After seventeen years, we've found that great competition experiences come down to shared values and a common vision. Here's what an Ultimate Dance Connection weekend looks like:
Positive Competitive Environment
We're all about good vibes . Competitive, yes, but focused on growth and learning over trophies and rankings.Small-Medium Studio Specialists
For studios that fit this description, this is your home.
You're Not Just a Number
Our competition director is on site at every single event. Our backstage crew is consistently complimented for being genuinely warm and friendly. Your dancers' experience actually matters to us.Equal Prizes Across All Levels
Novice, part-time, and full-time dancers all get equal prizes. Our Top Studio award goes to both a part-time and full-time studio. No one gets left out.Superior Judging Panels
Our judges go through a rigorous selection process. Your dancers work too hard for anything less than the best feedback.Education First
Two top studios each weekend earn an in-studio master class, plus full convention scholarships go to 1st place soloists.Free Photos & Videos
Professional photos, videos, and live stream — all free for every participant.Teachers Are VIPs Here
We feed you. Free meal on site during the weekend rush. Because you deserve it.Fun Extras
Red carpet intros, epic slideshows, and full blockbuster energy all weekend. We go all out.
A competition designed for smaller studios, built for big moments !
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’, the original Canadian cast of ‘Joseph’ with Donny Osmond, the original Canadian cast of ‘Beauty & the Beast’, and ‘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.