Our Team
Studio Owner/Instructor
Hello, My name is Niki Hofer, and I am the proud founder and owner of Niko’s Dance Team.
Opening the doors to my studio over two decades ago fulfilled a lifelong dream. What began as a small dance studio has grown into a thriving community where hundreds of dancers have discovered their passion, built lifelong friendships, and developed the skills and confidence to become the Stars of the Future.
My own dance journey began at just two and a half years old when I slipped on my first pair of tap shoes. From that moment on, dance became my passion, and I have been dancing ever since.
Throughout my training, I completed advanced studies and examinations in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Character, and Tap, building a strong technical foundation across multiple disciplines.
I later had the incredible opportunity to join the world-renowned Ukrainian Cheremosh Ensemble of Edmonton, under the artistic direction of Mykola Kanevets of Kyiv, Ukraine, where I performed internationally and experienced the joy of sharing dance with audiences around the world.
My dance education continued as a member of the Edmonton Contemporary Dance Company, where I expanded my training and added Hip Hop to my repertoire. I also performed with the dance company Antigravity and appeared in Alberta’s Summer Melt-Down Hip-Hop Party Tour.
Over the years, I have performed as a soloist, assisted and taught with various dance companies, and received numerous awards for my choreography, both through my own studio and for other organizations. I also enjoy adjudicating dance competitions, mentoring young dancers, and sharing my love and knowledge of dance with studios across the province.
While I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and accomplishments throughout my career, my greatest pride comes from watching my students grow. Year after year, they represent Niko’s Dance Team with dedication, talent, and heart, showcasing not only their hard work but also the joy and passion that dance brings into their lives.
Their success, confidence, and love of dance are the reason I continue to do what I do, and I am honoured to be part of their journey.
Quincy Pipella
Instructor
Quincy Pipella is a professional Dancer and award-winning Choreographer from Edmonton with over 14 years of experience in TV, film, live performances, tours and conventions. Falling in love with adjudicating over 10 years ago, she possesses the Master the Art of Adjudication certification. Sandra Gray School of Dance is where she spent most of her days in her youth - Being technically trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern etc. Along this dance journey, she found interest in choreography in 2010 at Victoria School of the Arts while taking their Dance 30 Composition IB program.
Her choreography credits include World of Dance, NHL commercials/brands, Western Canada Fashion Week, Kuzi Cee, Nelly, Ford and Mitsubishi. Quincy traveled to learn from world-renowned choreographers in LA, New York, UK, Vancouver and Toronto and has trained in numerous art forms with international and local pioneers. This led her to receiving incredible opportunities in the commercial and film industry. You can find her in Macklemore and Ryan Lewis “Dance Off”, Descendants/Disney, Netflix, “Julie and The Phantoms”, “Riverdale”, Apple TV series - Madeline, “Rise of The Pink Ladies” with Paramount Plus and more. Her live performances include Adekunle Gold/ Tequila Ever After tour, HHI (Hip Hop International) World of Dance, Ace Hood, Kirko Bangz, Nelly, Roy woods, Manila Grey, “One Championship” Singapore and Carnival Cruise Lines.
Along with choreographing and performing, Quincy has been a full-time instructor and mentor in Hip Hop, Dancehall, Vogue Femme, Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre to studios across Canada such as Studio North (Vancouver) and The Underground Dance Centre (Toronto) - And conventions including “Camp Protege” in New York City, R2D (Rhythm to Dance) and Plie Prep.
Lastly, Quincy just recently launched her own company, “FREQNCY Creative Arts”, Which offers a one-of-a-kind curriculum, “FREQNCY Framework” - guiding aspiring choreographers to tap into their authenticity and create with real intention. Known for creating welcoming and transformative spaces, she aims to ensure every dancer can walk out of the program carrying confidence, connection and a deeper understanding of who they are as a choreographer and the importance of this role and job position. Her passion continues to shape dancers and communities wherever she ventures and cherishes every connection she has made with her mentees. Her company offers competitive/noncompetitive classes and even a creative arts PODCAST, “The FREQNCY Forum.”
Abigail Fiddler
Instructor
Abigail Fiddler is a dedicated dance educator, choreographer, and lifelong dancer based in the Greater Edmonton Area. She began her dance training at the age of two and has developed a diverse background across Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acro, and Musical Theatre. Her extensive training has shaped her approach to dance education, with an emphasis on technical development, individual growth, and cultivating well-rounded dancers.
Abigail’s passion for teaching began at age eleven, when she started assisting classes at her home studio. What began as an early introduction to teaching quickly developed into a lasting passion for dance education. Throughout her teaching career, she has worked with dancers across a wide range of ages and abilities, with a focus on creating a positive, challenging, and technically focused learning environment.
A graduate of Victoria School of the Arts, Abigail completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Dance Composition Program and earned her IB Dance Certificate. She is currently completing her combined Bachelor of Kinesiology and Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta. Her academic studies have strengthened her understanding of human movement, biomechanics, strength development, and injury prevention, which she incorporates into her approach to dance training.
Abigail holds certifications in Classical Ballet Progressions of Canada Junior Grades, Acrobatic Arts Module 1, Acrobatic Arts Module 2, and Acrobatic Arts Back Handspring & Aerial. She has developed a particular interest in acrobatic training and technical development, emphasizing safe progressions, strength, flexibility, alignment, and body awareness to help dancers build skills effectively and sustainably.
Her continued dance education has included intensive training with leading dance institutions and educators throughout North America. She has studied at Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and The Ailey School in New York City, in addition to pursuing ongoing training in a variety of disciplines throughout her career. Her performance experience includes work at Disneyland, Disney World, and Universal Studios, as well as numerous local productions and community performances.
Now in her fourth year with Nikos Dance Team, Abigail continues to expand her knowledge as an educator and choreographer while sharing her experience and passion for dance with the next generation. She is committed to helping dancers develop strong technical foundations, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for the discipline and artistry of dance.
MIKAYLA CARRINGTON
Instructor
Mikayla began dancing at the age of two in Viking, Alberta. What started as a rural studio experience soon grew into a lifelong passion, leading her to Studio C Dance Co. (formerly Casey’s Dance Centre) in Edmonton, where she would immerse herself in the world of competitive dance. While Mikayla has trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip-hop, modern, and street jazz, her greatest passion lies in lyrical, contemporary, and large-scale productions.
As a competitive dancer at SCDC, Mikayla earned numerous awards alongside her teammates while simultaneously dancing with Drea Lee Dance Company to further explore commercial and performance-based dance. Performing at galas and special events, she deepened her love for live performance and has come to embrace the challenge of captivating and energizing diverse audiences.
As an instructor, Mikayla is passionate about developing strong technical foundations while nurturing self-expression and connection. She encourages her students to find deeper meaning in their movement, to connect with music and with each other, and to use dance as a tool for storytelling and self-discovery. She is deeply committed to inclusivity in the arts and using dance as a tool for advocacy, which has led to fundraisers and volunteer initiatives mainly focused on dance accessibility.
Following two successful years with GDF, Mikayla is grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as a choreographer and instructor with Niko’s Dance Team. Mikayla is looking forward to an inspiring season of creativity, connection, and growth.
DAISY KONSCHUH
Instructor
Daisy started her dancing journey at the age of four. She grew up dancing here at Niko’s, and during the years of being a dancer Daisy has trained in a variety of styles over the years, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Ukrainian.
Throughout her 15 years of dancing, Daisy has earned numerous scholarships, awards, and achievements as both a soloist and group performer. Some of her accomplishments include being named most valuable dancer in 2022 and 2024 receiving a certificate for SDF dance tour in 2023, placing second overall at CADF for her solo, and receiving a lightning elite scholarship in 2024. She has also achieved high scores and first place finishes for her solos while ranking in the top five at Plié Prep in 2025.
Through attending various dance camps, intensives, and training opportunities, Daisy has continued to develop her skills and deepen her knowledge, and passion for dance. She has also earned her Module 1 Acro Certification, further expanding her knowledge and ability to safely and effectively teach Acro.
Now entering her second year of teaching at Niko’s Dance Team, Daisy is eager to share her knowledge, experience, and love of dance with her students. She looks forward to creating a positive and encouraging environment where dancers can build confidence, develop their skills, and discover their own passion for dance. Daisy is excited to continue inspiring her students and watching them grow as both dancers and individuals.
MICHELLE FRACCHIA-WEST
Instructor
Michelle Fracchia-West, a dynamic force in the dance world, began her ballet journey in Saskatoon at just two years old. By sixteen, she had mastered advanced ballet and jazz, training with renowned institutions like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Banff Centre, and Alberta Ballet School. Though injuries shifted her path away from professional performance, her passion for dance remained undiminished, propelling her into a celebrated teaching career that now spans nearly three decades.
Michelle has worn many hats—dance instructor, ballet director, guest instructor, studio director, and choreographer—in prestigious dance communities across Alberta and Saskatchewan, including Alberta Ballet. She is a trusted mentor, inspiring dancers as a private coach and in regular classes, empowering them to excel with confidence and grace.
Michelle is also a business mentor for studio owners and a respected adjudicator, sharing her expertise across the prairies.
With an impressive roster of credentials, Michelle holds an Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Canada, certifications with the Royal Academy of Dance, Alixa Flexibility, Progressing Ballet Technique, ADAPT, and Acrobatic Arts. A member of The Dance Leadership Institute, she also holds a Level 2 certificate in the Master the Art of Adjudication - Dance Adjudicator Certification program.
Her innovative choreography has won awards, and she’s in high demand for her dual talents as an educator and adjudicator. Above all, Michelle is dedicated to helping dancers thrive, empowering them to reach new heights and succeed on their own terms.
AMBER CARSON
STUDIO MANAGER
Hi! I'm Amber, and I've been part of the Niko's Dance Team family since the day the studio opened. I started as one of the studio's very first dancers, spent many years teaching, then became a dance mom, and now I'm in my 7th year as Studio and Office Manager.
I love being part of NDT and getting to know all of our dancers and families. Whether I'm helping with registrations, answering emails, organizing schedules, or solving the little day-to-day challenges that come up, I'm always happy to help.
It's been amazing to watch the studio grow over the years, and I'm so grateful to have experienced it from so many different perspectives. I can't imagine being anywhere else, and I look forward to welcoming both new and returning families each season!
