⋆2025 Results⋆
⋆2025 Dancer of The Year⋆
The Shine Dancer Of The Year represents our core values and UNITES & EMPOWERS the dance community. Dancers must earn a place in the TOP 10 at a Shine Dance Festival event, complete an online application, and demonstrate our core values & leadership at Shine events including the TOP 10 Intensive to be eligible. Dancer of the Year receives a $500 scholarship, a mentor session with Shine Founder & Director Tamara, and earns the coveted title of ‘SHINE DANCER OF THE YEAR’.
Lauren Martin
Peak Performance Dance Co
YOUR MENTOR…
Jessica Muller (Director of Peak Performance Dance Co)
FAVOURITE QUOTE OR MANTRA...
“Because I can” - my mom
FAVOURITE SONG RIGHT NOW...
Some Protector - Rolemodel
FAVOURITE CHOREOGRAPHER...
Always Jessica Muller, but a few more would be Emma Stephenson and Al Blackstone.
FAVOURITE BEVERAGE...
Any flavour of Celsius
FAVOURITE FOOD...
Any type of Seafood!
FOLLOW LAUREN on Instagram: @laurenn.martinnn and @laurenmartindance_
⋆Mentor Award Recipients⋆
At SHINE we value dance educators as mentors and key influences who play meaningful roles in the lives of our children. We provide teachers with opportunities for personal and professional development creating strong leaders for the next generation both in and out of the studio through our Mentor Awards. Each mentor is selected by the Shine Crew and director as examples of professionalism, dedication to their craft, and leaders in their community.
⋆2025 Shine Mentors⋆
Astrid Eckerle
North Shore Academy of Dancing, North Vancouver
Years teaching: 12
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: My dance journey began at my hometown studio - Terpsichore Dance in Canmore, Alberta
Your Mentor: My mentor is my mom! Although she is not a dancer - she continuously teaches me the value of hard work, acceptance of others, and how to foster a positive environment.
Your Dance Goals: I would LOVE to choreograph a Musical Production one day!
Favourite Quote: "All you need is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust" - Tinkerbell
Sarah Sturrus Wood
Capella Dance Academy, Chilliwack
Years Teaching: 27
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: Abbotsford at Barry’s School of Dance and Keri’s Highland dancers
Your Mentor: Both of my Aunts, who have own Highland studios and have taught me much of what I know.
Your Dance Goals: To bring out the best in the dancers on and off the stage by making them feel that they are family and they belong.
Favourite Quote: “Everyone deserves a chance to dance.”
Jessica Muller
Peak Performance Dance Co, Castlegar, BC
Years teaching: 22
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: Muskoka, Ontario
Your Mentor: Wendy Laidlaw. She shaped me, taught me what dance was and introduced confidence I never had in myself. She is someone I can always talk to, both then and now. The love I have for dance was created in her space and I am so thankful for her.
You Dance Goals: To continue to support growth and build passion for dance in our community. To provide access to industry professionals outside of our community and to continue to educate myself, staff and students.
Favourite Quote:”I love you more than pickles!”
Nanaimo 2025 RESULTS
Mission 2025 RESULTS
Vernon 2025 RESULTS
Burnaby 2025 RESULTS
Shine Video Adjudication
Our comprehensive adjudicator training combined with Video Adjudication by local media partner TMM Dance means you get clear, in-depth feedback that reveals precisely how each adjudicator derived their score, empowering you to learn, grow, and achieve your goals. Adjudication Transcripts are now included. Video adjudications are available through your teacher/ studio after the competition has ended.