Brittany Black
Brittany Black is a versatile dance educator and choreographer in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently an instructor at MacEwan University with the Music Theatre Performance program. Brittany recently retired from her position as Artistic Director and Owner of Emerge Dance Academy in Edmonton, Alberta in order to spend more time with her young family.
Brittany has also performed as an artist in local productions and continues to work as a freelance guest teacher, adjudicator, and choreographer. Her innovative choreography has been seen in many performances and events, including local commercials, musicals, and music videos.
In addition to her dance training, Brittany was an English major who also studied Modern Dance and completed a Diploma in Television Broadcasting. Brittany spent many years as a video editor, director, and producer and still works as a freelance producer for Hoopla Media in Edmonton. Her love of dance, her education, and her experience in the production industry have given her a unique and creative sounding board for her ever-growing journey in the dance and theatre industry. As a studio owner, she enjoyed creating an environment for dancers that was safe to grow in, unique in both choreography and music, varied in educators and mentors, and most of all…a positive community.
Sharing the love, art, and freedom of movement in dance with students and colleagues is extremely important to her. She finds great joy in continuing to watch her students progress each year and share their achievements in classes, exams, and especially… on stage!
Sheri Oberholtzer
Sheri Oberholtzer was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta where she trained in many
facets of dance. She has been a Dance Educator for over 40 years and has extensive
training and knowledge in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater.
Sheri trained in the ISTD and RAD ballet curriculums, and is a retired Certified
Registered Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. She trained under Al Gilbert &
Brian Foley and was an accredited ADAPT Tap & Jazz examiner, writer, and workshop educator for over 20 years. Sheri is a former Young Canadian and started her career with the group in 1969, the second year after the group’s inception. She has performed for the Queen of England, the Grey Cup, the PNE in Vancouver, and the CNE in Toronto. Sheri was the owner and Artistic Director of successful dance studios in Calgary and the surrounding area. Many of Sheri’s students have gone onto professional careers in the dance industry.
Sheri’s career has allowed her to share her knowledge, dedication, and passion for dance with generations across Canada. Her extensive and diverse experience has resulted in a broad and discerning view in multiple disciplines of dance. Sheri is an experienced adjudicator and desires to see the success of each competitor. She believes success is measured, not only by the performance itself, but also by the individual personal accomplishment. She encourages teamwork and the building up of others!
Best of luck to everyone, and remember to have fun and ENJOY!
Taylor Kiryluik
Taylor Kiryluik is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, choreographer and adjudicator residing in Spruce Grove, AB. Taylor began her dance training at the age of 3 and has trained extensively in Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Musical Theatre. Taylor has had the opportunity to train across Canada, the United States and France and is a creative and versatile performer and teacher with a quirky and fun approach to her craft.
Taylor holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Alberta. Her love of history transpired into the dance world as well, graduating from Victoria School for the Arts where her main focus was in contemporary and jazz while also learning the history behind the techniques. She continued her study of contemporary in post secondary and was scouted to the University of Philadelphia’s Dance Program. Dance has allowed Taylor to travel the world while performing in cities across Spain, as well as London, Miami and New York.
Taylor chose to stay true to her Canadian roots and grow with dance in Edmonton where she competed and worked professionally with BBM, and YEGrBombs. She is also one of the original members of Mod Contemporary Company through the University of Alberta. She has opened for Hip hop artists KYLE (iSpy), Kirko Bangz, Jadakiss and Jay Sean. Though she loves performing, Taylor maintains her career and has found her niche as an educator and choreographer. She has been inspiring students with her creativity, style and passion for dance for the past 13 years.
March Session 2024
April Session 2024
Sandy Slemp
Sandy Slemp brings over 40 years of invaluable experience as a dance educator and
choreographer. For 27 years, she successfully owned and operated a renowned dance studio in Calgary, AB. Sandy holds full qualifications as an examiner/teacher with the esteemed ADAPT Syllabus, extensively traveling across Canada each year to conduct examinations within the ADAPT syllabus. Recently, Sandy attained certification as an ADA Adjudicator with the Acro Dance Teachers Association. Having received formal training in Calgary and maintaining a commitment to staying abreast of the dynamic evolution within the dance world throughout her 35+ year career, Sandy transitioned after selling her studio in Calgary. Since 2013, she has seamlessly merged her
passion for dance and travel, serving as an Independent Travel Advisor for Elite Travel Escapes. In this role, she opens up avenues for dance studios in North America and Europe to explore the global dance landscape. Sandy’s teaching style radiates positivity and energy, making her an exceptional motivator and mentor. Understanding the profound dedication and hard work invested by teachers, students, and parents in preparing for the competitive dance season, she brings an empathetic approach to her role. Alongside her extensive teaching experience, Sandy adjudicates at numerous dance competitions nationwide each season.
Her heartfelt wish for all participants at Glam Dance Competition is to pursue their dreams follow your heart and dance BIG!