Kerry Lee Hawkins has been active in the dance community since starting dance lessons at the age of 3 years. She began a journey in Toronto that would take her into the competitive and professional world of dance before settling on a career as a teacher and studio owner.
In 1977 Kerry opened her first dance studio and owned and operated a successful studio until 1995. Dancers who trained with Kerry have gone on to successful careers as professional dancers, teachers and studio owners themselves.

In 1990 Kerry debuted DANCEFEST. After attending numerous dance competitions across Canada and the U.S. with her own students, Kerry felt the need for a dance competition that was positive, fun and inspiring. Thus began the journey with DANCEFEST. A huge advocate of dance, Kerry loves to reward dancers of all ages for their talent and commitment to the arts.

Kristy Leigh Baggetta, the eldest child of Kerry has been dancing since the age of 3 years. Kristy started out at her mother’s studio, became a highly successful competitive dancer and then a teacher. Kristy is a sought after choreographer, teacher and adjudicator, judging for many dance competitions across Canada and teaching at several studios in Ontario. Dedicating herself to the world of dance, Kristy balances marriage, motherhood, judging and teaching. Kristy’s students have deemed her a memorable influence in their lives, she strives to bring the passion of dance, emotion, style and confidence to all she instructs. So it is a very natural progression for Kristy to join her mom as co-director of DANCEFEST, that promotes “healthy competition through the art of dance.”