Zahra Badua

I first met Kay-Ann when a friend suggested I try the Unruly gyal program that she facilitates. After the first class, I was in awe of her. Her ability to create a safe space while allowing women to explore their true selves was remarkable. Before starting Unruly gyal, I was not comfortable being sexy or embracing female dancehall. As a teacher, she encouraged me to not be so demanding of myself; she made me realize that I didn’t need to succumb to societal pressures to be perfect. She allowed me to be explore parts of myself I did not even know existed. Kay-Ann works hard to ensure the women she teaches in her classes and/or workshops feel confident enough to be unapologetically themselves.

As a mentor look up to her. She encouraged me to not seek validation from people and forced me to dig deep within myself to explore my potential. She took time to schedule meetings with me to show me my need to adjust the expectations and perceptions I had of myself. She also gave me practical tools to be able to accomplish my goals.

Kay-Ann was always there to celebrate my achievements – no matter how big or small. A true Queen who celebrates and uplifts other Queens.

You want to learn the essence of Caribbean dance while bettering yourself; Kay-Ann is the person you want as a teacher.

Lindsey W.

Zahra Badua

I discovered Kay-Ann and her Unruly Gyal community during the early weeks of the pandemic quarantine, and was thrilled to learn I could attend her classes from home. To say that this was the highlight of my week would be an understatement! I looked forward to those Sundays as they would serve to shed tense days of being alone with the uncertainty of the times, and leave you refreshed for the week to come. Kay-Ann's vibrant, fun and down-to-earth spirit is so potent that it resonates right through the screen. These classes are not only about learning steps and sequences, but instill connection, embodiment, and growth within. Kay-Ann holds space for her students and makes you feel supported. She really cares! If that isn't enough, she also is incredibly generous and often offers free content to keep people moving even when they can't afford to be with her in class. Thank you Kay-Ann!

Katherine Marhong

I remember when I decided I wanted to start dancing in 2018 I wasn't sure where to start. I took a dancehall drop in class at a studio in the city and it was then when I met a fabulous dancing instructor,

Kay-Ann.

Her classes was exactly what I needed in my life. Being of Trinidadian heritage, dancing to soca and dancehall flowed through my veins, but the confidence in myself as a sensual Caribbean woman always needed more growth. Kay-Ann’s Classes brought that to my life because it gave me a safe space, with other supportive women, to let go and be free in all that I am as a divine feminine woman.

At the beginning, I was very shy when dancing, in my head, and worrying if I was doing it right or "looked good". By the end of my first program, I had grown so much in confidence and realized none of that mattered as it was just about feeling good in my own body free of judgment.

I was surrounded by so many people that encouraged and supported me to let go of my insecurities and feel the music, and choreography flow through my body. I took risks that I never thought in a million years. Kay-Ann’s Program provided me the space and opportunity to deepen the love and confidence in myself that I so needed.

I also cannot say enough about Kay-Ann as a dance instructor, dance mentor, and an inspirational leader in this industry. She has always made me feel not only comfortable in my own skin, but empowered me time and time again to push further and challenge myself.

I remember when I finished my first program with her and she told me how proud she was to see all the growth I had gained throughout. Her support meant a lot to me then and to this day as I continue my own dance journey.

Renika

I began learning from Kay-Ann by enrolling in the Unruly Gyal program and I am happy to have had opportunities afterwards to work under her creative direction as a dancer.

Kay-Ann is a bold and dynamic choreographer. I enjoy being a part of her performances because they captivate audiences and her choreography style makes me feel strong and sexy when dancing.

She has an empowering presence and has the ability to challenge dancers and non dancers to dig deeper within themselves in order to execute her creative vision as well as their full potential. She is a great teacher and knows how to identify areas for her clients to improve

Over the years as a teacher and mentor, Kay-Ann has inspired me to push past my comfort zone and embrace my love for dance.

Andrea Sampson

Alex "Owner of City Centre Dance"

I'm not a professional dancer, although I felt like I was whenever I worked with Kay-Ann. I had the pleasure of working with Kay-Ann for many projects. It was a little different for us because we worked with her for corporate events. Kay-Ann choreographed and danced in opening number of our signature event BIG Tease. Kay-Ann's creativity and commitment to her craft always has her going above an beyond your expectation. Her ability to keep every performance original and exciting makes for having the audience at the edge of their seats. I also taken group classes and one on one sessions Kay-Ann is so good at working with all levels of dance she can literally help you achieve every goal, always taking you to the next of your dancing ability. Thank you Kayann for always keeping 100.

Alex "Owner of City Centre Dance"

Kay-Ann Ward is one of North America’s most sought after Caribbean dancer, choreographer, and instructor. I had the pleasure of hiring Kay-Ann as a founding faculty member at City Centre Dance in which she taught weekly classes in her specialized Caribbean styles.

These styles fused traditional Caribbean movements of dancehall, and soca with other current genres of dance.

Kay-Ann provided historical and factual knowledge about each movement and style she taught at City Centre Dance, and with passion behind her teaching. She was also involved at City Centre Dance in a capacity that exceeded expectations as she taught other services such as Bachelorettes and assisted with marketing.

Moreover, as far as creativity goes, she is one of Toronto’s most seasoned dance artists with reputable credits under her belt. I have been fortunate to witness her live performances and self-produced showcases which have captivated audiences within the GTA. I would highly recommend Kay-Ann Ward for dance performances, choreography, and instruction.

Jen

TEACHER

Not everyone who knows how to dance can teach, and I must say Kay-Ann does both with excellence. She takes time to learn her students and to understand what they are looking to attain from dance. She quickly gains understanding of the level her students are at and what their potential is. She is very clear and attentive to details when teaching, as well as, patient and offers further explanations when needed. She is very knowledgeable of her craft and is driven by passion which you can feel in her classes. She creates an atmosphere that allows students to experience and take away from. She is very present, and she pours everything she knows into her students. She had a major contribution to my growth and shaped me into the dancer that I am today.

CHOREOGRAPHER.

When you see Kay-Ann dance, you cannot mistake that from anyone else’s style. Regardless of the elements she uses, she has a unique way of moving that has her name written all over it. It is beautiful and contagious to watch and embody when she creates choreography. Her artistic vision is always overflowing with ideas and she creates amazing work for a variety of dance related projects. Her work is never dull and oozes a combination of passion, feeling and skill that draws you in. As a choreographer she makes an excellent leader. She is very clear, honest and real. Her excellent knowledge of knowing how to use dancers lets her pull from them and challenges them. This allows dancers to deliver their best work. She has an eye for fine details such as each dancer’s strength, and she knows how to use it to both amplify the piece and allow dancers to express themselves. She is very precise, attentive to detail and communicates well. In addition, Kay-Ann is professional, respectful and always seeks to create and provide quality work.

Vanessa Blake

When I first contacted Kay-Ann, I didn't know what to expect. I was an anxious bride wanting to put on a spectacular dance for my groom on our wedding day. After first speaking to her, she gave me reassurance that she would be able to choregraph something to my expectation. Of course I was a bit hesitant because I have never worked with her before but from the moment my bridesmaids and I walked into her studio we knew we were in good hands.

She was patient, kind, and devoted so much time into us feeling comfortable with the routine. Kay-Ann is so good at what she does. As she came up with our routine, she took the time to match my vision of what I wanted. She's so talented and I can see why so many people work with her. I'm so grateful for Kay-Ann, without her choreographing my routine, my wedding wouldn't have been as amazing as it was. The performance was breathtaking. Kay-Ann thank you so much for working with my bridesmaids and I.