Brendan De Santis

Brendan De Santis, is an accomplished dancer and award-winning choreographer originally hailing from London, Ontario. Brendan was also the Artistic Director at Jazz be Nimble as well as the Competitive Director and principle faculty member of O’Neil Academy of Dance. He has been performing and competing nationally and internationally since 2003 under the direction of Kim O’Neill. He has studied in various genres of dance which include; Ballet, Pointe, Tap,Jazz, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Musical Theatre and Partnering. Brendan continues to enrich his training, ability and knowledge in all styles of dance through attending numerous dance schools, workshops and conventions. Brendan has also completed exams in; Jazz, Modern and Ballet, both BATD and RAD. Furthermore, he was accepted into Ryerson University and York University for the Performance Dance Program. Furthermore, Brendan has graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Education and is an Ontario Certified teacher. Currently, Brendan teachers high school Media Art at Mentor College.

Brendan has had the opportunity to work with renowned choreographers that include; Miles Faber, Jeff Dimitriou, Kim O’Neill and Jacques Monfiston (Choreographers/Coaches of the Canadian World Jazz, Modern and Tap Team), Linda Garneau (Artistic Director; Helix Dance Project), Matte (Director of Moi Artist Management) , Niki Wozniak (Director of Desiraeda Contemporary Company), Blake McGrath and many others. Working with such esteemed choreographers has enabled him to develop and adopt a style of his own that is contemporary, fresh and distinct from others.

As a professional dancer, Brendan continues to develop himself with credits that include: performing in musicals; The Music Man and Fiddler on the Roof under the direction of Don Flexor. He has also been a featured dancer in The Afters music video ‘Never Going Back to Okay’. In 2010, Brendan was a contestant on Canada’s So You Think You Can Dance, where he was successful in advancing to the choreography rounds. He also continues to perform throughout Ontario and is featured in companies such as: Airtight Entertainment and performing in shows such as The Choreographer’s Ball, Harvest Festival, The Hudson’s Bay Annual Gala a short film with Miles Faber and Jeff Dimitriou. Most recently, Brendan has danced for Teria Morado, Little Pear Garden and other commercial projects.

As a choreographer, Brendan has won many overalls/special awards and has been recognized for his creative, authentic and passionate movement quality. Brendan’s dancers have won overall awards for solos, duets and groups. In 2010, Brendan won an award for his dancing skills and was scouted by Moi Artist Management, under the direction of Dani Matte. Brendan continues to work towards transforming students into dancers through his passion and dedication to his craft. In 2017, Brendan choreographed the musical A Christmas Carol at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts. Brendan has also choreographed the Hudson’s Bay Annual Gala event One Run Cancer Benefit. He also continues to work at various educational environments such as Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board, Mentor College and York University.

Brendan continues to teach dance and choreograph in schools, studios and conventions throughout Ontario to teach people how to move and explore their bodies. Brendan focuses on contemporary/modern, partnering work, improvisation and mindfulness. Most recently, Brendan, alongside Emilio Colalilo, has developed a creative direction company called BOSSY, where they create short films, concept videos, dance/audition reels, choreography and other creative services.

“Movement is medicine for the soul. Allow yourself to breathe through your movement and truly feel that therapy that movement provides. Embrace it. Revel in it. Own it… Never stop moving”