See our Dance Syllabus for entry classes and requirements.
Our Ballet & Modern adjudicator for 2025 is Heather Dotto!
Heather Dotto is a diverse performer trained in many forms of dance and theatre at Caulfield School of Dance. Following graduation, Heather began dancing for Josh Beamish’s Move: the Company in 2005. For the following seven years, she performed, toured and grew to be artistically involved in many new creations by Director Josh Beamish. Within the company, Heather also performed works by: Simone Orlando, Amber Funk-Barton, Susan Mensinger, and Danny Austin. After seeing stages all over the world (Shanghai, Singapore, New York, England, Brazil, Bangkok, Seattle, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Nanaimo), Heather planted her feet back in Vancouver and has enjoyed working with many members of the dance community on new creations and remounts. A selection includes Vision Impure, mmHop, Kenesis Dance, Coriograph Theatre, Heather Laura Gray, Caitlin Griffin, Lara Barclay, and Monica Proenca. In 2012, Heather joined the cast of JoeInk under the direction of Joe Laughlin in Vancouver. She remounted roles and participated in new creations within the company for 10 years. In 2009, Heather made her professional choreographic debut as one of the invited collaborators involved in the creation of MOVE: the company’s “The Cell”. Soon after, she premiered the solo “Gift” at Chop Shop in Seattle. In 2017, Heather engaged in two new creations of her own, seeded by Small Stage. She has been commissioned twice by Ballet Kelowna and Lamondance. For the last year, Heather has been touring across Canada and Europe as the Rehearsal Director for “Saudade”, “Source Amnesia” and “@Giselle”. All works by Joshua Beamish. She will begin Directing a new work in June called “Salt”, that will premiere at Dancing on the Edge in Vancouver.
Heather is a celebrated teacher and choreographer of young dancers. She has been teaching, setting pieces and adjudicating for 20 years. Running parallel with her Dance career, Heather is also a double-certified Pilates Instructor with her own practice. She is a Red-Seal Chef and most importantly…a Mom.
Our Stage adjudicator for 2025 is Kristina Linden!
Kristina is a dynamic performer, educator, choreographer, and movement director based in Vancouver, Canada. With a rich background in storytelling through movement, she has travelled extensively to share her passion and expertise. Her university education has shaped her compassionate approach, treating each individual as unique—a quality reflected in her students’ successes across North America, Europe, and New Zealand.
A notable highlight of Kristina’s career includes being a principal dancer in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. She has also performed as an opening act for American recording artist Mya. Her television credits feature roles in The X-Files, Hellcats, Once Upon a Time, Riverdale, and Psych. On stage, she has graced numerous productions, including West Side Story, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Additionally, she has been a featured tap dancer at the Vancouver Spring Show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and at the Orpheum Theatre’s 90th Anniversary Celebration. As a choreographer and movement director, Kristina’s work spans film, television, and commercial projects.
Her training in tap and theatre around the world has equipped her to nurture talent effectively. Kristina has trained dancers who have achieved recognition and titles at prestigious events like The Dance Awards and NYCDA national finals. Formerly the artistic director of TapCo (Vancouver Tap Dance Society), she has now found a home at A3 District in Burnaby, British Columbia, facilitating the tap and musical theatre programs. She has also served as a faculty member at the Vancouver International Tap Festival and the Rhythm, Body, and Soul Festival in Calgary, as well as at Harbour Dance Centre. Kristina’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of performers continues to leave a lasting impact.
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