About Our Apprenticeship Program The Academy and Team
Our History
The Image Academy is a cornerstone of The Ologist Image, founded in 2013 by industry veteran Orlando. With a combined 75 years of experience in the beauty industry, Orlando and Angela are passionate about nurturing young talent and sharing their expertise.
Our apprenticeship program is a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders who have mastered the art of image consulting and hairstyling for both men and women. We believe in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where apprentices can thrive and develop their skills.
Our History
Led by a team of licensed professionals, we offer hands-on training and mentorship to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the beauty industry. Our program is designed to not only teach you the technical aspects of hairstyling but also to cultivate your creativity, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional customer service skills.
We are committed to helping you build a successful career in the beauty industry. Join us as we empower you to discover your full potential and transform lives through the power of image.
About our Dance Program and Team
Our Dance History
About Us: The Ologist Factory
The Ologist Factory is a non-profit organization founded, Orlando. The story begins in 2010 with Orlando's vision: The Da Choreographers Group, a dance company and studio. Through this dance school, Orlando, has worked and judged competitions alongside renowned artists like Luther Brown and Shawn Desmond, fostered a love for movement in his students. He has also worked with the City of Toronto and judged the STOMP competition on several occasions.
Initially, The Da Choreographers Group focused on energetic and expressive styles like Hip-Hop, Breakdancing, Freestyle, Popping. Then the dance curriculum expanded to encompass a wider range of genres, including the graceful world of Ballet, Lyrical, and Contemporary, alongside the rhythmic energy of Tap, Jazz, Acro, Afro Steps, Dancehall, and many more.
The team was inspired to make a bigger impact. Driven by a desire to nurture young talent and make dance accessible to all, The Ologist Factory, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth was established . Through The Ologist Factory, the team aimed to provide a platform for children to pursue their passion for dance, regardless of their background.
How We Make a Difference: The Ologist Factory in Action
The Ologist Factory doesn't just offer dance classes within our own studio walls. We take our passion and expertise directly to the community! We partner with schools and community centers to reach underserved youth and ignite their passion for dance.
Our commitment extends beyond the steps they learn. We want each student to feel valued and supported. Our instructors create a nurturing environment where every child knows we care and are here to help them flourish.
Fueling their Dreams:
To ensure financial barriers don't hinder a student's artistic journey, The Ologist Factory welcomes your monetary donations. These contributions directly support our students by:
- Covering competition fees: We believe every child deserves the chance to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience on the competition stage.
- Assisting with costume expenses: Dance costumes can be a significant cost. Donations help ensure all students can participate in performances with confidence and style.
Donating Dancewear:
In addition to monetary donations, we gladly accept gently used dance shoes, including:
- Tap shoes
- Ballet pointe shoes
- Jazz shoes
These donations provide essential footwear for students in need, allowing them to participate fully in dance classes without financial constraints.
By joining hands with The Ologist Factory, you're not just giving a donation – you're investing in the future of a child and fostering a lifelong love of dance.
Building Strong Dancers, Building Strong Futures: Our Instructors
At The Ologist Factory, we understand that exceptional instructors are the foundation of a thriving dance program. That's why we're proud to have a team of passionate and experienced professionals leading the way.
Experience You Can Trust:
Our instructors boast over 25 years of experience in the dance industry. Their dedication and expertise have not only nurtured countless young dancers but also propelled some to impressive heights. Former students have graced the stage as background dancers for renowned artists like Chris Brown, and their talents have been showcased in popular movies like "Save the Last Dance" and "Stomp the Yard."
Beyond the Steps:
Our commitment goes beyond mastering dance routines. We recognize the importance of overall physical well-being. In addition to our dance instructors, we have a dedicated team of fitness professionals who guide students in stretching and conditioning exercises. This holistic approach ensures:
- Injury Prevention: Proper conditioning helps students develop the strength and flexibility necessary to avoid injuries and dance with confidence.
- Peak Performance: Conditioning prepares students for the physical demands of dance, allowing them to perform at their best.
Dedication and Passion:
Our team is deeply invested in the success of every student. We prioritize safety first, fostering a supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and have tons of fun in the process. Our instructors create a space where exploration is encouraged and a love for dance is nurtured.
By combining top-tier instruction, comprehensive conditioning, and a focus on safety and enjoyment, The Ologist Factory empowers students to not only become skilled dancers but also develop resilience, discipline, and a lifelong passion for the arts.
Our Dance Team Leaders
Our Program Director
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Our Program Director
Tanya takes lead in helping to find Urban Dance competitions within Canada and the US. She help us to ensure that diversity is being met in all aspects. From our Team to our song choices and our competitions. She has over 10 years experience in the Dance world and competitions.
Fundraising Director
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Our Program Director
Jillisa has over 10 years experience working with Grants and creating fundraising initiatives. Her network and support with program engagement will to help facilitate the funding necessary to help our students succeed.
Dance Director
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Carlotta Thomas has spent over 30 years working with the City of Toronto, focusing on at-risk communities and vulnerable children and youth, ensuring they receive top-quality programs and services. As a mentor, she has guided underserved individuals, providing them with the tools to become successful and resilient in their future endeavo
Carlotta Thomas has spent over 30 years working with the City of Toronto, focusing on at-risk communities and vulnerable children and youth, ensuring they receive top-quality programs and services. As a mentor, she has guided underserved individuals, providing them with the tools to become successful and resilient in their future endeavors.
Carlotta is also one of the co-founders of the STOMP Urban Dance Competition/Showcase, one of the largest youth events hosted by the City of Toronto. As the CEO of Adiola Solutions, she is passionate about partnering with small and medium businesses, helping them elevate their products and initiatives to new heights.
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Hip Hop Instructor & Marketing Director
Orlando is one of the founders. With over 40 years experience in the Dance industry. He has danced with Shawn Desmond, has interaction with Drake and Chris Bosh. Judging dance competitions with Tray Armstrong and Luther Brown. His qualification in the dance industry is stellar.
Administrator
Hip-Hop instructor
Hip-Hop instructor
Tejah helps to keep our booking and Database together. She helps to maintain updated records. Also ensuring our security is in tack at all times.
Hip-Hop instructor
Hip-Hop instructor
Hip-Hop instructor
With over 20 years’ experience in the dance industry, Ambitious Anthony does nothing less than inspire every dancer he works with. In March of 2010, he created Ambitious Movement (AM). His vision was to bring professional trainers in street dance (Waving, Popping, Tutting, Breaking, House, party dances) mixed with his hip-hop choreograph
With over 20 years’ experience in the dance industry, Ambitious Anthony does nothing less than inspire every dancer he works with. In March of 2010, he created Ambitious Movement (AM). His vision was to bring professional trainers in street dance (Waving, Popping, Tutting, Breaking, House, party dances) mixed with his hip-hop choreography to dancers, developing a strong foundation in hip-hop and street dance technique.
Since then AM was the runner up of Much Music's New.Music.Live Best Dance Crew, has featured dancers on the 2018 iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards, the Family Channel’s “The Next Step”, Xbox's Dance Central commercial, a Toronto Public Health commercial, a Chapman’s Ice Cream commercial, WE Day Toronto and the hype crew for New Year’s Eve at Mississauga’s Celebration Square.
In addition, Ambitious Anthony has choreographed and artistically directed eleven theatre productions and numerous corporate events for companies including Nike, Walmart, Hugo Boss and Diet Pepsi Max, to name a few. He has also choreographed for local artists and has opened for artists such as T-Pain, Ciara and Ludacris.
“Why settle for less? Be ambitious!” This is not only his company slogan, but his way of life that he aims to pass on to every dancer he works with.
Dance instructor
Hip-Hop instructor
Dance instructor
I am a professional dancer with 8 years of teaching experience and 11 years of stage arts and performing experience. I had my training in modern and contemporary dance, after being a competitive rhythmic gymnast for nine years and having multiple national and international championship wins. I have danced, acted and assisted in the Turki
I am a professional dancer with 8 years of teaching experience and 11 years of stage arts and performing experience. I had my training in modern and contemporary dance, after being a competitive rhythmic gymnast for nine years and having multiple national and international championship wins. I have danced, acted and assisted in the Turkish State Theatre for six years, learning more about expression and group harmony. I had the opportunity to perform in big events and companies such as ‘From Broadway to Istanbul: The Musical’ and ‘Fire of Anatolia’. In addition to stage performances I also had the chance to be in music videos and short films, which helped enhance my understanding of dance and artistic expression. I love sharing my experiences with new people and seeing them find their own pathway to expression and achievement.