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. 

 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!

 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.

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.