2025 Adjudicators

Katy is the Artistic Director and owner of Dance Essence. She has been teaching and choreographing for many years now and is excited to continue watching the Dance Essence dancer's grow.

She has been dancing since the age of 2 in many dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary. She grew up training through the Royal Academy of Dance in ballet completing her Advanced exam. Katy attended The Quinte Ballet School of Canada and The Banff Centre for the Arts Professional summer program numerous summers. After dancing competitively in London she was accepted to The Ailey School with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City where she furthered her studies in ballet, modern, horton, and tap. She then took part in an international internship with Steps on Broadway in New York City where she worked closely with world renowned teachers and choreographers. Katy has been involved in numerous teaching courses throughout Canada and The United States, furthering her teaching knowledge and keeping up to date with the dance world. Katy is a fully registered member and teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and has her certificate in ballet teaching studies through the RAD. She is a Canadian dance adjudicator and a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Katy is M1 certified through Acrobatic Arts and is continuing her studies in Acro dance.

Katy has had many students attend professional schools such as the National Ballet School of Canada, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Quinte Ballet School of Canada, The Ailey School and many more. She has had multiple students have the honour of dancing with Canada's Ballet Jorgen in the Christmas production of The Nutcracker. Her students successfully complete Ballet exams each year and thrive through their technique.

Katy strongly believes in creating a fun, positive, and understanding environment for every student and family while bringing enthusiasm and excitement to her classes.