Why Choose the Ultimate Dance Connection?
TEACHERS
Final schedules sent out well in advance of the competition
Easy online access for registration, marks awarded and adjudication videos
Vetted, knowledgeable judges with extensive teaching and adjudicating experience
Caring and friendly onsite staff
Same amount of Overall Awards given for both comp and pre comp dancers
Top Studio award of an in-studio workshop by a master instructor
Unique Ballet Division’, that brings in special ballet judges and award multiple ballet overalls (available at our Burlington location)
DANCERS
Unique and entertaining award ceremonies
Tons of social media engagement throughout the weekend
One-of-a-kind slide shows featuring dancers at the competition on our ‘big screen’
Top 5 overalls awarded for each division
Lots of practical gift certificates awarded to top achievers
Vetted, knowledgeable judges with extensive teaching and adjudicating experience
Participants are encouraged to support dancers from all studios
PARENTS
Final schedules sent out well in advance of the competition
FREE spectator entrance
3-day weekends, allowing minimal absences from school and work
Multiple award ceremonies, so parents don’t have to wait around
Pre-assigned dressing rooms
High spirited awards ceremonies with audience engagement
Supportive and positive atmosphere for every dancer guaranteed
About The Director
Kiri-Lyn has been involved in dance for as long as she can remember - literally! Her mom put her in dance classes at the age of 5, and she continued her studies throughout her elementary and high school years, including 2 years spent at the prestigious National Ballet School. Upon graduation, Kiri-Lyn went on to continue her training in the dance program at Toronto Metropolitan University. In the midst of her final year of study she was cast in the Toronto production of ‘Cats’. Other contracts followed, including performances at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals’, in the original Canadian cast of ‘Joseph’ with Donny Osmond, the original Canadian cast of ‘Beauty & the Beast’, and in ‘Show Boat’ on Broadway. Kiri-Lyn left her performing career behind to continue work as a choreographer for 20 years, setting movement for over 80 productions, including musicals such as ‘Hairspray’, ‘The Music Man’, ‘My Fair Lady’, and ‘Mary Poppins’ to name a few.
Throughout her professional career she juggled work as a dance teacher, adjudicator, and ‘dance mom’. It was through her work as an adjudicator that she was drawn to the world of dance competitions, and in 2003 she began a parallel career as a competition owner.
These days Kiri-Lyn is content to spend her days working hard to provide the best competition experience possible for every dancer, teacher and dance parent. Nothing can beat the experience of seeing young dancers backstage as they battle their nerves just before stepping on stage, watch them blow the judges minds with unbelievable performances, and then hear the support in the audience from their families and fellow dancers.