juno nominee award
About Us
North America’s Best Live Pop Star Academy and JUNO-Nominated Creators of Original Music

Girl Pow-R is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnicity all-girl pop band who received a JUNO nomination in March 2020 for ‘Album of the Year’ for their debut album, “This Is Us”. Girl Pow-R made history as part of the first-ever group of young people to be nominated for a JUNO award in the Children’s category.

This group of talented young girls write music, sing, dance, and play instruments, making them a true example of a modern, multi-talented band. Girl Pow-R’s sound is rooted in pop, with the goal of inspiring others to be their best, through their music and lyrics. Girl Pow-R believes in the power of music to help you embrace who you are and let your true colours shine through. We want our audiences to celebrate their unique styles and we encourage them to express themselves fully whether that be through our catchy tunes, heartfelt lyrics or infectious choreography!

Since their debut in May 2017, the group has performed over 450+ shows gaining fans of all ages! Girl Pow-R’s debut album “This Is Us” has garnered the group well over 2.2 million social and Spotify streams across all platforms in 240 countries around the world, including 1.1 million on TikTok alone. Additionally, these talented girls have had the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Canadian Music Week in 2021 and completed their first US Tour in 2019 to Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston as part of the Boys of Summer Tour; returning again to this US Tour in 2022 and performing in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston.

Our Mission

To build strength, confidence and resilience in girls.

Too often, young people are influenced by the thoughts and life experiences of singers and musicians who are in their late teens and early 20’s. It’s time to give young people an alternative to these messages. That is what Girl Pow-R has set out to do.

The Girl Pow-R band was originally launched in conjunction with International Women’s Day in support of #BeBoldForChange to provide an opportunity for the voices of young women in the pre-teen to early teen years to speak to their peers in a fresh, new voice. Girl Pow-R has a unique mission to inspire young people and to support social causes with their music, positive messages and age-appropriate lyrics.

Our Values

Each member goes beyond being a triple threat! Each member has their own social cause that they are passionate about and represent. The girls hope that their audiences will embrace the changes needed to help improve the world around them and to inspire others. The girls wish to empower their audiences to be their authentic selves and make the world a better place through the messages delivered in the Girl Pow-R original songs.

Social Causes​

Girl Pow-R has a unique mission to inspire young people, and to support social causes with their empowering music, positive messages, and age-appropriate lyrics. The passion to help others and inspire the world has driven each and every member of Girl Pow-R to do more, and to actively participate in a social cause. Through the Denim Jacket and Pink Jacket Levels, and then onwards to both a JV and Varsity squad, Girl Pow-R is ready to help support your social cause-based efforts in many areas, as you bring music to the masses.

Here is a sampling of the social causes chosen by band members:

  • Alzheimers’ and Dementia Research
  • Autism and learning disabilities
  • Charity for children in developing countries
  • Children’s rights and equality for girls
  • Children’s Aid Society
  • Children’s Health and Hospitals
  • Give and Restore Hope Children’s Charity
  • Give Peace a Chance
  • Heart and Stroke Foundation
  • Homelessness
  • Humane Society & SPCA’s
  • Jane Goodall Foundation
  • Cure for Cancer
  • Find a cure for ALS
  • Food4Kids
  • Foster and Adopted Children
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Girls’ Equality
  • Contribute to the #GirlPowRment #Wall Toronto-pop-supergroup-girl-pow-r-launch-girlpowrment-wall-news-photo to build strength, confidence and resilience in everyone. 
Find the Press Release HERE.

    Girl Pow-R was born in Toronto, but its members have been from across Canada, and into the US, with some from as far away as the UK, Greece, India, and more!

    Faculty

    Dawn Van Dam

    Executive Producer & CEO

    President of Canyon Entertainment Group, an artist management company and record label. Executive Producer for Girl Pow-R & Pop Star Performance Academy — bringing the world of musician artistry and performance to singers and musicians.

    Joseph Spitale

    Vocal Teacher & Public Speaking

    Joseph Spitale, with over 20 years of professional experience, has taught thousands of students in singing, speech arts, and drama. His notable performances include roles such as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast (Woodstock Theatre), Marius in Les Misérables (Woodstock Theatre), and Hjordis in Ellis Island The Musical (US national tour), Yuri in Spandex The Musical (Off Broadway), as well as starring as a singer in Minnie Oh! Minnie (Tokyo Disneyland). A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and the University of British Columbia, Joseph has trained students who have excelled in national competitions. His extensive entertainment background enables him to effectively coach Girl Pow-R students to excel on any stage.

    Carina Bianchini

    Choreographer and Vocal Instructor

    Carina is a JUNO-nominated singer-songwriter and dancer, and 2026 Canadian Choice Award Winner. With over 40 songs out, Carina has made a name for herself with her stellar vocals, iconic pink costumes, and dynamic performances. She has performed at well-known Toronto venues including Mod Club, TD Music Hall, The El Mocambo, and REBEL. After graduating from the Professional Music program at Toronto Metropolitan University in 2025, Carina has been featured in Billboard, and has played the main stage for festivals like Pride Toronto. Other accolades include a Mississauga Music Award Nomination, a Hollywood Independent Music Award nomination, a LIT Music Award, and an Intercontinental Music Award Nomination. With intricate costuming and branding, Carina wants to create a safe space for everyone to have a voice and feel confident in their own skin. (Even if sometimes that skin is painted pink!)

    Marny Florence

    Audience Hype, Host & Choreographer

    Marny Florence is a professional Choreographer and Host based out of Toronto. She is currently on tour in the United States co-hosting the "Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live", she is a fill-in as an Audience Coordinator at CTV, and she is currently choreographing for Girl Pow-R, Crestwood, Spotlight and The Legacy Project. Marny's passion for community, encouragement and connection shines as she continues to spark the energy, inspire and create memorable experiences that will last a lifetime!

    Sammy Guevara

    Acting & Dancing Teacher

    Samantha is a performer with a background as a singer, dancer and actress in Musical Theater in Mexico. Samantha staged in more than 10 musicals in roles such as Frenchy in the adaptation of “Grease”, Tracy in the adaptation of “Hairspray”, “Demeter” in the adaptation of “Cats” and as part of the dance ensemble in local musical productions like “The Lion King”, “Mamma Mia” and “Beauty and the Beast”, to name a few. Samantha believes that through art you can achieve not only happiness, but self-confidence and experiences that will change your life and get you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.

    Alana Randall

    Dance & Performance Teacher

    "With a dynamic background spanning in dance, choreography, fitness, musical theatre, and broadway performance, Alana brings a uniquely versatile skill set to every class, stage, and studio. She's not only a Zumba Certified Fitness Instructor and dance educator, she also has formal training at the New York Film Academy in TV Broadcasting and the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts in Musical Theatre. She has honed her craft across world‑renowned institutions including Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Millennium Dance Complex, and leading Canadian and American studios. Her extensive experience includes teaching dance and wellness to children, adults, and families; performing for major sports organizations such as the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Argonauts; and touring across North America with National Broadway tours. She has also been with us teaching at our Mississauga location."

    Jovan Jovanov (Jay Jay)

    Producer & Composer

    Jay Jay's songs have more than 100 million views on YouTube. His songs have represented Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, 2009 and 2011, and on the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2007. He is still working with many famous artists such as Slatkaristika, Adrian Gaxha, Floriani, Tyzee and Bobby Andonov. Jovan Jovanov (Jay Jay) founded Global Music Records in 2001. Global Music Records has been working for 15 years with many famous singers in Eastern Europe, along with North American artists. As the Music Artist Development Centre Co-Founder and Head Producer, Songwriter and Sound Engineer, he has composed and released over 500 songs and his artists in Europe and North America have millions of fans.

    Guy Mannheim

    Vocal & Performance Training

    Winner of the Laubachprizeat the International Hans Gabor Bellveder singing competition in Vienna, 2005, and the Schloss Rheinsberg Festival 2009. Rheinsberg Recipient of scholarships from the IVAI, AICF, the Ronen foundation and the New York Wagner Society. In 2000 won the Davidoff prize for outstanding achievements in Acting studies and received a special scholarship from the America Israel Cultural Foundation for opera studies in New York.

    Andrew Fetterley

    Music Training: Guitar, Songwriting, Band Training

    Andrew Fetterley has been featured on CBC Morning, Breakfast Television, YTV and several University and online radio stations. Andrew has also played with some of Canada’s premier players: Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Nick Czarnogorski (Johnny Reid). Andrew Fetterley received a TOP 10 Honorable Mention for his Song “Who Will You Be” at the 2009 Annual CMT/NSAI Song Contest.

    Sveta

    Dancer & Choreographer Teacher

    Sveta is a multidisciplinary dancer, choreographer, and storyteller who sees every artistic medium as another way to tell a story. At 14, she graduated from a specialized music school in classical piano in Russia before continuing her creative journey through journalism, advertising, dance, and performance in Toronto. A graduate of Humber College's Journalism program and OCAD University's Advertising program, Sveta has written about theatre, culture, lifestyle, travel, surfing, and the creative communities around the world. She is also a certified Brazily Dance instructor and performs with Toronto musicians on stage and in music videos while developing original choreography and creative projects. At Girl Pow-R, Sveta brings all of these experiences together to create classes where young performers build confidence, discover their individuality, and learn that becoming an artist is about more than perfect choreography—it's about building a character, finding your own voice and having fun.

    Caitlin Clarke

    Artist Development Manager

    Caitlin handles all logistics and coordination for both Girl Pow-R and the Pop Star Performance Academy. Additionally, with over 19 years of experience as a Theatre Manager at Cineplex, I specialize in leading large teams, elevating guest experiences, and ensuring seamless operations in fast paced entertainment environments. I support and coordinate more than 60 staff members, combining hands on leadership with strong administrative oversight to deliver exceptional service to audiences, clients, and partners. My strengths include clear communication, collaborative leadership, and exceptional organizational skills. I’m known for managing multiple projects and schedules simultaneously while maintaining high attention to detail and a calm, solutions focused approach. I bring a creative, passionate understanding of the music and entertainment industry and thrive in public facing roles. Whether working with clients, patrons, vendors, or service providers, I build strong relationships and represent my organization with professionalism and warmth. Tech savvy, efficiency driven, and deeply committed to creating memorable experiences, I excel in environments where teamwork, innovation, and high standards come together.

    Hailey Gardiner

    Dance Teacher

    Hailey is a multidisciplinary professional with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and a background in wellness, performing arts, and event management. She is incredibly passionate about guiding, inspiring, and creating memorable experiences — whether that’s in the studio, on stage, or coordinating behind the scenes.
    Her areas of expertise include: 1) Entertainment Industry History, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, 2) Nutritional and Fitness Expertise, 3) Experiential Marketing and Event Coordination, and 4) Leadership & Team Growth.

    Ibukun Omiyefa

    Music Composer, Producer & Audio Engineer

    Ibukun Omiyefa is a Music Composer, Producer, and Audio Engineer with over 15 years of experience crafting music and delivering broadcast quality audio for artists, media organizations, and international clients. His work spans music composition, production, remix production, vocal production, sound design, mixing, and mastering across gospel, Afrobeat, pop, and cinematic projects. He collaborated with Canyon Entertainment Group as the lead producer and audio engineer for the Girl Pow-R Remix Album, reimagining six original songs into 12 commercially finished tracks across Disney inspired and Authentic AfroBeats styles for the JUNO nominated pop group. From composition and musical arrangement to vocal production, sound design, mixing, and mastering, he shaped the project's creative direction while preserving the identity of each song for a global audience. Driven by creativity and technical excellence, Ibukun continues to compose and produce music that connects cultures, tells meaningful stories, and delivers a world class listening experience.

    Malcolm Messado

    Dance & Performance Teacher

    Malcolm is a professional choreographer, dance instructor, and dancer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada's top city for the Entertainment Industry. Malcolm has worked as a dancer for Artists such as En Vogue, Arianna Grande, Avril Lavigne, July Talk, Karan Aujla , AP Dhillon, Skales, Smith, Thugli, Cascada, and Audio Playground as well as TV/Film projects for Disney, YTV, Lifetime, Much Music/M3, CTV, Raptors, Rogers, Spotify, and TIFF. His choreography has been featured in shows like Really Big World by ANU Productions, fever after Dark, Choreographers ball, OIP's the ring, World Of Dance, Monsters of Hip-Hop, and The Bazaar as well as well as choreography for music videos for artists like Karan Aujla and Bhalwaan. Malcolm has taught any various dance studios across Ontario including but not limited to Studio North Toronto, Run the flex, Dancelife X, Millennium Dance Complex Toronto. The Underground Dance Centre and more. He is also the head Hip Hop Choreographer/Teacher At A New Daei's DAEI Elite program. As a teacher, he instructs both recreational and competitive classes and through many competitions, he received many awards and praise for his choreography. Malcolm currently resides in Toronto where he continues to grow and be inspired as a choreographer & Dancer while at the same time aiming to inspire other dancers around him.

    Natalie Sherman

    Music Composer & Producer

    Natalie is a music producer, songwriter, and audio engineer who has been writing songs from a young age. She graduated from Trebas Institute in Summer 2023 with a diploma in Music Production and Audio Engineering, and began working with Girl Pow-R in early 2024, writing and producing their dance-pop EP. Inspired by dance-pop icons of the early 2010s, including Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, the EP blends catchy melodies with an electronic sound that reflects Natalie’s unique production style. She has also recorded vocals for Girl Pow-R and is passionate about helping young artists build confidence, find their voice, and shine in the studio. Natalie continues to develop her own artistry through writing, producing, and recording original music, bringing her creative vision to life.

    Ria Kerekes

    Dance Teacher

    Ria is a dance artist from Stratford, Ontario. They have taught dance to children and adults, and also choreograph dances about societal issues such as LGBTQ+ experiences, mental health, and domestic violence. Ria began their dance journey at the age of sixteen. By seventeen, they were training intensely in jazz, modern, hip hop, and ballet, where they then fell in love with the art. They auditioned and got accepted into York University after training for a year and a half, and they have since graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance. Nowadays, Ria spends their time choreographing, performing, and teaching dance classes in Stratford, Lucan, and London, Ontario. Currently their main focus is teaching dance in hopes that they can make a positive impact in other people’s lives.

    New To Our Pop Star Performance Academy?

    Click below and send us a message to get started!

    Contact Information

    READY TO START TRAINING?

    Tell us a little about the child or children who are interested in joining the Pop Star Performance Academy.


    READY TO AUDITION FOR GIRL POW-R?

    Tell us a little about the child or children who are interested in joining the Pop Star Performance Academy.