Michelle Picard, founder and director of Michelle’s School of Performing Arts of Pembroke/Petawawa, has been bringing dance to the Ottawa Valley for over 40 years and as of this month Michelle has been notified that she is now a fully qualified and certified “Royal Academy of Dance” (R.A.D.) instructor after spending 4 plus years studying intensely for her degree.

Michelle attended her graduation ceremony in the U.K. July 10, 2013 and we would like to say “CONGRATULATIONS” on her hard earned achievement “JOB WELL DONE!”

As a full member of the Associated Dance Arts of Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T.) and the International Ballroom Association (I.B.A.), Michelle’s high personal standards are reflected in the superior professional criterion found at her studios. She has been preparing her students for their ballet exams in the New Year for both graded and vocational.

In addition to her excellent training, Michelle brings a wealth of experience to her studio’s staff and students. She has represented Canada in Germany for the Shriners Tutonia Club, has danced at the National Arts Centre (N.A.C.) and the Doctor’s Club in Ottawa, as well as been a cheerleader for the Ottawa Rough Riders. In keeping with her high personal standards, she continues to encourage both her staff and students to set and achieve their own high personal goals, whether through competitions, student exams for Tap and Jazz in the (A.D.A.P.T.) syllabus, Ballet exams in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) syllabus, dance levels with the International Ballroom Association (I.B.A.), and/or the Teachers Training School (T.T.S.) Diploma.