Johnathan Morin
Johnathan Morin is an indigenous artist of cree descent and a leading force in Canadian Tap dance today. Hailing from Treaty 6 Edmonton Alberta, the 31 year old professional tap dancer is making a name for himself across the country and around the world. He was recently nominated for a Dora Mayor Moore Award for his role in the ensemble of "Tap Legacy Concert" produced by Dance Immersion ; choreographed by Lisa Latouche and Travis Knights. He is also the Co-Artistic Director and Producer of the tap dance company called “Rhythm & Sound”. Established in 2015, Rhythm & Sound has since been presented by Feats Festival of Dance in Edmonton in 2017 and also the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival in 2017 as well.Other accolades include principle dancer in the tap dance production “Love.Be.Best.Free” Directed and choreographed by Danny Nielsen in which they went on tour for 3.5 weeks in B.C. This was the first tap dance tour in Western Canada in 35 years. He was on faculty for the 2014 Vancouver International Tap Festival as well as the 2017 Toronto International Tap Festival. Johnathan has performed at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival in 2013 and 2016 as a guest and most recently Johnathan was presented as a featured artist as part of the 2019 festival as well. He also has been brought out by Feats Festival to teach workshops in Edmonton in 2015 and 2017. In 2018 he danced with Toffan Rhythm Projects alongside the Toronto Jazz Orchestra as part of the 2018 Edwards Summer Music Series. Johnathan is currently living in Toronto where he teaches at various well respected studios in the GTA
Brittney Anderson
Brittney began her dance training in Calgary Alberta. Her training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Modern has taken her around the world performing with The Calgary Dance Express. In 2003 Brittney represented Canada in both Jazz and Tap at the Worlds in Riesa, Germany. She has also had the pleasure of being a part of the Tap Company M.A.D.D. Rhythms. Brittney was a part of Sarah Dolan's contemporary company O2 Dance. She performed with O2 for 2 years, performing in their sold out show; I.M The Seasons Of Love.
She has also danced for musical artists Michale Fitzgerald, Bif Naked, Narai Dawn, Jess Cullen and many more. Her performances as a principal dancer include: Lovers of Marley, Lovers of Queen and Sweett Moves. She danced in the extremely successful fundraiser for St. Paul's mental health ward "Brilliant". As well as the sold out show run of Dances for a Small Stage 35 ~ Valentines Edition, and more recently choreographed and performed a piece for the University of Calgary’s Arch Awards as well as a music video for Alberta’s own Gord Bamford. Brittney currently resides in Calgary where she teaches and has been performing in shows with Canada’s Drag Race star Stephanie Prince.
Heather Thomas
As a second generation dance teacher and studio owner (season 40), Heather brings over 45 years of teaching experience to her classes and adjudications.
Heather began her training in England at the age of three and hasn’t stopped learning since. As she believes we all have something to learn from everyone we come across. Continuing our education with open minds gives us the opportunity to broaden our views on new dance styles, adaptations of genres and the creative process that others visualize.
Heather is educated in Al Gilbert, ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers), RAD (Royal Academy of Dancing), BATD (British Association Teachers of Dance) and AA (Acrobatic Arts/Acro, Baton, Aerial Hoop, Aerial Silks) syllabuses. Over the years she has had the opportunity to train with leading Teachers, Choreographers and true Masters in the art of dance around the world.
She has had the opportunity to travel the globe presenting the Acrobatic Arts Modules One and Two teacher certification courses to fellow dance educators. All the while conducting examinations for students through the 12 grades in the Acrobatic Arts Syllabus.
Ms Thomas is deeply passionate about the art of dance and truly enjoys sharing her knowledge with her students. Many have in turn gone on to have professional careers in the performing arts world. From Cruise Ships to Las Vegas Stages and Music Videos to Standup Comedy! The list is endless.
What really warms Heather’s heart is that so many of her students have gone on to be exceptional dance teachers and studio owners. Nothing could make her more proud than seeing the world of dance continue to grow and prosper with her guidance.
Included in her busy schedule Heather always finds time to adjudicate at dance festivals and competitions around the world. This gives Heather the opportunity not only to experience and appreciate performances by amazing advanced/pre professional dancers. But also a chance to offer encouragement to up and coming future stars of dance, our “Stars of Tomorrow”.
Heather is grateful to be part of this fantastic event.
March Session 2023
April Session 2023
Angela Murdoch
Angela is a third generation Dancer/ Teacher and Choreographer taught by her grandmother and mother starting as soon as she could walk. People often ask her what her favourite “Style of Dance” is, but after 35 years of training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre she finds it impossible to decide.
A graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts', Triple Threat Conservatory in Toronto ON. She has performed in Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Mexico and various North American cities as a Singer, Dancer, Actress and Comedian.
After touring the Caribbean while dancing for Carnival Cruise Lines, Angela was chosen as one of the top eight comedians in Canada to compete for the title of Second City's Next comedy Legend on the CBC television network. In 2012 she starred in the short film Pink & Green which was shown at the world renowned Cannes Film Festival. And she is very proud to have performed in the Calgary International Improv Festival alongside Improvisers from around the globe. Most recently she can be seen alongside Kate Beckinsale in the Paramount TV series Guilty Party.
Along with instructing hundreds of students on a day to day basis: Angela is grateful to have been the Artistic Director of a not for profit performance troupe that gives Dancer’s from across Alberta the opportunity to perform around the Globe called the Calgary Dance Express.
Angela has developed Mindfulness Program specifically for Dancers. Her intention is to share personal and societal empathy, kindness and positive esteem with Dancers and Dance Educators around the globe.
Currently in her twenty seventh year as a dance educator, Angela is consistently astounded by the effort and dedication put forth by all of the dancers she has the privilege of meeting.
She is so excited to be here and wishes all of the competitors luck!