Denise Somerville Quinn founded Somerville Dance Academy in 1993. She completed her Honours BA in Dance, and has Full Membership certification in Acro, Ballet, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary & Tap with Performing Arts Educators of Canada (PAEC). She recently received Module Two certification with Acrobatic Arts. Denise is a founding member and examiner in Classical Ballet, Modern/Contemporary and Acrobatics with Performing Arts Educators of Canada and helped to create the syllabi for student exams.

She is also an executive member and Past President of PAEC. She has choreographed productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum , “Life Goes On – A Beatles Journey”, produced by D Major Productions. Her former students have furthered their dance education at the colleges and universities, and many have gone on to professional performing careers (the Rockettes, Disney Cruiseline, Stratford and Charlottetown festival).

Her creative approach to choreography has earned her a unique and well-respected reputation for integrating comedy with Musical Theatre competitive routines. She has given master classes in this particular discipline at multiple studios in Ontario. Denise is proud of the legacy that Somerville Dance Academy has created, donating proceeds from the annual recital to Sick Kids Hospital for over 20 years.