Micki’s Dance Connection celebrated its 40th year of teaching dancers in the Brantford community on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
The studio, originally founded in 1987 by Michelle “Micki” Surek-Caramelli, opened in downtown Brantford before re-locating to its current building on Paris Road. Surek-Caramelli owned the studio for 17 years and built a recreational and competitive dance program, along with a scholarship fund that is still in use today.
In 2004, Michelle Long, a close friend of Surek-Caramelli and an instructor of Zumba- and gymnastics-based acro classes at the studio, bought the studio and owned it for 21 years. Long’s two daughters were competitive dancers at the studio during her ownership, and she expanded its acro and gymnastics programming, focusing on her own background in gymnastics.
“One of her favourite parts about owning the studio was watching me and my sister do what we love and make great friends,” said current owner Megan Beales, Long’s daughter.
Beales took over ownership two years ago even though she initially planned to pursue a career in special education teaching before returning to the studio.
The studio has kept the same name since it started, and both Long and Beales agreed they saw no reason to rebrand the studio, as it was already very popular in the community.
“It had a good name in the dance business,” Long said. “Everybody knows it in Brantford.”
Surek-Caramelli has worked with the studio for the past decade, handling registration and costuming after spending years away from the studio working on dance competitions.
Beales said families with second or third-generation dancers recognize Surek-Caramelli from their own parents’ time at the studio.
Jennifer Semiwolos has taught at the studio since the age of 16, after starting as a student in 1989 at age nine under Surek-Caramelli. Later, she trained through Dance Masters of America, and her daughter, Liza, began dancing at the studio at age three and is now competing in her own Dance Masters of America training while starting to teach.
“It’s extremely exciting, especially seeing dancers whom I danced with, or dancers whom I taught, bring their kids back,” Semiwolos said.
Semiwolos said the studio provides children with a space to relieve stress and build friendships beyond competition results.
Parents of current dancers said the studio has shaped their children’s confidence as much as their technique.
“Mickey’s dance connection has been a wonderful and incredible environment for Lincoln to grow, both as a dancer and as a person,” said Irene Lou, whose son is a dancer in the studio’s competitive program.
Amanda Lane, whose three daughters are enrolled in the competitive program, said the studio has helped her children build confidence and discipline.
“They progressively get better with every skill they learn over time,” said Lane.
