Belleville

Hotel Name: Best Western Belleville

For Dates: April 3 - 6: The Empire Theatre, Belleville

ARRIVAL

• The building will open 1 hour prior to the first performance of the day. 

PROGRAMS

• Programs will be made available for download, free of charge, through our website approximately 2 weeks prior to the event.  
• For a program including all updates from Studios (title changes, etc.), we recommend downloading 1 day prior to the event.
• Hard Copy programs will not be sold at the event

AWARDS PIN

• Every dancer receives a custom Shine Awards Pin to display your ribbons on your Team Jacket! ONE per dancer available at the Shine Shop.

LIVE STREAMING

• This event will have a live stream available through our website
• A code to watch will be provided to your Studio prior to the event
• We may run up to 15min early from the scheduled times -- remember to tune in early

FOOD DRIVE

• We are very excited to continue our annual Food Drive where all proceeds are donated to a local food bank.  To date, we have collectively raised 22,825 lbs of food!!
• Please remind your dancers to bring at least 2 items of non-perishable food for our drive.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• For the privacy & safety of the dancers, there is no photography or videography allowed during performances 
• As a reminder, your entry fees include all your photos and videos!
• Media will be available approximately 1-2 weeks after the event through a link sent to your Studio
• Tag us in your favourite photos!  @shinedancecompetitions, #ShineDanceCompetitions #ShineFamily

STUDIO NAME/LOGO

• In an effort to keep your studio’s identity from the judges during performances, we ask that you please cover your studio logo when placing props on the stage.  *
• Your performance costume should not contain your Studio's Name
• Your dancers are certainly encouraged to wear their studio attire during awards ceremonies

STAGE ETIQUETTE

• Substances which alter the condition of the stage, and may affect the dancing surface for other competitors are prohibited (e.g. tossing sparkles, baby powder, water/liquid, body paint, etc.).  If it cannot be easily swept off the stage quickly, it should not be put on the stage.  Dances in violation of this rule may result in not being allowed on stage, have a deduction, and/or deemed "adjudicated only", at the discretion of Shine Dance Competitions.
• If the stage is littered after your performance (ex: feathers, paper, props, etc.). you must be ready for the immediate removal of the items. We will have a flat broom backstage.
• Helium balloons are not to be released on-stage as it is costly to get them down and they may pop during another performance if left on the ceiling. They may be used if they are on a weight and not released.
  • Released balloons may result in a deduction or the routine being ‘adjudicated only’

JUDGING

• Expertise in Dance and Age-Appropriateness: Our judges are selected for their deep understanding of dance and their ability to assess performances based on age and training levels.

• Diverse Perspectives and Subjectivity: Our judging panel consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds, training, and life experiences. Given the subjective nature of performances, it's natural to observe variations in scores, sometimes exceeding 3 points.

• Encouraging Dynamism and Excitement: We empower our judges to utilize their marking scales while providing valuable feedback in their adjudications. This approach fosters a dynamic and thrilling competition atmosphere, enriching the experience for participants and audiences alike.

Your support of our judges and their expertise contributes to the positive and enriching experience we strive to create for all participants. Thank you for being part of our dance community where we can learn and grow from different perspectives.

Brittney Anderson

Brittney began her dance training in Calgary, Alberta. Her training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Modern has taken her around the world, where she performed with The Calgary Dance Express. In 2003, Brittney represented Canada in both Jazz and Tap at the Worlds in Riesa, Germany. She has also had the pleasure of being a part of the Tap Company M.A.D.D. Rhythms. Brittney was a part of Sarah Dolan's contemporary company, O2 Dance, and performed with O2 for 2 years, including their sold-out show, "I.M The Seasons Of Love."

She has also danced for musical artists such as Michael Fitzgerald, Bif Naked, Narai Dawn, Jess Cullen, and many more. Her performances as a principal dancer include "Lovers of Marley," "Lovers of Queen," and "Sweett Moves." She danced in the extremely successful fundraiser for St. Paul's mental health ward, "Brilliant," as well as the sold-out show run of "Dances for a Small Stage 35 ~ Valentines Edition." More recently, she choreographed and performed a piece for the University of Calgary’s Arch Awards and appeared in a music video for Alberta’s own Gord Bamford. Brittney currently resides in Calgary, where she teaches and choreographs for Expressions the Dance gallery.

Carly Gordon

Carly Gordon is a seasoned performer, adjudicator, and choreographer based in Toronto, Canada, with nearly twenty years of international experience. She has worked extensively both abroad and at sea, showcasing her versatility across various facets of the entertainment industry.

Carly’s passion for performing was nurtured by her parents, owners of Paul Gordon Dancers, where she trained in a wide variety of styles and performed in countless variety, charity, and industrial shows.

Carly’s career includes significant roles with Carnival Cruise Lines as a Playlist dancer/singer, Dance Captain, and Cast Manager as well as extensive corporate show experience with companies such as 444 Theatrical Creations, Stop Tyme Productions, and The Farm Incorporate. In 2015, Carly and her father, Paul Gordon, debuted their original 30’s & 40’s revue show entitled “All of Me” as special guest performers with VegasNorth in Toronto.

In addition to serving as a teacher, and choreographer for various touring events, including Dance Attack Workshops, Cadence Dance Finals, and Mercy Dance Productions. Carly is a highly coveted adjudicator, regularly serving on panels for numerous distinguished dance competitions across Canada. She was recently featured on The Dance Bug’s Channel show, "VS The Dance Comp Battle," where she appeared as a mystery judge on Week 7's Episode of Battle 1.

Additionally as a well sought after choreographer and teacher, Carly is thrilled to have recently been a part of such a vibrant team in Costa Rica, whilst choreographing for the beautiful dancers at Elevate Movement Studios! Prior to which, she taught and choreographed at Diverse Performing Arts in Dubai, the largest and most decorated training program in the UAE.
Carly is passionate about seeing her students and performers shine and reach new heights in their creative expression. Her dedication to dance is reflected in her ongoing work with top young talent at conventions, studios, and national competitions both across North America and internationally.

Carly is thrilled to be back with Shine this season, Break a leg dancers and leave it all on the floor!

@cargordon

David Lafleur

David Lafleur (he/him) is a Tap dance artist based in the National Capital Region with experience across Canada as a teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator. He holds a master’s degree in human kinetics with a specialization in neuroscience from the University of Ottawa.

David’s professional dance journey began when he met his mentor, Ryan Foley. His career highlights include training at The School at Jacob’s Pillow Tap Dance Program, performing in Dianne Montgomery’s Fall For Dance North World Premiere, being a main cast member of Rhythm and Sound since 2017, and presenting original work at the National Arts Centre. With Toffan Rhythm Projects, David has performed at the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival and worked as part of the TRI Summer Youth Intensive faculty.

In 2021, David co-founded (in)sight with Ella Steele, a Tap dance collective dedicated to sharing innovative, multi-disciplinary work. Together, they create theatre productions, short films, and in situ pieces, collaborating with artists across various practices to showcase the versatility of Tap dance. This season, they toured their work, Mirror/Water/Doorway, in theatres across Québec.

David is grateful for the many opportunities he has received and is passionate about sharing his love of dance with the community.

@french_david