Miss Di — Founder & Instructress
Known as one of Canada's dancing sweethearts, Calgary based Diana Lefebvre is one of the most innovative and creative dance educators and professionals on the scene. Originally trained in ballet, Diana has spent over 25 years in the Ballroom Dance industry as a competitor, coach, studio owner, event organizer and national judge.
Diana's own life long struggle with body image and confidence eventually forced her down a path of healing and empowerment. Naturally shy and introverted, Diana was attracted and seduced by dancing. Although a professional latin dancer, she struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin and the "sexy factor" always eluded her. Determined to break free, Diana sought out several teachers to help her discover her inner confidence.
After people started to witness her transformation, they began to ask for help boosting their own confidence and stage presence. Originally, she only offered classes to her dancers, but when when they started asking if their mothers could come, Diana realized that that confidence and self esteem were things that all women were struggling with. In 2003, by combining the unique genres of Ballroom and Burlesque, she started to teach classes and share her empowerment method. In 2008, she created her award winning fitness dance company Burlesquercise Canada and since has literally taught thousands of women how to dance.
Known as a knowledgeable and entertaining instructor, Diana's greatest talent is her ability to connect and build confidence within people. "I used to think that perhaps Jennifer Lopez woke up feeling hot, but I came to understand that these are skills that can be learned regardless of your personality type. I am naturally an introvert but I now live as an introvert with extroverted skills. Believe or not, all women are natural dancers, artists and performers. There are many versions of sexy and many versions of a woman and the fun part is learning to express the many versions of yourself. Dancing allows this freedom of spirit and a healthy relationship to our femininity. Shape, size, age and ability don’t have to be limitations to your confidence or self expression. Confidence is an inside job."
Miss Annick — Instructress
Annick Paquet has been a part of the Burlesquercise Instructress Team since 2008! She started dancing at the age of twelve after watching her parents take lessons at a local studio.
Annick is trained in various genres including Ballroom, Latin, Country, Swing, Salsa and Burlesque. She had an extensive competitive career and was one of Canada’s top country dancers competing at the Masters Level on the UCWDC Circuit. In 1998, she partnered with Doug Davidson with whom she competed for nine years and then later married. In 2001 they represented Canada at the World Championships in Eindhoven, Netherlands and again in 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2008, she teamed up with fellow Master competitor Michael Eads from Los Angeles and represented Canada for a few years until she officially retired from competition. Annick’s addiction to fun continued and she danced Salsa for a few years on various Salsa performance teams.
Common words to describe Annick are: funny, humble, organized, logical, fiesty, drill master and creative choreography genius. You wanna learn how to dance? Annick will ensure that you will leave her class with new skills and confidence.
Fun Facts? Miss Annick loves scuba diving, road trips, camping, gardening, reading, her PUP and watching figure skating!
Miss Jessie — Instructress
The sexy, hilarious and spunky Jessie Donaghy has had an addiction to dancing since childhood. Her Mother Kim is a former professional Ballroom dancer and teacher… so dancing, performing and creativity was an integral part of her family life. As a child, she spent a lot of time watching dance competitions, which inspired her to come home and create her own routines. The performance bug started young as she gladly performed her choreography for any willing audience… and not much has changed!
Jessie started Ballroom dance lessons when she was eight years old. She danced in her Mom’s kids performance troupe and competed with various partners as a teen with Miss Di’s studio. In 2015 she joined Burlesquercise as a student and in 2020 she became a part of the Burlesquercise Instructress Team.
Known as a free, fun and outgoing spirit, Jessie’s contagious personality is an inspiration to many of her students. She makes learning fun and has a gift to make others feel comfortable... and it's inevitable you will be gigglin' a lot!
Fun facts? Miss Jessie loves travelling, dogs, reading, shopping, bubble baths and white wine!
Miss Leslie — Instructress
The contagious and vivacious Leslie Finch has been a part of the Burlesquercise Instructress Team since 2008. She started dancing at the age of 12 and by sweet sixteen she was an addicted Ballroom dancer at Miss Di’s studio. Leslie's passion lead her to the world of competitive dancesport where she represented the latin division many times across Canada. In addition to her Ballroom dance training, Miss Leslie has extensive training in Hip Hop, Jazz, Heels and Burlesque. She is also known as a talented, creative and versatile choreographer.
Leslie has a unique gift for being able to relate to students of all ages and levels. Her fun energy and enthusiasm is endless and she inspires others to push themselves way out of their comfort zones both physically and mentally. Her students often say, “I need a mojo boost and my butt kicked, so I signed up for Miss Leslie’s class”. If you are in one of her classes you will hear her yell across the studio, “Yes Girls! You can do it… Now do it again!”
Leslie loves everything about show business including all the glitter, gloss, rhinestones and costumes. Fun Facts? She loves everything dance, reptiles, scotch, plants and laughing!
