Shawn Byfield sets the bar as a highly respected coach, choreographer and outstanding adjudicator for dance competitions and festivals. He is also the creator of Dance Teacher Playbook on LeaderPass, a game-changing resource that helps teachers master class dynamics, build stronger student connections, and lead with confidence.

Shawn (www.ShawnByfield.com) is a DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARDTM winning choreographer, a GEMINI AWARDTM nominee and a two-time BLACK CANADIANS AWARDTM nominee. With over 40 years of experience, he’s an energizing instructor and veteran performer dedicated to elevating dancers and teachers alike.

As an educator trained in tap dance, hip hop, jazz, modern, ballet, musical theatre and more, Shawn coaches thousands of dancers nationwide. He also created Byfield Dance Experience, Canada’s first all-adult dance studio! As a mindset coach and author of “You Came To Slay!”, he helps dancers build confidence, overcome self-doubt and develop a strong mindset for both the studio and life. His book is a must-read for dancers 12+ who want to unlock their full potential, and strengthen their mental resilience.

Shawn is a veteran of film and TV, working with stars Adam Sandler, Gregory Hines, Twitch, Zac Efron, Nasri from Magic!, Andrea Martin, Derek Hough, Barry Lather, BoA, Jason Priestley and others. Credits include Sneakerella (Disney+), My Spy (Amazon Prime), Self Made (Netflix), HAIRSPRAY, Make Your Move, The Music Man, The Cheetah Girls (remember that?!) and more! 

Most importantly, he is a wired encourager and a positive role model. As a certified coach and trainer through Maxwell LeadershipTM️, Shawn regularly motivates on his Instagram @ShawnByfield, nationwide on The DanceBug Channel, through workshops, and speaking on stages. His energetic lessons and guidance leave dancers and audiences excited for the future.

A creative powerhouse, Sarah Vance is a choreographer and triple threat performer from Waterloo Ontario. Her most recent credits include: choreographing the world premier of the musical Chris. Mrs, at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Toronto where she was nominated for Best Choreography from the Broadway World Toronto Awards. She also recently appeared in Season 2 of the hit tv show Reacher, on Amazon Prime.

With a love for theatre, Sarah has established herself as an industry elite in the musical theatre world. Select theatre credits include: Spamalot – Rehearsal Swing (Stratford Festival), Grease the Musical – Associate Choreographer (Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Toronto), Joseph, Hairspray, Grease, Elf the Musical, All Shook Up, Spamalot, High School Musical (Drayton Entertainment), Anne of Green Gables, Mamma Mia, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Canada Rocks! (Charlottetown Festival), Crazy For You (Theatre Calgary/Citadel Theatre), and Beauty and the Beast, Music Man (Capitol Theatre).

In between theatre contracts Sarah has also accumulated impressive credits in the film and television industry. FILM/TV credits include: American Gods (Starz) The Next Step (FAMILY), Assistant Choreographer The Moblees – Season 2 (CBC), Assistant Choreographer Ukelele U – Pilot Episode (CBC), Warrior (NBC), CARRIE (SONY), One Starry Christmas (CTV), Canadian Country Music Awards (CBC), Warehouse 13 (SYFY), Reign (CW), In the Tall Grass (Netflix), The Next Star (YTV), King of the Camp (YTV), SYTYCDC (CTV).

Along with working in the entertainment industry, Sarah graduated from York University with an Honours Science Kinesiology Degree and is a Registered Kinesiologist. During her studies she was a member of the NBA Toronto Raptors Dance Pak for four seasons, dancing in front of 20,000 fans.

When not performing, Sarah can be found spending time with her two sons, husband and puppy. She continues to share her passion for dance while teaching and choreographing at studios across Canada.

Kristyn is thrilled to be a part of the Ontario Secondary School DANCEFEST once again. Kristyn is the Artistic Director for the St. Clair College Music Theatre Performance Program and is delighted to be returning to adjudicate DanceFest this year.

Kristyn is a graduate of Los Angeles’ Performing Arts Center Apprentice Program. During her time in Los Angeles, she could be seen as a featured dancer on the TV show Ally McBeal, as well as part of the skeleton crew for Disney’s Animated movies Jungle Book 2 and Carol of the Bells. Kristyn was also a member of the Mark Goodman Tap Company for several years.

She has performed all over the world, including the U.S.A., Canada, and Brazil, while playing Cassandra in The 20th Anniversary Tour of Cats. Kristyn also performed in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Luxembourg with the European Tour of Grease the Musical. However, Kristyn’s most prestigious credit is being a three-time member of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.

 She has since turned her focus to teaching, directing, and choreographing. Select choreography credits include Cabaret, Oklahoma!, The Drowsy Chaperone, Guys and Dolls, Cinderella, Jesus Christ Superstar, Seussical the Musical, Chicago, Big Fish, Wizard of Oz, 42nd Street, Cats, The Nutcracker and Shrek the musical. Kristyn also serves as choreographer and Artistic Director for the St. Clair College annual Holiday production.

 Nothing brings Kristyn more joy than helping young artists chase their dreams and reach their fullest potential.