About

Kim Roper’s love of dance began at a young age, studying alongside her mother, Susan Gallop. That early introduction grew into a lifelong passion for dance, teaching, and creating opportunities for young people in her community.

Kim continued her dance education with training in Boston and Toronto before returning home to Cape Breton, where she opened Northside Dance in 1991. More than three decades later, the studio continues to be a place where dancers can learn, grow, build confidence, and discover their own love of dance.

Throughout her career, Kim has continued her professional development, including training with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) in ballet and with the Association of Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) in tap, jazz, and ballet. Her extensive experience has also led to opportunities to serve as a dance judge, allowing her to share her knowledge and experience while supporting and encouraging dancers beyond her own studio.

Over the years, Kim has had the privilege of watching her students follow many different paths. Some have pursued professional careers in dance and theatre, while others have gone on to careers in law, medicine, business, education, and many other fields. She is equally proud of every student who has walked through Northside Dance’s doors and believes the confidence, discipline, creativity, and friendships developed through dance can last a lifetime.

Today, one of the most meaningful parts of Kim’s career is teaching a second generation of Northside dancers — welcoming the children of former students into the studio and continuing a tradition that began more than 35 years ago.

For Kim, Northside Dance has always been more than a dance studio. It is a community, a family, and a place for dancers to grow — both on and off the stage.

Susan’s love of dance began at just three years old when she took her first lessons with Doris MacDonald. What started as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong career dedicated to performing, teaching, and inspiring generations of dancers throughout Cape Breton.

Susan continued her formal dance training in Toronto, New York, and London, England, and was fortunate to study with Don Gillies, whose teaching, guidance, and encouragement played an important role in her journey as both a dancer and educator.

She went on to open The Cape Breton School of the Arts (CBSA), where she spent many years sharing her knowledge and love of dance with countless students. Susan holds Dance Teacher Licences with NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dancing), CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association), and ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers).

Throughout her career, Susan has also remained active as a performer. She appeared in the original Rotary Shows, performed in productions of Festival on the Bay, participated in numerous dinner theatre productions, and has taken the stage at both the Savoy Theatre and Highland Arts Theatre.

In 2018, Susan was proudly inducted into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame, recognizing her lifelong dedication and contribution to dance and the arts in Cape Breton.

Today, Susan’s love of dance has truly become a family tradition. At Northside Dance, she has the special opportunity to work alongside her daughter and granddaughter, while also teaching her great-granddaughter. Four generations sharing the studio is a wonderful reflection of Susan’s lifelong passion for dance and the legacy she continues to pass on to future generations.

Ashley’s connection to Northside Dance spans more than three decades, making her an integral part of the studio’s history and family.

She began dancing at Northside Dance at the age of six in 1992 and continued her training throughout her school years. Following graduation, Ashley’s journey with the studio naturally evolved from student to staff member. She became part of the teaching team and played an important role in establishing Northside Dance’s Saturday preschool program, helping introduce some of the studio’s youngest dancers to the joy of dance.

Over the years, Ashley transitioned into her current role as Office Manager, where her dedication, knowledge of the studio, and longstanding connection to its families have made her an invaluable part of Northside Dance.

For 34 years, Northside Dance has been woven into Ashley’s life. More than simply a place to dance or work, it has been a place of lifelong friendships, treasured memories, and a true sense of belonging.

To Ashley, Northside Dance will always be more than a studio — it is her second family.

As Artistic Director, Jenna plays an important role in shaping the creative direction of Northside Dance. She works closely with our dancers and teaching staff to maintain the quality, creativity, and strong technical foundation of our programs.