⋆2025 Shine Mentors⋆
At SHINE we value dance educators as mentors and key influences who play meaningful roles in the lives of our children.
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
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!”
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.”
Shawna Sloan
CR DanceXtreme
Years Teaching: 30
Where You Started Your Dance Journey:in Campbell River, BC at 4 years old. Leading to a professional career in Los Angeles, CA for one 10 years.
Your Mentor: Ihave 4 really important mentors that helped shape me as a dancer and person. Back then, these two choreographers, Carla Kama & Melissa Williams, were known as “Nightmare Creations”. The incomparable Liz Imperio, and the iconic Joe Tremaine
Your Dance Goals: I want to continue educating dancers in a way that goes beyond steps and choreography. I am passionate about developing well-rounded artists who understand their craft, their worth, and their potential. By combining strong technical training with real-world industry insight, I hope to inspire dancers to grow fearlessly, think creatively, and pursue long-lasting careers with confidence and purpose.
Favourite Quote: “No one can make you fell inferior without your consent” by Eleanor Roosevelt
