because every dancer deserves an encore.

 Melissa (she/her) began her dancing career at the age of three in many genres of dance including ballet, hip hop, lyrical, jazz, tap, acrobatics, musical theatre, contemporary, modern, highland, ballroom, salsa etc. with great success. 

Professionally, Melissa has been featured in many music videos and performed live with artists in North America and Europe such as Nick Jonas, Pitbull, Nelly Furtado, Chaka Khan, Karol G, Anuel, James Morrison and Deborah Cox to name a few. As the runner-up on CTV’s So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 4, Melissa’s tv and film credits include the upcomimg film Descendants 5 (2025), Sneakerella (2022), 13 The Musical (2022) , The Voice, Disney’s Zombies 2, Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms, Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist (2022 and 2019), DC’s Suicide Squad, the Pan-Am Games in both Canada and Mexico and the Switzerland production of Art On Ice.

She is a sought after teacher and choreographer and has worked at many different conventions and schools such as the National Ballet of Canada, Jump Dance Convention, etc. 

She has travelled all across Europe performing with the renowned salsa company Ansima Production Ballet based in Italy to such exciting places as Finland, Poland, Spain, Croatia, and all over Italy. 

Her choreography can be seen in the upcoming series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2024), Cross (2024), The Accused (2024), and films such as Netflix’s Slumberland with Jason Momoa (2022), Lifetime’s The Christmas Dance with Corbin Bleu (2021), Fox’s The Moody’ s (2021), and CBC’s The Porter (2022). 

Past choreographic projects include So You Think You Can Dance in the U.S, So You Think You Can Dance in Vietnam, Rock of Ages the Musical, and 7 seasons of the no. 1 Hispanic T.V. show Mira Quien Baila in both Miami and Mexico, where she thrives as head choreographer and principal dancer.

When not performing, Melissa travels judging, choreographing, and teaching conventions motivating and inspiring dancers in the art of dance.

Lauren Martin grew up as a competitive dancer and later became a teacher and choreographer, but like many retired dancers, she struggled to find a space where she truly felt like a dancer again. After taking an advanced tap class with Kim Engel, she realized she wasn’t alone—and on the drive home, Encore! Adult Dance Convention was born.

Now, through Encore! and her business, Cool Aunt Creatives, Lauren creates welcoming spaces where adults can reconnect with their passions—whether that’s dance, creativity, or community. Her goal? To make sure no one ever feels like they’ve “aged out” of the things they love.

 Kim Engel is the Owner and Artistic Director of TDC Dance Company, located in Beeton, Ontario. She began her dance journey at the age of three, excelling in various disciplines such as ballet, jazz, acrobatics, musical theatre, modern, tap, contemporary, and lyrical. Over the past 20 years, Kim has been recognized for her outstanding and unique choreography, as well as her ability to teach perfected technique and performance skills. Many of her students have achieved both regional and national dance titles. Kim is a certified member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and Dance Masters of America, Chapter 43. Her passion for dance and dedication to her students have solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the dance community.

Mackenzie MacNeil is a dynamic fitness professional, dance teacher, and the founder of Moveology Fitness. With a background as a competitive dancer, she excelled in multiple styles, earning numerous titles and performing for renowned companies and music videos.

Transitioning from performer to educator, Mackenzie now specializes in acrobatics, jazz, and contemporary dance, sharing her expertise as a teacher and choreographer. Her passion for movement extends beyond dance—she has developed her own fitness programs designed to challenge and empower individuals of all levels.

Through her innovative approach, Mackenzie seamlessly blends dance and fitness, helping clients build strength, flexibility, and confidence. Her dedication to both disciplines makes her a sought-after instructor, inspiring students to push their limits and embrace movement in all its forms.