PTBOCanada Featured Post: Premiere Studio Of Dance

Premiere Studio of Dance owner and teacher Robyn Carter knows what it takes to translate a lifelong passion into a blossoming career. The studio, now entering its 14th season, has seen itself transition from classes being taught weekly at a rented out Market Hall by Carter as a Trent student, to a full on 3 Dance Studio facility located at 1046 County Rd 19 in Peterborough.

Premiere offers one of the widest varieties of group dance classes around, with classes in hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary and acro (which has an element of gymnastics in it), to name just a few! Classes range in size from 8 to 16 depending on the style of dance and class level, which start at beginner for any age right up to competition teams that enter numerous competitions throughout the year.

The goal at Premiere Studio of Dance is to help its students learn the steps of course, but at the same time develop poise and confidence that they can take with them throughout their life. Time spent at the studio begins in September and runs right through until June covering what for most is the entire school year. This length of season allows the dancers to grow as both individuals and a team, creating bonds and fond memories that are sure to last a lifetime! At the end of the season, a large recital takes place at Showplace Performance Centre.

Inside the state of the art facility—it features professional sprung hardwood floors, close circuit TVs for viewing classes, and full length mirrors to assist in teaching—students and parents alike will find a space that caters to everyone. All instructors are B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers of Dance) Certified and they have full-time office staff that offer customer service which is second to none!

Robyn and her studio are constantly renovating and improving to give everyone inside its walls an even greater experience. They have recently begun offering dance classes in Lakefield out of St. John's Church to make themselves available to students from out of town.

With classes beginning this month, registration is currently ongoing. While students are always returning each season, Premiere Dance is open for new students of any age and dance experience to come join in the fun of dancing!

If you are looking for a new challenge for yourself or want to get your children involved in a constantly challenging, fun and empowering hobby, we suggest you contact Premiere Dance for more details. Chances are they’ll offer something that suits your style!

Their office hours are as follows: Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm.

For more on Premiere Studio of Dance (1046 County Rd 19), go to:

Web: PremiereDance.ca
Phone: 705-741-6545
Twitter: @premieredance
Facebook: Premiere Studio of Dance  

Premiere Studio of Dance Hightlights:

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The PTBOCanada Interview: Theresa Longo

Twenty-six-year-old Theresa Longo is Peterborough born and raised. She has been a professional model for over 10 years with international modeling experience. After high school in Peterborough, she attended Trent University, where she received a 4 year Honors Degree (B.B.A). Her downtown Toronto office now acts as a home base for her ever expanding international business centred upon "the public image and likeness of 'Theresa Longo'", with her business primarily focused around corporate representation, public appearances, modeling and acting. Here's an interview we conducted with Theresa taking us into her career and what Peterborough means to her...

PTBOCANADA: You were discovered at 16 at Lansdowne Place, which kickstarted your career as an international model. Tell us about being discovered at the mall, joining Peterborough's Strutt Central modelling agency and where it's lead you.

Longo: When I was discovered at 16, I was elated. I began to gain considerable experience in front of the camera. I practiced posing through dozens of photo shoots while also styling several different scenes and looks. I began going around to local bridal shops, clothing stores and hair salons in Peterborough to let them know I was available to model for them. I got a lot of call backs! I loved modeling in fashion shows, bridal shows and spring fundraisers. With a lot of exposure, I was introduced to a photographer who set me up with a job working at Wakestock. I was recognized by Monster Energy Drink and brought on the team to be a Canadian Monster Model. I shot for the Toronto Sun for a feature as a Monster Energy Model Sunshine Girl commemorating the AMA Supercross. I was asked by the Sun to pose for their yearly calendar in 2010 (and swimsuit edition in 2012!), and shortly thereafter I was crowned Miss Budweiser Honda Indy! I was featured again (twice) nationally in Sun paper. Gaining considerable national exposure, I was acquired by Strutt Central Modelling Agency in 2011. Strutt invited me to be a part of a beauty pageant for women of Italian heritage, where I was crowned Miss Italy North America! I went to Italy for a month to represent North America on the world stage at Miss Italy of the World. My relationship with Strutt Central has been pivotal to my career; in 2013, Strutt has sent me to film several music videos, as well as the opportunity to land an MTV VMA commercial which aired across Canada!

PTBOCANADA: You attended Holy Cross Secondary School and graduated from Trent University with an honours degree in business. Tell us what it means to your career to have that business degree, and how you use it to run your marketing and promotions business, and be an entrepreneur. 

Longo: Without a doubt, my education has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and tools to run a successful business. Taking business at Trent was the best career choice I made; every single day, I employ a part of my academic experience. Several fourth year classes were highly impressionable for me and will remain forever useful: Communications, Strategic Planning, Online Business, and Business Ethics. I fully plan on pursuing my education further to complete a Master's Degree, however for right now I enjoy the experience that travel and entrepreneurship provides.

PTBOCANADA: How many events do you model at per year? Any particular recent highlights/anecdotes you can share?
 
Longo: I model at hundreds of events each year. Recent highlights include modelling over $100,000 worth of DiamondTsar Diamonds at an Investment Exchange trade show. I wore a diamond necklace worth over $60,000 retail!

PTBOCANADA: Do you find you're getting recognized more and more when you travel? What does that mean to you?
 
Longo: Yes. It is unreal! People have recognized me on the street and in other countries! It is incredibly amazing, humbling and yet fulfilling to see the result of strong brand development.

PTBOCANADA: What do you call home now? Do you get back to Peterborough much?
 
Longo: Toronto is home. I travel a lot. I visit Peterborough several times a year!

Theresa with Strutt models.  

PTBOCANADA: You recently finished teaching aspiring models and actresses at Strutt Central in Peterborough. Tell us what it means to you to come home and teach these girls, and empower them. What life lessons are you providing?
 
Longo: It means the world to me to return to Peterborough to positively influence aspiring talent. I think to my own experiences starting out as a model, and I would have loved to have a mentor in the entertainment industry to look up to. Some of the lessons include teaching the positive relationship between practising good leadership and achieving goals. Throughout the class, students will think about career paths, choosing wisely, and how to set yourself up for success. We also go over public relations tips, how to properly pose for the camera, and tips on fitness and staying healthy.

PTBOCANADA: Speaking of empowerment, there is this perception among many about a model's IQ. You work hard to combat that by the way you lead your life and your business savvy. Give us your take on the misconceptions that arise about models, and how they shouldn't be judged by their looks alone.

Longo: There are misconceptions and there are truths about models/the industry. I always look for the truth. Truth is sewn into everything; it becomes plain to see the truth of things with thoughtful intent. Personally, I carefully study, watch and listen to everything and everyone before I formulate an opinion. There are many smart, successful people of the world employing this truth seeking strategy who quickly pick up on personality and intelligence. I am quite confident in my ability to completely dismiss anyone's "perception of a model's IQ" in the way I carry myself and through the words I speak.

PTBOCANADA: What is your view on on women and beauty, and how they are projected in media (e.g. photoshopped covers of magazines)? Are young girls having to live up to unrealistic ideals? How do you teach them to be positive about themselves, have good self-esteem, live a healthy life? 
 
Longo: There is a lot of pressure. There is also a lot of photoshop. I definitely think there is tremendous pressure for young girls to try to live up to unrealistic ideals. I teach ladies to be positive through the creation of a solid foundation of confidence and good self esteem. I love to show them unretouched photos. I teach young ladies beauty tips and tricks for healthy skin, teeth and hair—many of which my nanny taught me as a young girl. I also encourage young ladies to get involved in fitness/gymnastics/sports. I teach ladies to put themselves first, and to stay in school. Living a healthy, rewarding life comes first overall.

PTBOCANADA: You travel all around the world and get to see exotic places. But tell us what Peterborough means to you. Growing up here and coming home.
 
Longo: Peterborough is truly home for me. It is special to me in many ways because of the close friendships, experiences, business relationships and academic successes. I love our city. I am proud to say I grew up here.

PTBOCANADA: Tell us about your take on social media. You are on Twitter @theresalongo and tweet quite a bit. You have more than 23,000 followers. What does social media mean to your "brand"? How do you use it? How has it helped you? Do you interact closely with followers?

Longo: Social media is essential in brand development. I regularly use social media to connect with fans, share news and update followers. Using social media has opened many doors for me and allowed me to connect with other successful professionals in my industry. I try to interact closely with followers. I am trying to gain more followers to my official Facebook page.

PTBOCANADA: What is your next step(s)/goal(s) in your career? What's on your bucket list? Aspiring actress?
 
Longo: My next steps include additional acting roles and a continued focus on fitness and modeling. Currently in the works: I am writing and recording new, original music—as a child I took guitar lessons with John for several years at Bud Monahan Music in Peterborough! Creating, recording and performing an album is most definitely on my bucket list.

PTBOCANADA:  Anything we missed you want to cover?

Longo: Readers can check out my blog at Theresalongo.com, where I regularly blog about fitness, travel tips, concert and event coverage and more!

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DBIA Featured Post: Lett Architects

Peterborough is home to many amazing restaurants, clothing shops, and unique boutiques of many varieties—especially in the downtown core. What most people probably don’t consider are the people behind the design of the buildings that house these great businesses!

Peterborough's Lett Architects houses some of this country’s greatest architectural minds, and is responsible for quite a few of the very buildings you see and have stepped foot in in this very city. The company, which is one of the youngest firms in the province with staff ranging from 25 to 42 years of age, provides architectural, planning and interior design services to its many satisfied customers you can find across the province.
 
Lett-Smith Architects was established in 1973 in Toronto, opening a branch in Peterborough in 1995 on Reid St. The business eventually moved to its current location of 171 King St., and in 2004 became simply known as Lett Architects. Bill Lett Sr originally started the business, and in 1998 was joined by his son Bill Jr who took over the business in 2008 and works with seven outstanding staff members on numerous projects in and around the city and throughout Ontario.
 
Working in cultural, institutional, and commercial fields, Lett Architects has a reputation that proceeds itself. Also focusing on health care, Lett has taken part in many local projects that most people will immediately recognize. They have worked on Market Hall (with Trevelyan Architect), Showplace Peterborough, the Peterborough Medical Arts building on Charlotte St which is now under construction, and are currently working with Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Museum and Archives, and the Brandhealth façade restoration on George St.
 
Being located centrally in the city has allowed Bill and the staff at Lett Architects to be in the center of creativity that our city offers. It has been a great place to attract employees and potential customers, and provides the best amenities around for both professional and personal use. Bill loves the appeal of our great downtown and knows for a fact that it offers better opportunity that many of its larger surrounding cities.
 
Working across the city covering all aspects of the architectural trade has allowed for the staff at Lett Architecture to branch out and become involved with different groups. One staff member is currently a DBIA Board member while the firm is a member of Sustainability Peterborough.
 
To really appreciate the beauty of some of the great buildings both new and old around town, we suggest you take a look into their backgrounds. Chances are that Lett Architects has had a hand in quite a few of them!

Market Hall restoration

For more on Lett Architects (171 King St.), go to:
Website: Lett.ca
Phone: 705-743-3311

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Match Me Peterborough

Match Me owner Rebecca Cooper

With years of experience matching people up in the community on a casual basis, and with a great downtown business on the go—she owned Tango at the time—Rebecca Cooper knew she was at a crossroads. She was doing two things she absolutely loved, but knew that she had to make a tough choice between them. In 2009, she finally made the choice—selling Tango—and diving head first into the Match Making business. It was then Match Me Peterborough was born!

Rebecca begins the huge process of matchmaking by screening potential applicants to find out more about them than what is shown on the outside. Indeed, her goal isn't just in finding a simple physical attraction like most online dating sites do, but in helping to facilitate longterm meaningful relationships.

After the screening process, she helps out her client by working with a life coach and image consultant to help them, if that's what they desire.

After this is completed, she gets to work in looking for a desired match. She even goes so far as to arrange the first date. So there is no pressure on either party; they simply have to show up and enjoy a great date! The entire process is effortless and is completely confidential and discreet.

While Rebecca has worked with people in various age groups to provide assistance, she specifically tries to look for single career professionals who are 40-plus. (Clientele are mostly 40 to 65, but there are clients starting as young as 27 years old.)

Although she has moved back to Toronto to help establish part of her business there, Rebecca keeps coming back to Peterborough! Whether it be meeting with new clients, screening singles, or simply to enjoy what the city has to offer, she loves every excuse to come back. She loves the energy and charisma of downtown Peterborough, and always uses it as a focal point on the first dates she sets up between clients.

What Match Me Peterborough does is take the work out of finding a compatible partner for someone who is really searching. Match Me Peterborough is a service that requires a year long membership, but is money very well spent! Rebecca absolutely loves the challenging and rewarding career she has chosen in match making.

She is the only business in Peterborough who provides these services and has been extremely successful. Her success has lead to expanding to Toronto, London, Kingston, and many other Ontario cities while linking up with 7 other agencies to assist and draw from. If you are single and a career professional who has been meaning to put themselves out there but haven't been able to find the time or any luck in finding your mate, we suggest you contact Rebecca! She will do all of the hard work for you!

For more on Match Me Peterborough, go to:
Web: MatchMePeterborough.com
Twitter: @MatchMePtbo

For more info on PTBOCanada Featured Posts, email here. 

Peterborough Woman's New Jewellery Shop Inspired By Trip To Haiti

Stephanie Guyatt is the creator of Under One Sun, a new jewellery shop in Peterborough located out of her home at 236 Cowling Heights. Under One Sun came to be after Stephanie travelled to Haiti last Fall on a mission trip. She fell in love with a artisan co-op there that crafts the jewellery and which offers fair wages to feed, educate and house their employees' families. Although the jewellery is sold by some in the United States, Stephanie is the only one that offers it in Canada. The jewellery offered is made from sustainable items and is environmentally friendly. Much of the jewellery is made from recycled paper, Haitian clay, and recycled oil drums. Here's some pics...

Under One Sun will be hosting an Open House from September 6th to 8th and will be at the Creative Bean event on Saturday, September 14th.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Could Peterborough Be Getting A Red Nek Fries?

We spoke to the owner recently at her popular chip wagon in Orono off the 115, and she mentioned she is looking at expanding her business—perhaps to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.  

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Enticing Cakes Celebrates Their New Location

Enticing Cakes has opened their doors at their brand new location. They didn't have far to go, as they moved across the road in East City to a bigger spot that better suited their growing bakery. You'll now find them at 57 Hunter Street East. Every little detail was taken into consideration as they renovated their new space, including using wood from the family farm as they worked towards their new look. They've also added a wedding consultation room to plan and book your wedding treats. Owner Sabrina Rowles and the rest of the Enticing Cakes team will be celebrating their two year anniversary in East City next month. Check them out on Facebook and Twitter or give them a call at 705.775.2253. 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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The Business Beat With Stu Harrison

CHARM TREE TOYS
Maren Fine from Charm Tree Toys is launching 2 creative workshops for kids starting the week of September 16. Maren is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, and the first workshop, called Makedo, will give kids ages 6 – 10 an opportunity to design, build and create structures using recyclable materials and Makedo tools.  The second workshop is called Write Me A Story, and gives children an opportunity to write and illustrate their own story with Eeboo art materials.  Both workshops are 4 weeks and cost just $50. You can register at Charm Tree Toys at 372 George Street North or online at Charmtree.ca.

DONNA LOCKHART
If you work with volunteers, you’ll know that 99% of them are great to work with. Donna Lockhart wants to help you deal with the 1% in a workshop on October 29th at the Lions Centre in East City. Called “Dealing with Difficult or Challenging Volunteers”, the half day workshop will deal with myths, hard truths, strategies and solutions, all of it based on cases submitted by workshop participants. Details are online at Rethinkgroup.ca or call Donna at 705-292-5331.

PETERBOROUGH REPTILE
Peterborough Reptile specializes in reptiles and education. Located across from Costco behind the building at 494 The Parkway, they sell live reptiles, terrariums food and decorations, and will soon be offering pond supplies and installation. They also offer educational programs in store and out. They manufacture their own substrates and décor and they support local and national reptile and amphibian charities and rescues including the Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre. Go to Peterboroughreptile.ca for more info.
 
LORNE KELSEY
Congratulations to Lorne Kelsey in his new role as Business Development Lead at the GPAEDC. Lorne brings a strong business and tourism background to the job, which will focus on helping local business expand and attracting new business to the community.
 
CAROL BERTUZZI
The Women’s Business Network kicks off the Fall season this Wednesday with guest speaker Carole Bertuzzi Luciani on “Keeping Yourself Mood-ivated”. Details at Womensbusinessnetwork.net.
 
PROSPERITY TRADE SHOW
Don’t miss the Chamber of Commerce Prosperity Business Trade Show next Wednesday from Noon to 7 pm at the Morrow Building. New features this year include the Innovation Zone profiling a number of incubator companies from the Peterborough Innovation Cluster, plus the Networking Café and lots of door prizes including a netbook computer from MicroAge. Details at Peterboroughchamber.ca. 

To submit your new business to Stu's "The Business Beat", click here.

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Popeyes Is Coming To Lansdowne Street

The sign for a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchise just recently went up at the new building beside Chapters on Lansdowne St. They're still busy working away but no doubt it'll be open for business soon. In the meantime, you can check out their menu.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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DBIA Featured Post: Ariyana

In a downtown such as Peterborough's, which is known for having one of the best varieties of locally owned restaurants around, one might think a newcomer to the industry would shy away from starting from scratch right in the middle of it all. But if risks weren't taken in the restaurant world, we wouldn't have the chance to experience a wonderful restaurant like Ariyana, opened by Mina Monsef and located at 396 George St N.

Ariyana brings with it one of the few cuisines that was truly missing from our amazing downtown, that being Middle Eastern! Upon opening on April 30th of this year, the restaurant serves a wide array of meat, vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten free dishes which actually comprise 90% of the menu.

A few specialties they serve are Vaziri Ghaimeh (a chicken skewar and beef kebab with all the fixings), and Ghormeh Sazbi—which are absolute Middle Eastern delights for those who have never had a chance to experience them. Local menu favourites have turned out to be the Shawarma plate and sandwich which is served in a pita, and the eggplant and falafel dishes which are a vegetarian's dream!

Mina and her staff have absolutely loved and appreciated the reception they have been given from the very day they opened. They love all of the businesses that surround them and wouldn't want to be located anywhere but in the heart of the city (they're close to the corner of Hunter and George St.). They say the support has almost been overwhelming.

Growing up in Peterborough, Mina has known the joy of the community she calls home, and has done her part to get as involved as possible. Ariyana took part in Ribfest this year, and were the first entry ever to serve halal meat at the event. They also been approached by the ReFrame Film Festival to take part by serving many of their delicious dishes to spice up the variety!

Being locally connected to the New Canadians Centre, Red Pashmina Campaign (which is partly run by her sister Maryam) and our local Mosque has given Mina plenty of support in her decision to open Ariyana and the downtown core is thankful she made that choice.

If you haven't had the chance to check it out, we suggest you give Ariyana a try. It will truly open your eyes to another example of cuisine that is truly unique in our dowtown.

For more on Ariyana (396 George St N), go to:
Twitter: @AriyanaFood
Facebook: Ariyana

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott