International Women’s Day: Guyanese-born Shobha Maeck preserving tradition through dance in Toronto for 25 years  

As the world observes International Women’s Day 2025, women across borders are honored for their outstanding contributions to society, their families, and their efforts in creating a better world.
Shobha Maraj Maeck, a Guyanese-born Canadian citizen who despite adversities, has been keeping tradition alive through dance for the past 25 years in Toronto, Canada.
Born in Kitty, Georgetown, the 59-year-old completed her schooling and migrated to Cananda at the age of 18 years old. Whilst there, she thought of sharing her talent and as such, she later founded the Shobha’s Talent and Culture Centre (STCC) Dance Academy in the Greater Toronto area in 2001.
The academy started with just a few dancers but to date, there are more than 40 dedicated members who performs for fun and more so, to entertain their audiences.
The academy which is known for its Bollywood, semi-classical, Kathak, and fusion dance styles is not just a dance school but a sanctuary where culture, grace, and the magic of the art form come together to elevate every occasion.

The mother of four’s journey into the world of dance began at the age of 11 years old in Guyana, where she discovered her love for the classical arts.
It was under the tutelage of the revered Pandit Durga Lall, one of the most respected Kathak masters of the time, that Shobha honed her skills in this elegant and intricate form of dance.
Her dedication to the art of Kathak, combined with her rich cultural heritage, paved the way for the establishment of STCC Dance Academy, which she founded with the mission to share her passion for dance and preserve the beauty of classical traditions.
With 25 years of excellence in choreography, performance, and costume design, STCC Dance Academy stands as a beacon of elegance, creativity, and artistry in the dance community. Through its vast repertoire of performances, it has captivated audiences across Pickering, Ajax, Scarborough, Brampton, and beyond.

The academy’s commitment to providing its students with a profound understanding of culture, music, and dance is unparalleled, making it a cornerstone of artistic expression in the region.
At the heart of STCC Dance Academy’s success lies Maeck’s devotion to preserving traditional dance forms while fostering a deep appreciation for Indian culture. Her choreography tells stories with every movement, bringing to life the rich history of dance that spans generations.
Under her expert guidance, dancers from beginners to advanced levels find not only their rhythm but their connection to the timeless art forms of Bollywood and Kathak.
Some of her achievements include awards for volunteer from city of Toronto, an award for working in mental health from the Premier of Ontario Doug Ford. She is also a survivor of domestic violence and is now working with women who are also survivors. When she is not busy at the academy, she enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren and is eagerly awaiting two others.
However, as the world evolves, so is the academy with new and exciting dance routines. Today, the academy’s illustrious team of choreographers adds another layer of brilliance to the academy’s legacy. Leading the charge is the incomparable Ryan Ramsahoye, whose visionary choreography is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
He brings an infectious passion to the dance floor, elevating the academy’s ELITE and SuperStarz classes with his unique style. His choreography for performances like Raatan Lambiyaan from the film Sheershah has become a hallmark of excellence.
His creative influence doesn’t end at choreography; his work extends to screenplay writing, where he co-penned Tere Bin, a nostalgic 90s Bollywood love story, showcasing his multi-faceted talents and his dedication to blending culture and art in every form.
Alongside Ryan are two exceptional senior choreographers – Shauntelle Sims and Tasneem Yassen. Shauntelle’s contributions go far beyond choreography. She has helped shape some of the most stunning performances seen at STCC.
Sims is known for her dedication to the art of dance, and her choreography captures the elegance and vibrancy that defines the academy. In addition to her work as a choreographer, she has taken on the role of Master of Ceremonies at several academy events, including co-hosting the ‘Love Thru the Ages’ Valentine’s Gala, where her charisma and engaging presence left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Yassen, on the other hand specializes in Indian Fusion and Bollywood Semi-Classical dance styles. She leads the academy’s ELITE class, fusing high-energy Bollywood choreography with athleticism, jazz, and hip-hop influences to create unforgettable performances that thrill and inspire.
Her dedication to her craft extends beyond choreography; she has also co-written the screenplay for Tere Bin – A 90s Bollywood Love Story, collaborating with Ryan Ramsahoye. Her ability to create dynamic, emotionally resonant performances makes her a key figure at the academy, and her contributions continue to shape STCC’s artistic direction.
Further, Vanusha Jaikaran, a rising star at STCC, began her dance journey at the age of nine. Since joining the academy in 2017, she has grown into a talented choreographer, contributing significantly to the dynamic performances at STCC. Working alongside Ryan and Shauntelle, Vanusha co-choreographed the dance cover of ‘Chutney Bacchanal’, a piece that showcases her creativity and passion for dance.
Her choreography combines traditional and contemporary styles with an energetic flair that continues to captivate both audiences and students alike.
STCC Dance Academy is more than just a dance school – it is a cultural hub where creativity, tradition, and passion collide to produce breathtaking performances. As the academy celebrates its 25th anniversary, it continues to set the standard for artistic excellence in the GTA and surrounding areas.
With a team of extraordinary choreographers, a wealth of knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the craft, STCC Dance Academy guarantees to add that perfect touch of class to any events, leaving a lasting impression that will be cherished for years to come.
The group is set to perform at the ‘Guyana Baboo’ 30th Anniversary Gala which will also features several prominent dance groups and musicians including the Shakti String International Orchestra, Vicadi Singh and Terry Gajraj. The event is set to ignite the Elite Banquet Hall, Albion Road, Etobicoke, Ontario on May 10, 2024.