St. Catharines:  Event Information

FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre; May 10 - 12, 2024

THEATRE

ADDRESS

  • FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M2
  • **Shine Dance Competitions is being held in Partridge Hall
  • The building will open 1 hour prior to the first performance of the day

STAGE DIMENSIONS

  • approximately 35′ deep x 45′ width (at the back) & 58′ width (across the front); wings are approximately 10′
  • Max height for aerial rig: 27'

PARKING

  • On-site parking is not available at the First Ontario PAC; however, there are more than 1000 pay parking spots available in nearby parking garages, surface lots, and on city streets within a five-minute walk to the PAC. Please visit this link for more details.
  • Drop off points are available in front of the Box Office Entrance on St. Paul Street and by the front doors closest to Partridge Hall along Carlisle Street.
  • **Please ensure you give yourself extra time to park and walk to the theatre.

For Trailers:
Below is a map of the parking lot for trailers.  After unloading trailers can park at the Riordon St Lot.

Located at:  29 Riordon Street (enter on Riordon Street)

NOTE:  As there are monthly permit holders in that lot, please ensure trailers are parked in an organized manner.

map of FirstOntario PAC and surrounding areas; showing directions to Riordon St Parking Lot

LOADING DOCK

  • Access to the loading dock is off of Carlisle Street.  Unfortunately, this is not a parking area – and once you have finished loading/unloading, please move your truck.

PROPS

    • There is a very limited amount of storage space for props in the loading dock area.  Please unload only what props you will need for the day and remove them promptly after use to make room for incoming props.
    • We thank everyone in advance for sharing the loading dock space.
      • Please ensure you have adequate staff to prep your props for easy load-in and load-off the stage.  Heavy items should be on dollies to avoid scratching the dance floor.  Props can be pre-assembled in the loading dock and then wheeled onto the stage.  We want to keep to our time-schedule so dancers are dancing as scheduled.

Thank you everyone for your combined efforts as we know this takes a lot of time and coordination!!

DRESSING ROOMS

  • All studios will be assigned dressing rooms. We thank you in advance for your cooperation with regard to sharing this space.
  • To avoid congestion:
    • Have hair/make-up done.
    • please vacate when the room is not needed.
  • Parents -- please pack-up all belongings from changerooms if you are leaving after the awards to make room the incoming dancers.

REHEARSAL ROOM

  • An area will be designated as rehearsal for all dancers to share.

SHINE SHOP

  • Our Shine Shop will be in full operation to get your Shine Dance Merchandise.  Please note that we will be accepting only credit or debit cards -- we will not be accepting cash.

HOTEL

Hotel Name: Comfort Inn St. Catharines

For Dates: May 10-12: FirstOntario PAC, St. Catharines

Block Booking Under Shine Dance
Address (See map) 2 Dunlop Dr., St. Catharines, ON  L2R 1A2
Phone (905) 687-8890 - quote "Shine Dance" when booking
E-mail See website
Rate 2 Queen beds - $109.99 (plus applicable taxes)
Parking Free
Group Booking Ends April 8th, 2024
Cancellation Date Please cancel by 4pm, 2 days prior to arrival, to avoid a cancellation penalty.
Check-In/Out Check-in: 3:00pm / Check-out: 11:00am
Website Click here
Restaurant? No
Pool? No
Driving Distance From Venue (approx.) 5 min.

EVENT DETAILS

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.

JUDGES

Arlene Murchison Doggart

Arlene Murchison Doggart has been dancing since the age of 3, studying and training in tap, jazz, ballet, acro, modern, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, pointe, hip hop and song and dance. While training at a prestigious local studio, she completed all exams with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) in tap, jazz and ballet with the highest honors. Getting a chance to dance and take classes with choreographers like Mia Michaels, David De Marie and Brian Foley opened the door to winning scholarships and awards like top dancer, most potential dancer and overall highest score.

Arlene got her full teachers certification with CDTA in 1991 and Dance Masters of America (DMA) and Canadian Dance Masters of America (CDMA) in 1993. She has also has been certified as a level one gymnastic coach, first aid responder and has choreographed on ice for Canadian figure skaters and worked with national, Olympic rhythmic gymnasts. Arlene has also taught hip hop in the public and private school systems.

Opening her own studio in 2000 in Newmarket, winning 15 consecutive years of Readers Choice awards for Best studio, she became involved with community events and fundraising opportunities. Taking her dancers to competitions across Canada and the US has given multiple opportunities for them and some of her students have won titles such as: Miss Dance Canada, Mister Dancefest, Miss CanDance, Little Mister Starpower, Master Dance Canada, Petite Miss Dance Canada, Junior Mister OnStage New York, Junior Dancer of the Year (ADA), Teen Dancer of the Year (ADA), Junior Miss Dancefest, 1st runner up Junior Miss Dancefest, 1st runner up Master Dance of America and 1st runner up Senior Mister Bedazzled. Arlene has also won multiple choreography awards and special awards.

She teaches tap, jazz, ballet, acro, modern, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, pointe, song and dance at the recreational and competitive levels to all ages.

Arlene’s students have gone on to professional careers with Cirque De Soleil, on Broadway in Billy Elliot and The Sound of Music, Shaw Festival, movies, the television show Degrassi, So You think You Can Dance Canada, in commercials, music videos and even now owning their own dance studios and adjudicating.


Carrie Robins

Ms. Robins has been a member of the Alberta dance community for many years. As a dancer she competed extensively as well as performed in several musicals such as Grease and The Buddy Holly Story. She was also a performer in AXIIS- a modern dance company and the Opening Ceremonies of the 1995 Canada Winter Games. Ms. Robins’ love of dance then led her into a career of teaching and choreography. She completed all her requirements to become a fully registered and certified teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance as well as with ADAPT. She has also studied SugarFoot and Perfect Form Physiotherapy Dance Teacher Training. Ms. Robins’ has been teaching all forms of dance for over 25 years with great positivity and passion for this art form. She seeks to develop dancers mind, body, and spirit. She was Dance Director of The Academy Dance Program in Grande Prairie, Alberta for 13 years. Recently Ms. Robins has been accepted into the Royal Academy of Dance and Bath University’s Masters in Arts Education (Dance Teaching) program.

Past students of Ms. Robins have been accepted into The National Ballet School, The Alberta Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet School, The Young Americans, Arts Umbrella, Intensive Training Program at Harbour Dance Center, Broadway Dance Center Professional Semester, and The Rockettes Summer Intensive.

Ms. Robins adjudicates extensively throughout Canada and is always excited to have the opportunity to work with young dancers!


Sarah Rorabeck

CAEA, ABATD, Adv. Dip MT-Performance, PAA, ADA

Voted Best Dance Instructor (Diamond and Platinum Winner - Oshawa/Whitby)! Sarah Rorabeck has over 15 years of experience educating children and adults in dance. As a teacher who still works with recreational, part-time and full-time competitive students, she is well versed in all genres, and specializes in Tap, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Acro and Jazz. Currently, Sarah works full-time choreographing award-winning competitive pieces, adjudicating dance competitions in Canada and the USA and putting students through their BATD examinations. In 2023, she joined the World Performer's Canada choreography team, setting tap routines for their 2024 team travelling to Prague.

Sarah Rorabeck is a graduate, with honours, of Sheridan’s prestigious Music Theatre Performance program, where she extensively studied dance, vocal and acting. She holds her Associate level Teacher’s Membership in the BATD in both tap and jazz, and is an accredited adjudicator through Judge Alliance’s PAA program. She is a founding member of the Acro Dance Adjudicators (ADA), where she became a certified Acro and Dance Adjudicator.

Sarah is a member of the CAEA and has performed professionally in musicals like Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables (& many more), around Canada, with some film and television work thrown in the mix. She’s even been photographed by world-renowned dance-photographer, Jordan Matter (Dancers Among Us).

Sarah is very passionate about dance education, specifically teaching clean and safe technique and exploring performance styles within different genres to keep class exciting. She has won several ‘Best Choreography’ awards, specifically for her Tap and Musical Theatre work. Currently she teaches and choreographs consistently throughout Durham Region and the GTA. She strongly believes dance teaches such incredible life lessons, and she is thrilled to be able to pass on her knowledge to today’s brave and passionate dancers.

Register For 2024!

Shine has an easy and convenient online registration system. We accept all International Studios. Spots are going fast! Register today for the 2024 Season!

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