Adjudicators represent both the professional art form and the educational dance community. Adjudications of each dance entry will receive positive feedback, constructive criticism and a numerical mark and will be evaluated based on the performance level. Placement and Special Awards are eligible to all dance entries.
Adjudicators represent both the professional art form and the educational dance community. Adjudications of each dance entry will receive positive feedback, constructive criticism and a numerical mark and will be evaluated based on the performance level. Placement and Special Awards are eligible to all dance entries.
Adjudicators will use rubrics that have been developed by the Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators (CODE), our provincial subject association, and approved by the Ontario Secondary School DANCEFEST Event Committee. Furthermore, the CODE document, Creative and Critical Analysis Process, will help students learn and use the creative process when choreographing their dance composition. It provides steps of the process “to develop and express an informed response” to the composition of their dance. The ability to share the creative process, will give supportive evidence if asked to share at the OSSDF event in cases of suspected plagiarism.
NOTE: STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHERS must be enrolled in the current school year at their particular secondary school and may NOT be a student who has graduated unless they are choreographing and performing with a university dance crew. Student Choreographers/Dancers must complete an Integrity Agreement confirming that choreography is ORIGINAL. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Adjudicators will use rubrics that have been developed by the Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators (CODE), our provincial subject association, and approved by the Ontario Secondary School DANCEFEST Event Committee. Furthermore, the CODE document, Creative and Critical Analysis Process, will help students learn and use the creative process when choreographing their dance composition. It provides steps of the process “to develop and express an informed response” to the composition of their dance. The ability to share the creative process, will give supportive evidence if asked to share at the OSSDF event in cases of suspected plagiarism.
NOTE: STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHERS must be enrolled in the current school year at their particular secondary school and may NOT be a student who has graduated unless they are choreographing and performing with a university dance crew. Student Choreographers/Dancers must complete an Integrity Agreement confirming that choreography is ORIGINAL. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Ontario Secondary School Dancefest Adjudicator
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.
Ontario Secondary School Dancefest Adjudicator
Alex Crenian has been a professional dance artist for over 20 years. Alex’s career started as a teenager when she began working in music videos, which led to an international residency in Asia, followed by North American and European tours. Alex specializes in Commercial Dance in the Film & Television industry, and on occasion has choreographed and performed in select Theatre productions, including The Second City Toronto and Touring Company.
Her choreography can be seen on Netflix, CBC + CBC Gem, HULU, AMC, MTV, and previous Canadian networks like the Family Channel & the ever iconic Much Music.
Alex has recently added an Olympic Medal to her accomplishments with the figure skating team that stole everyone’s hearts, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Team Canada. She is so proud to have been in Milan at the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing her choreographic work and dance training with the legendary Ice Dance Team. Her collaboration with Piper & Paul can be seen in the Netflix Docu-series, Glitter & Gold, their journey to their first Olympic Medal AND the first for Canada in Ice Dance in 8 years. Additionally, Alex’s choreography with Piper and Paul has been featured in the last three years of Stars On Ice Canada and Japan.
Alex focuses on creative problem solving when working with large arenas, multicam productions and props. She utilizes her real life experience to help guide the production, performers or future generation of performers to ensure their success. Alex champions diversity, inclusion and safety in and out of the dance industry. Having danced with some of the most influential artists of the 2000’s (Lady Gaga, John Legend, Nick Jonas and PSY to name a few), Alex is just a kid from Saskatchewan who saw some dancers on TV and said, “I want to do that.”
Ontario Secondary School Dancefest Adjudicator
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.
Ontario Secondary School Dancefest Adjudicator
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.
Ontario Secondary School Dancefest Adjudicator
Alex Crenian has been a professional dance artist for over 20 years. Alex’s career started as a teenager when she began working in music videos, which led to an international residency in Asia, followed by North American and European tours. Alex specializes in Commercial Dance in the Film & Television industry, and on occasion has choreographed and performed in select Theatre productions, including The Second City Toronto and Touring Company.
Her choreography can be seen on Netflix, CBC + CBC Gem, HULU, AMC, MTV, and previous Canadian networks like the Family Channel & the ever iconic Much Music.
Alex has recently added an Olympic Medal to her accomplishments with the figure skating team that stole everyone’s hearts, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Team Canada. She is so proud to have been in Milan at the 2026 Winter Olympics, showcasing her choreographic work and dance training with the legendary Ice Dance Team. Her collaboration with Piper & Paul can be seen in the Netflix Docu-series, Glitter & Gold, their journey to their first Olympic Medal AND the first for Canada in Ice Dance in 8 years. Additionally, Alex’s choreography with Piper and Paul has been featured in the last three years of Stars On Ice Canada and Japan.
Alex focuses on creative problem solving when working with large arenas, multicam productions and props. She utilizes her real life experience to help guide the production, performers or future generation of performers to ensure their success. Alex champions diversity, inclusion and safety in and out of the dance industry. Having danced with some of the most influential artists of the 2000’s (Lady Gaga, John Legend, Nick Jonas and PSY to name a few), Alex is just a kid from Saskatchewan who saw some dancers on TV and said, “I want to do that.”
Ontario Secondary School Dancefest Adjudicator
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.
Don’t miss out on the action! Reach out to us today to learn more about our events, register for upcoming opportunities, or get involved in other exciting ways. We’re here to help you stay connected
Don’t miss out on the action! Reach out to us today to learn more about our events, register for upcoming opportunities, or get involved in other exciting ways. We’re here to help you stay connected
