JUDGES
Shawn Byfield
Award-Winning Choreographer, Expert Adjudicator and International Dance Authority
Shawn Byfield sets the bar as a highly respected coach, choreographer, outstanding adjudicator, and emcee for festivals, competitions, and major events. Shawn (www.ShawnByfield.com) is a DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARDTM winning choreographer (Canada’s version of a TONY AwardTM,) a GEMINI AWARDTM nominee, a 2x BLACK CANADIANS AWARDTM nominee, and a leading force in Canadian entertainment. He’s a veteran performer and energizing instructor with oodles of experience to share!
Shawn is experienced on camera and behind the scenes, working with celebrities Adam Sandler, Gregory Hines, Twitch, Andrea Martin, Derek Hough, Barry Lather, Jason Priestley (plus others.) As a dance educator, he coaches thousands of dancers nationwide. Film & TV credits include: Sneakerella (Disney+), My Spy (Amazon Prime), Self Made (Netflix), HAIRSPRAY, A Simple Favor, Working The Engels, Make Your Move, Turn The Beat Around, Blues Brothers 2000, Taal, Bojangles, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, The Music Man, Slings & Arrows, Instant Star... and many television shows, theatre productions and TV commercials.
Most importantly- he’s a wired encourager and positive role model. Shawn motivates regularly on his Instagram (@ShawnByfield) and through The DanceBug Channel across North America. He's a Director for the Canada International Youth Dance Festival; is a Certified Public Speaker; and he’s a Certified Coach, Trainer and Presenter. Shawn's fun personality, positive feedback and entertaining lessons leave audiences excited for the future!
Emma Lund
Emma Lund is a dance artist, choreographer, and teacher, currently based in Calgary, Alberta. She grew up training extensively and competing in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap and hip hop, winning multiple titles across North America. Emma has completed all her ADAPT syllabus Jazz and Tap exams, as well as completing her Advanced 1 RAD ballet exam with Distinction. Early in her professional career, Emma worked closely with Sarah Dolan as a company member of the O2 Dance Company in Calgary, developing a deeper appreciation for contemporary dance. Emma furthered her professional contemporary dance training in Toronto, receiving her post-secondary diploma at The Conteur Academy under the direction of Eryn Waltman. After graduating from The Conteur Academy in 2018, she has had the opportunity to work with and perform under renowned dance artists and choreographers, such as Ryan Lee, Kelly Shaw, Eryn Waltman, Roberto Campanella (ProArteDanza), and Robert Glumbek. Other credits include The Capezio A.C.E. Awards (Los Angeles), The JUNO Awards (Alessia Cara), Locke and Key (Netflix), Legends of Horror (Casa Loma - Toronto). Aside from performing, Emma has developed a passion as a dance educator, and loves to inspire and challenge the minds of the upcoming generation of young artists. She currently choreographs and teaches for multiple dance studios in Alberta, and thrives off the opportunity to create with a variety of gifted young artists. Emma is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her knowledge and passion with the dancers this weekend and wishes them all the best of luck!