OUR TEAM
The Studio @ PDC is a fully recreational dance studio where kids grow in confidence, creativity, and connection. Since opening its doors in 1996, the studio has welcomed dancers of all ages and experience levels, offering a fun and supportive environment rooted in high-quality instruction. With a passionate team of instructors and a strong sense of community, The Studio @ PDC is a place where lasting friendships are made, and every dancer is encouraged to shine.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
CATHARINA
STUDIO DIRECTOR/OWNER
Catharina Rutherford has been dancing for over 54 years and teaching for more than 43. She founded The Studio (formerly Progressions) in 1996 and just celebrated her 28th season as studio owner with Dance Gala 2025. Catharina earned her dance instructor certification in New York City after completing extensive training and examinations, and she also holds a Fitness Ontario Leadership Program certification. Her depth of experience and love for dance have helped shape The Studio @ PDC into the warm, encouraging space it is today.
ASHLEY
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Ashley has been dancing for 38 years at various studios in and around St. Catharines. She has been part of the PDC family since 1997 and has been teaching for 22 years. Ashley also leads our adult classes, bringing her energy to every session. Ashley’s creativity and passion for the studio have played a big role in helping it flourish and grow over the years. She brings fresh ideas, a strong sense of community, and a genuine love for what she does making her an irreplaceable part of the PDC team.
DIANA
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Diana has been dancing for 35 years and has been with our studio since it first opened in 1996. As a mom of four, she brings supportive presence to her teaching, along with years of experience. Her passion for dance and dedication to her students shine through in every class. Dance is truly a family affair for Diana. Her eldest daughter assists with classes, and her youngest is part of our Tiny Tots program. We’re so lucky to have her as a longtime and valued member of our team!
CHELSEA
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Chelsea, daughter of our studio director Catharina, has been dancing since she was 2 years old and has grown up at The Studio. With over 30 years of dance experience, she brings a deep connection to the PDC community and a lifelong love of the art form. Chelsea has a natural gift for working with children, and her warmth and enthusiasm shine through in every class. Her ability to blend her love for dance with her talent for teaching makes her a wonderful and valued part of our team.
LAUREN
GYMNASTICS/DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Lauren has been part of our studio family since she was just 2.5 years old! She began as a junior assistant in her early teens and has grown into a talented, passionate, and dedicated instructor. Now a certified gymnastics coach, Lauren leads our acro program with incredible energy and strong technique. She has become an integral part of our team, and her impact on the acro program continues to inspire dancers of all ages to reach new goals.
OUR ASSISTANTS
In addition to our amazing instructors, we are also proud to have a team of dedicated and supportive senior and junior assistants. These assistants have been dancing at The Studio for many years and have become an integral part of our dance family. They provide valuable support to our instructors and play an important role in ensuring that each of our students receives the individual attention and guidance they need to succeed!
Our team is committed to providing a positive and empowering dance experience for all of our students. We are proud of their dedication, experience, and passion for dance, and look forward to continuing to inspire and nurture our students in their love of dance!
