Ethel Bruneau was born in Harlem, NY in 1936. Her relationship with dance began at the tender age of 4 and was nurtured at the famed Mary Bruce School of Dance. At age 16, Ethel auditioned with a friend and earned a spot in Cab Calloway's jazz tour.

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From the moment she arrived in 1953, Ethel fell in love with Montreal — its entertainment scene, neon lights, and the clubs lining St. Catherine Street. It is here that Ethel adopted her stage name, "Miss Swing." She began her colorful career as a multi-talented dancer, singer, and comedian, and served as MC at the famous Rockhead's Paradise, a Montreal landmark. During her career, she shared the stage with numerous renowned artists, both national and international.

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Her American tour with Pearl Bailey's Big Review, during racially charged times, convinced her that her heart belonged in La Belle Province. She met and married her husband, Henri Bruneau, at the historic Union United Church.

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Ethel's passion and expertise in the performing arts rekindled her love for teaching multidisciplinary dance, with a specialty in Afro-American rhythm tap. Ethel opened her first dance school in 1964. From that time until her passing, she taught tap dance to students of all ages, awakening rhythmic musicality in everyone.

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In Ethel's words: "My mission is to preach the gospel of tap dance."