⋆2024 Results⋆
⋆2024 Dancer of The Year⋆
The Shine Dancer Of The Year represents our core values and UNITES & EMPOWERS the dance community. Dancers must earn a place in the TOP 10 at a Shine Dance Festival event, complete an online application, and demonstrate our core values & leadership at Shine events including the TOP 10 Intensive to be eligible. Dancer of the Year receives a $500 scholarship, a mentor session with Shine Founder & Director Tamara, and earns the coveted title of ‘SHINE DANCER OF THE YEAR’.
Georgia Malamas
Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy
YOUR MENTOR…
Paige Anderson (Director of Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy)
FAVOURITE QUOTE...
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” - Walt Disney
FAVOURITE SONG RIGHT NOW...
Dancing Queen by ABBA
FAVOURITE CHOREOGRAPHER...
Chanel Lacasse
FAVOURITE BEVERAGE...
Always Iced Tea!
FAVOURITE FOOD...
Any kind of pasta or pizza!
FOLLOW GEORGIA on Instagram: @georgia_m.m
⋆Mentor Award Recipients⋆
At SHINE we value dance educators as mentors and key influences who play meaningful roles in the lives of our children. We provide teachers with opportunities for personal and professional development creating strong leaders for the next generation both in and out of the studio through our Mentor Awards. Each mentor is selected by the Shine Crew and director as examples of professionalism, dedication to their craft, and leaders in their community.
⋆2024 Shine Mentors⋆
Courtney Cholette
Driftwood Dance Academy, North Vancouver
Years teaching: 13
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: Abbotsford BC
Your Mentor: My chosen family. The friends I’ve grown up dancing with, who have now ventured into their own dance industry careers. All different, yet we all share that same passion. They inspire me every day.
Your Dance Goals: To continue sharing my love for dance and performing with dancers of all ages and levels!
Favourite Quote: “Don't worry about failure; you only have to be right once“.
Leah Moen
Rise Dance Academy in Oliver, BC
Years Teaching: 25
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: I was 2.5 and would dance to all the commercials on TV so my mom thought ballet class was a good idea!
Your Mentor: Every teacher I’ve ever taken class from because each teacher brings something a little different to the table and I try to keep learning anywhere and everywhere I can. Sometimes the lesson is even what not to do but that’s just as valuable if you can find the positives!
Your Dance Goals: To just ALWAYS! I want to keep learning more about dance, movement, music, body, soul and the harmony between them all so my students can constantly grow beyond the previous generation of dancers. I will hopefully be able to keep my own body and mind sharp so I can teach my entire lifetime. Thats the cool part about dance, its a forever thing ❤️ Even on the hardest days, dancing and sharing my passion with each next generation is my happy place.
Favourite Quote: “Do the steps that you’ve been shown, by everyone you’ve ever known, until the dance becomes your own”
Jessica Lucki
Capella Dance Academy, Chilliwack
Years Teaching: 6
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: Capella Dance Academy
Your Mentor: .Sarah Sturrus-Wood
Your Dance Goals: Inspire kids to follow their hearts, and pursue what they are passionate about. Dance has such significant meaning in my life and has been a consistent thing that continues to bring me joy, support and creative inspiration. I just want others to have the opportunity to feel similar things and always know that there is somebody in the wings cheering them on.
Favourite Quote: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ― John F. Kennedy
Emily Gorden
Artistry in Motion Dance Company, Armstrong BC
Years teaching: 6
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: My dance Journey started in Armstrong BC at the age of 3 with Melodie Sharma at her studio “Tap and all That Jazz”
Your Mentor: This is so tough as I had so many amazing mentors. Melodie Sharma was my first ever dance teacher and is someone who inspired me to open my studio at the age of 19 as she opened her studio in Armstrong at a young age also. Delaina Larson and Janet Gillis were my high school dance program teachers and they were the ones who lit a fire in me for dance at a time when i was starting to lose my passion. Lastly my Mom….I am so blessed to have someone who has always believed in my dreams and encouraged me to pursue each and every one of my goals
You Dance Goals: My biggest goal as a dance teacher and studio owner is to not only teach students to be amazing dancers but to also teach them to be great human beings. We spend so many hours each week with our dancers in the studio, during competitions, show week, etc.
It’s important that we take these moments to teach our dancers more than just dance. We as teachers are the ones lucky enough to be a little part of their journey and given the opportunity to help guide, mentor and shape these children and young adult lives.
Favourite Quote:“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
-Melody Beattie
Nanaimo 2024 RESULTS
Mission 2024 RESULTS
Vernon 2024 RESULTS
Burnaby 2024 RESULTS
Shine Video Adjudication
Our comprehensive adjudicator training combined with Video Adjudication by local media partner TMM Dance means you get clear, in-depth feedback that reveals precisely how each adjudicator derived their score, empowering you to learn, grow, and achieve your goals. Adjudication Transcripts are now included. Video adjudications are available through your teacher/ studio after the competition has ended.