder

With over 20 years of experience in movement, performance, and education, Shelley-Anne Castro (she/her) brings a unique blend of artistry and expertise to the BCTO Community. A certified Barre, Pilates, and Yoga Instructor (E-RYT 200 + RYT 500), former lululemon Ambassador, international performer and choreographer, Shelley-Anne is passionate about helping people reconnect with their bodies through mindful, functional movement. As Creative Director, she continues to shape the BCTO experience with intention, helping others feel strong, grounded, and deeply connected through movement.

Owner + Creative Director

Breathe. Love. Inspire

  • Hailing from Miami Beach, Florida, Eddie’s love of music has taken him from stages across North America to the heart of the BCTO Community. A versatile bassist with a passion for genres spanning Salsa, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Motown, and beyond, Eddie brings rhythm, energy, and connection to every performance. Now proudly calling Toronto home, he continues to share his love of music, people, and community both on and off the stage. If you’re lucky, you might even catch him playing live at BCTO for special events or the occasional class.

General ManageR

With over 25 years of experience in entertainment, music, and large scale production operations, Eddie Castro (he/him) brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and operational expertise to the BCTO Community. A talented bassist and accomplished entertainment professional, Eddie has led music operations, talent scheduling, and performer management across international productions, including fleetwide leadership roles within the cruise industry. Outside of BCTO, he continues to perform as a touring Musical Director and freelance bassist, bringing live music to productions, revue shows, corporate events, and stages across North America. Known for building strong teams and seamless experiences, Eddie supports the BCTO Community through thoughtful leadership, exceptional operations, and the continued growth of our venue and community experiences.

Director of Venue Rentals

  • SPECIAL 2-Week Unlimited Intro Offer

    Enjoy UNLIMITED access to ALL IN-STUDIO class offerings for 14 days and experience everything BCTO has to offer. Meet our Instructors, explore our signature class offerings, and discover the movement routine that feels right for you.

    $55 • 2-Week Unlimited Intro Offer IN-STUDIO CLASSES
    Valid for 14 days from first use

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