Maki Kabayama (A.I.S.T.D.., Cecchetti Society Br.)

Maki is a graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada, and danced with the National Ballet of Canada, performing major Classical works including Rudolf Nureyev's production of "The Sleeping Beauty". She has also performed internationally, including Australia and the Netherlands, returning to Ottawa as a guest teacher with ODCS and performing with Ottawa Dance Theatre in 1977. She has subsequently taught ballet for the Groupe de la Place Royale and from 1989-2005 has resided and taught in Cincinnati, Ohio, US,. In Cincinnati, as well as directing her own school, she has worked with numerous Educational programs and with professional companies. Maki and her husband, Nicholas Hilferink are also highly regarded teachers of International Folk Dance. They both now reside in Ottawa. Maki joined the staff at Denise Smith Studio in 2005.