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.

 With over 25 years of experience, Miranda Durbin is a celebrated choreographer, teacher, adjudicator, and studio director whose award-winning work has been recognized on national and international stages. She has performed at Walt Disney World, Caesar’s Palace, and on Degrassi: The Next Generation, as well as in professional productions and music videos. As a certified member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance, Miranda brings a wealth of expertise to her students, balancing creativity with a passion for developing dancers to their fullest potential. From leading master classes to coaching soloists, her innovative and inspiring teaching style makes her an invaluable force in the dance community. 

 David Cox has been dancing since the age of 2, born into a musical family with his father, a Motown artist, and his mother, a dance teacher. As a professional, he has performed in Bojangles (the Showtime movie starring Gregory Hines), the international sensation STOMP, with The Duke Ellington Society, in Save the Last Dance 2, and in Bravo Fact’s The Hoofers Club. He has also performed for the Speaker of the House and Prince Charles, and shared his passion worldwide as a featured dancer in the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. David is on faculty at the Tap Dance Centre, where he directs DCC, one of the youth performing companies, and is a proud member of the band Theatre Crisp, where he taps as added percussion. With a happy-go-lucky, energetic attitude that’s contagious, he inspires others to “pick up a tap and discover the music they can make.” Here’s to the 2nd Balcony... keep it copasetic. 

Antonio Sardella is not just a dancer — he is a movement phenomenon. With mastery in over 50 dance styles, from the elegance of classical ballet to the fire of commercial, ballroom, and aerial performance, Antonio transforms every stage into an unforgettable experience.


His career is a passport stamped with brilliance: dancing for Lady Gaga under the legendary Parris Goebel, starring as Peter Pan at Tokyo Disney, headlining world-class productions aboard Royal Caribbean and Holland America, and igniting stages across North America, Europe, and Asia.


As the dynamic Director of Arthur Murray Yorkville, Antonio has trained champions, redefined competitive ballroom in Canada, and earned the coveted Top Manager Award in 2025. His choreography — celebrated with Top Choreographer titles at national competitions — has brought visions to life for Canada’s Drag Race stars, elite stage productions, and high-profile commercial projects.


Beyond the spotlight, Antonio is a captivating emcee, respected adjudicator, and masterclass instructor whose energy electrifies both audiences and artists. From Italian national TV to sold-out theatres, he commands attention with a rare blend of precision, passion, and storytelling through movement.


Driven by an unshakable mission to shape the future of dance, Antonio is charting his path toward the world’s grandest stages, television screens, and creative collaborations — with his ultimate dream of returning to work with Lady Gaga, not only as a performer, but as the visionary choreographer behind her next era of history-making artistry.


Antonio Sardella doesn’t just take the stage — he owns it.

Ili Nunes is an award-winning choreographer celebrated for her deeply creative and emotionally rich contemporary work. Her choreography is known for blending powerful movement with poetic imagery, creating pieces that linger in the minds of audiences and dancers alike. 

A highly requested teacher,  Ili is praised for her thoughtful concepts, musical sensitivity, and ability to draw raw, honest performances from dancers of all levels. Whether guiding seasoned performers or helping new dancers find their voice, her classes offer a space for exploration, growth, and connection. 

 Jen Carter began dancing at the age of 10 in Peterborough, Ontario. She trained competitively with Premiere Studio of Dance until the age of 18, where she trained in hiphop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and pointe. It wasn’t until age 13 that Jen recognized her great passion for urban dance, and decided she wanted to further a career in the dance industry.

She went on to participate in the Integrated Arts Dance Program at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School, where she found her love of teaching and choreography. Through out her high school journey she was presented with many opportunities including: competing in Hurley Walk the Walk in California and dancing on the Rick Mercer Report. Jen has since travelled to Los Angeles and New York City multiple times to train at world renowned studios such as Millennium Dance Complex, Movement Lifestyle, Broadway Dance Centre and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She is now a member of the Toronto Dance Community… Where she has trained under amazing talent. Prior to branching out to focus on her own teaching journey, Jen was a part of both Hot In Heels: The Company (under the direction of Angela Mahoney) and BOSS Dance Company (under the direction of Leah Totten) from 2015-2018. After all of her years of training, Jen is proud to have experience ranging from being a backup dancer to being cast in music videos.

Jen graduated from Centennial College's Dance Performance Program in 2017, and was offered a job teaching immediately after completion of the program. Jen was a member of Millennium Dance Complex Toronto’s incredible faculty, and works closely with many studios in the GTA. Currently, Jen is working with World Performers Canada and Five Star Dance Company on pieces of choreography to be performed in both Spain and Mexico while teaching and choreographing across Canada. In recent years Jen has also branched out into the convention world, where she delivers high energy, fun and challenging classes working with many amazing companies including: SOL Dance Collective, SHOCK the Convention, KARV Artistry Exchange, NEXXUS Dance Challenge and ENCORE Dance Challenge. In addition to her teaching and choreographing, Jen has also become an adjudicator across Canada, working with multiple competitions. Jen is extremely grateful to teach and work with so many incredible companies and dancers on such a large scale. 

 Trained in Belgrade, Serbia, Aleks began her ballet journey at the National Ballet School Lujo Davičo. After graduating, she danced professionally with Pozorište na Terazijama for three years before stepping away from the stage to explore other interests.

Twenty years later, in 2016, her love for ballet brought her back as a teacher at Evolve Dance Centre in Kitchener. Passionate about preserving the beauty and tradition of classical ballet, she is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers with technique, artistry, and discipline.

 Jamie Trowbridge is a Toronto-based dancer, teacher, and choreographer. He began his training under the direction of Ms. Lynda Yurkin. He has trained in various genres including tap, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theatre, as well as partaken in major exams with the Royal Academy of Dance.

Following his years as a competitive dancer, Jamie was accepted to the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) Performance Dance Program under the direction of Vicky St. Denys, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. 

During his time at TMU (Ryerson), he studied closely under mentors including Nadia Potts (National Ballet of Canada), Karen Duplisea (TDT, Martha Graham Company), Kenny Pearl (Alvin Ailey Dance Theater), Tanya Evidente (Ballet Nacional de Cuba), Robert Glumbeck (ProArte Danza) and John Ottmann (National Ballet of Canada). He also worked with highly acclaimed choreographers including Vicky St. Denys and Marie- Josee Chartier (Chartier Danse). 

Prior to graduation, Jamie traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he performed as a featured dancer and acrobat in a production of PINOCCHIO. In 2015 he was awarded the KENNY PEARL AWARD – an award presented to a student showing exceptional growth throughout the 4 years enrolled in the TMU Dance Program. He was also proud to speak on behalf of his class as valedictorian of the TMU Performance Dance Program 2015. Following graduation, he was hired by Royal Caribbean International where he performed as a dancer, aerialist, acrobat, and aerial captain. 

He is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance under the direction of Mr. Robert Jensen and Mr. Scott Kufske. He is a proud member of Acrobatic Arts (Module 1 & 2), Aerial Arts, and the Alixa Flexibility Method. He is a certified member of Artistic Dance Educators (Joanne Chapman) in the Jazz and Acro division. Jamie is a certified personal trainer and coach (CanFitPro) and owner of his own rhythm-riding spin studio, SPINOFF.

He has performed with other companies including Spirit Productions in the inaugural Cast of Carnival Extravaganza, choreographed by Tiger Martina (VEGAS! The show). He has also performed with corporate companies including Smart Car, Mercedes-Benz, TD Canada Bank, Prism Worldwide and Toronto Pride. Recently, he performed in Genevieve Copal & Moment Factory’s STARWATER as a featured dancer and aerialist and working as aerial captain. He most recently performed on Spectrum of the Seas with Royal Caribbean in Showgirl! and The Effectors choreographed by Zachary Venegas.

Jamie continues to share his passion for dance and performance by working with students of all ages. He has had the opportunity to teach and choreograph on students of all levels ranging from beginner to professional throughout the Greater Toronto Area. 

He is very excited to continue his own growth and education as a professional choreographer, teacher, mentor, and adjudicator!

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.