Debra has been dancing, singing and acting since the age of three. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ms. Jones trained at, among other studios, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and successfully completed many jazz, tap and ballet exams in RAD, Al Gilbert Syllabus, CDTA, and ADAPT. She won numerous awards at competitions and went on to study at York University, finally obtaining a BA from University of Manitoba. She is also a certified gymnastics coach through NCCP, an Examiner, Mentor and Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance, and a licensed ‘Silver Swans’ instructor. Debra has also studied both Cecchetti and Vaganova ballet syllabi and has entered candidates in Vaganova and RAD ballet exams with excellent results.
Debra has been a triple threat professional in theatre, television and film with credits that include ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Showboat’, ‘Pajama Game’, ‘Kismet’, ‘Funny Girl’, ‘Kiss Me Kate’, ‘Amadeus’, as well as many commercials and variety specials on CBC.
Working as a choreographer of many semi-professional and professional theatres, Ms. Jones has helped direct shows for Winnipeg Light Opera Society, Regina Lyric Light Opera, Theatre Regina, and Brantford Theatre Company.
She now teaches at various studios in southern Ontario, and also free-lances as a competition adjudicator, theatrical choreographer and workshop leader.
Many of Ms. Jones’ former students have won national and international recognition in ballet and other dance forms, and many have gone on to professional careers, both in dance and dance-related fields.
Debra hopes to continue to pass on her knowledge and experience to many more talented young people for years to come!
