2O25 Top 10 Intensive ✨
Sunday, July 6th, 2025
Langley Fine Arts School
Top 10 – SHINE.20 GALA NIGHT Feature Performance
This year’s Top 10 dancers will spend the day working with an incredible team of faculty to create a powerful, tailor-made piece that will be featured as a spotlight performance at our Shine.20 Gala Night.
Top 10 dancers must RSVP by June 1, 2025
10:00 AM – 3:15 PM | Workshops & Rehearsals
7:00 PM | SHINE.20 Gala & Top 10 Performance
YOUR CHOREOGRAPHERS…
Astrid Eckerle
Astrid is a dancer, performer, and choreographer from Canmore, AB. After graduating, she moved to Vancouver to train at Harbour Dance Centre’s ITP and went on to dance with The Source Dance Company, TwoFourSeven Hip Hop Co, and KTL Hip Hop Co.
Her versatile performance skills have led to work both on stage and screen, with credits including Grease: Rise of The Pink Ladies (Paramount+), Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas (Roku), Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (NBC), The Tunnel, and international competitions with TwoFourSeven. Her musical theatre work includes roles in Crazy For You, American Idiot, Newsies, and Singin’ in the Rain.
Astrid is also a passionate teacher, currently on faculty at Coast Academy, Seymour Dance, and NSAD in North Vancouver. She’s dedicated to creating a fun, supportive space where students can grow and connect.
Jocelyn Heaps
Jocelyn Heaps is a passionate dance educator and choreographer from Chilliwack, BC, known for her dynamic style and commitment to making dance accessible for all. Her training has taken her across North America, including time at the Broadway Dance Center and New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts on full scholarship, and working with icons like Mia Michaels and Luther Brown.
She’s performed at the Olympic Games, choreographed for Lululemon’s “Dance Everywhere” campaign, and worked on music videos and live shows for The Chris Buck Band. A two-time Provincial Champion choreographer in street dance, Jocelyn’s students consistently earn top marks for her creative, high-energy routines.
Now based in the Lower Mainland, Jocelyn teaches masterclasses and mentors young dancers. She’s known for her empowering approach and dedication to helping students grow as both artists and individuals.
Leslie Kuny
Leslie began her dance journey in Calgary and deepened her passion after moving to Saskatchewan, later graduating from Grant MacEwan College and Simon Fraser University (BFA Dance). She’s a certified Level 2 Adjudicator with The Dance Leadership Institute, a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, and will soon be an ADAPT-certified teacher.
As the Owner and Artistic Director of Absolute Motion Performance & Dance in South Surrey, Leslie brings over 20 years of experience as an educator, choreographer, and mentor. She’s known for her dynamic, authentic approach and for nurturing artistry in dancers of all ages.
Leslie’s accolades include choreography awards, Shine’s Mentor Award, and the 2024 “Coach of the Year” title from the Surrey-Now Leader. Passionate about empowering youth, she continues to foster joy, creativity, and growth in the studio every day.
EVENT OVERVIEW
This year's Top Ten dancers will enjoy a full day of rehearsals with a panel of incredible choreographers – all leaders in both the wider dance world and the SHINE community. Dancers will focus on growth, artistry, and performance as they create a piece tailored specifically to them. This piece will debut that same evening in Shine’s exclusive 20-Year Anniversary Gala, which features the season’s top routines alongside renowned professional artists and groups.
The gala celebration will include special awards, the Dancer of the Year announcement, a VIP meet-and-greet with Shine.20 faculty, and a black-tie gala filled with unforgettable moments, and meaningful connections.
⋆2025 Dancer of The Year⋆
2024 Dancer of The Year
Georgia Malamas
The Shine Dancer of the Year represents our core values and unites & empowers the dance community.
To be eligible, dancers must:
Earn a place in the Top 10 at a Shine Dance Festival event
Complete an online application here
Demonstrate Shine’s core values and leadership at events, including the Top 10 Intensive
The recipient will receive:
A $500 scholarship
A mentor session with Shine Founder & Director, Tamara Thompson
The coveted title of SHINE DANCER OF THE YEAR
