⋆2026 Shine Mentors⋆
At SHINE we value dance educators as mentors and key influences who play meaningful roles in the lives of our children.
Sydney Graham-Wiseman
The Dance Gallery Kamloops,BC
Years teaching: 7
Where did you start your dance journey?:I started dancing when I was around 5 years old and I knew the moment I stepped on stage for my tap solo the very first time I was hooked.
Who is one mentor, teacher, or role model who has shaped you — and why?: My mentor is Lori Birk. She mentored me for over 10 years before I began teaching at The Dance Gallery and has had a lasting impact on who I am today. She taught me not only how to be a strong dancer, but also how to be a compassionate teacher, role model, and mentor. Her ability to make every person feel seen, heard, and valued is something I strive to emulate every day.
What are you currently working toward as an educator, artist, or leader?: I strive to ensure every student leaves my class having learned something that will help them not only as a dancer but as a person. My goal is to teach lessons that extend beyond the studio. As I continue to grow professionally, I am also working toward becoming an adjudicator so I can share my knowledge and passion for dance with even more studios, teachers, and dancers.
What is a quote, phrase, or piece of advice you love?: “The only person holding you back is yourself.”
Naomi Wright
Raincity Dance, Vancouver BC
Years teaching: 7
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: I started dancing at a small town studio in Alberta called Miss Joanne’s School of Dance at the age of 5!
What do you love most about teaching dance?: The “click”. My favourite part of teaching is when I see the moment something “clicks’ in a student, whether it be landing an aerial, a difficult turn sequence, or even a dancer finding their textures and movement style in a piece.
What is one lesson you hope your dancers carry with them beyond the studio?: The importance of community and showing up for each other. The cheering from the wings doesn't stop after graduation, and I hope they continue to uplift those around them in every new space they find themselves in just as they do at the studio. Showing up matters!
Choose 3 words that describe your teaching style or values: Discover. Create. Elevate.
Kiley Stephen
Capella Dance Academy, Chilliwack
Years Teaching: 2
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: Dance In Motion
Who is one mentor, teacher, or role model who has shaped you — and why?: Sarah Sturrus Wood! The absolute best role model one could have! She took me in like a lost puppy and I have felt at home ever since. She had created such a positive and supportive environment for me growing up and really helped me rediscover my love for dance! I continue to look up to her every day, in every aspect of life
What are you most proud of in your dance or teaching journey so far?: Seeing my student’s faces light up when I walk in the room; it really makes me proud that I have made such a positive and supportive environment for kids of all ages to look forward to coming to.
What is a quote, phrase, or piece of advice you love?: “If you are going to be anything, choose to be a good person.”
Lindsay Sterk
Pantuso Dance, Courtenay BC
Years Teaching: 25
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: I actually started quite late: in College. I was hooked immediately!
What do you love most about teaching dance?: What I love most about teaching dance is the long game. I have the privilege of working with students over an extended period of time, watching them grow not only as dancers but as people. There’s something incredibly rewarding about celebrating their milestones with them: the breakthroughs, the confidence they build, and the moments where all of their hard work starts to click.
Who is one mentor, teacher, or role model who has shaped you — and why?: The most influential teacher I’ve had was my singing teacher, Selena James. She showed me what it looks like to challenge a student with honesty, high standards, and complete selflessness. She had a remarkable ability to push boundaries while still making me feel deeply supported, and every correction or tough conversation was rooted entirely in my growth. She shaped the way I think about teaching by showing me that the most impactful mentors are the ones who are willing to be honest, hold students accountable, and invest in them fully. That approach has deeply influenced the way I teach dance. Focus on creating an environment where students feel supported, but are also challenged to grow, take risks, and reach beyond what they think they’re capable of.
Choose 3 words that describe your teaching style or values: Kindess, Collaboration, Joy
Paige Vassos
Seymour Dance, North Vancouver
Years Teaching: 12
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: When I was 2 years old, I was waiting in the hallway of a rec centre and saw a ballet class through the window. I told my parents, "I want to do THAT!"
What is one lesson you hope your dancers carry with them beyond the studio?: I hope my dancers come to understand that growth often begins in the moment you realize how much further you have to go. And in those moments, I want them to believe deeply that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
What are you currently working toward as an educator, artist, or leader?: I’m continually refining my approach as an educator, aiming to support each dancer as an individual so their goals remain accessible and meaningful. As an artist, I’m working to expand my voice with clarity and intention, and I look forward to immersing myself in global movement abroad and returning with a more expansive perspective for my dance community. As a leader, I’m focused on sustainable balance, knowing that investing in my own personal development helps me return as a more grounded and effective mentor.
What is a quote, phrase, or piece of advice you love?: "As you start to walk, the way appears" - Rumi
Shannon Cote
Okanagan Dance Studios, Penticton, BC
Years teaching: 30
Where You Started Your Dance Journey: I began dancing at the age of four in Penticton, BC. When I was six years old, I met Cheryl Blumke, whose passion inspired my love of dance that continues today!
Who is one mentor, teacher, or role model who has shaped you — and why?: Marc Kimelman helped me develop a deeper understanding of acting and storytelling through movement. His unique choreographic style was unlike anything I had experienced before and completely changed the way I approached performance. He inspired me to find authenticity, build genuine relationships, and tell honest stories through dance. Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to shape the way I teach and create today
What are you most proud of in your dance or teaching journey so far?: What I am most proud of is the lasting relationships I have built with so many of my dancers over the years. I am incredibly grateful for the mentors who shaped me, not only as a dancer but as a person, and I have always hoped to pass those lessons on. Awards fade, but the connections we make can last a lifetime. The fact that so many of my former dancers still keep in touch or remain part of my life means more to me than anything else. It tells me that our time together mattered and that they felt valued, believed in, and encouraged to love not only dance, but themselves. That is something I will always be proud of.
Choose 3 words that describe your teaching style or values: Encouraging, Creative, Inspiring