COURTNEY DRAKE A.B.A.T.D.
OWNER & DIRECTOR, MOUNT ALBERT
RECREATIONAL AND COMPETITIVE INSTRUCTOR
Courtney is an accomplished choreographer, performer, instructor and entrepreneur. She is a fully qualified member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and is the proud owner & director of KICKS Dance Studio, Mount Albert. Courtney recently had the honour of being presented with the "Woman in Business of the Year" Award and was also a finalist in the Pandemic Pivot Honour Roll category at the East Gwillimbury Spirit of Success Awards.
Dance has been a big part of Courtney’s life since the young age of 2. She has received extensive dance training in all forms of dance and has performed professionally across Canada, Europe and the U.S.
Courtney has always had a passion for teaching and sharing her love of dance with her students. She is well known for her creative choreography and is frequently recognized at dance competitions with adjudicator’s choice and choreography awards.
In addition to running a successful dance studio, Courtney also enjoys her role as the Director & Choreographer of the Raptors Lil Ballas Dance Team and the new T-Dots Dance Team with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Courtney and her Lil Ballas team were thrilled to be part of the 2019 NBA Championship season, performing hip hop routines and Drake halftime shows at Raptors games, and making appearances on Breakfast Television, City TV Breakfast, Good Morning America in NYC, and the Championship Parade at Nathan Phillips Square. Courtney also had the pleasure of leading the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak as Director & Choreographer with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. from 2000-2009.
Courtney has thoroughly enjoyed directing and choreographing many exciting projects over the years, a few including Maestro Fresh Wes Halftime Show, Toronto Kids Fashion Week, Lil Bow Wow Much Music Video Awards, the Olympic Torch Dance Team (Vancouver 2010), Canadian National Jazz Team (Group choreography, Gold Medal, IDO World Championships NYC), Canadian National Tap Team (Solo choreography), Canadian National Hip Hop Team, NBA Europe Live Tour, NHL Enterprises All Star FANtasy, NBA All-Star Toronto, CTV’s Judy & David’s Jiggi Jump Series, St. Michaels Hospital Foundation, and the Toronto District School Boards Dance Instructional Series. Courtney also had the pleasure of being part of the Canadian National Tap Team herself in her teen years, bringing home the Silver medal for Canada.
Courtney’s students have performed professionally with Cirque du Soleil, Justin Bieber (Purpose Tour), PanAm Games opening ceremonies Toronto, The Toronto Argos Home Opener, Education Arts Canada, The Ellen Show and live concerts with the Mini Pops Kids.
Courtney thoroughly enjoys teaching and inspiring dancers of all ages, levels and abilities, and prides herself in providing high quality dance training in a positive and nurturing environment. Courtney is looking forward to another exciting year at KICKS!