ENVY GIVES BACK 2026
SUNDAY
JULY 26
2026
LOCATION
Science North | Vale Cavern
100 Ramsey Lake Rd
Greater Sudbury, ON
Parking available on site
EGB 2026 FACULTY
JAZZ FUNK
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Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Francesca Vairo is a focused, driven, and passionate dancer and choreographer, with 20 years of dance training in tap, jazz, ballet, jazz funk, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, commercial, musical theatre, and acro. She has created unique, award winning choreography. She has proven ability to motivate and mentor dancers to reach their highest potential. Francesca has worked closely with and taken classes from many world renowned choreographers such as, Sarah Reich, Kevin Howe, Tara Jean Popowich, Everett Smith, Cartier Williams, Jason Janas, Brenda Bufalino, and Dianne Walker, to name a few. In 2017 she started working with Everett Smith (So You Think You Can Dance Canada finalist) one on one. Currently working in mentorship with Sarah Reich (Sarah Reich Tap Music Project).
She has worked with Kim Chalovich (Tap Dance Centre) to receive her TDC (Tap Dance Centre Syllabus Certification). Her goal is to inspire every dancer that steps foot into her classes. She is excited to continue sharing her passion through teaching for years to come.
FOUNDATIONS
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Ashley Burton Rantala is an internationally recognized dance educator, researcher, and adjudicator with more than 20 years of experience in dance education, choreography, and arts leadership across North America and Europe. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Dance Choreography and Performance, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, and a Bachelor of Education from York University, bringing a blend of artistic excellence, pedagogical expertise, and scholarly inquiry to her work.
Her research is informed by the legacy of Isadora Duncan, exploring natural movement, musicality, and expressive freedom. Ashley has presented her work internationally through lectures and workshops at York University, the Isadora Duncan Symposium in San Francisco, and the Council of International Dance in Athens, Greece. She also completed her DanceAbility Teacher Certification in Rome, Italy, strengthening her commitment to inclusive and accessible movement education.
As a respected adjudicator, arts juror, and educator, Ashley is known for her artist-centered approach, fostering technical excellence, creativity, and lifelong engagement with dance.
In 2026, she founded Dancer’s Den Inc., a private practice offering personalized training, mentorship, and movement education for dancers at all stages. Through one-on-one coaching and individualized guidance, she supports dancers in refining technique, deepening artistry, and achieving their personal and professional goals.
CONTEMP
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Dance has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. After 18 years of competitive dance training and 7 years of teaching and choreographing, my passion continues to grow through helping dancers discover their own.
I have trained extensively in all styles of dance, with a particular passion for contemporary, modern, lyrical and jazz. I have also developed a strong technical foundation shaped by years of mentorship from my mother, who trained extensively in the Graham Technique. That influence taught me the importance of artistry, discipline, and purposeful movement.
As a Kinesiology graduate, I love blending movement science with dance education to help dancers improve technique, build strength, prevent injury, and perform with confidence.
Over the years, I've been fortunate to receive numerous scholarships, choreography awards, and recognition for my work, but my greatest reward is watching dancers gain confidence, achieve their goals, and fall in love with the process of learning.
REGISTRATION | May 1, 2026 - July 26, 2026
Admission can also be purchased at the door.
SCHEDULE COMING SOON!
REGISTRATION INFO
PRICING
ADMISSION | CAD$30
100% of our profits go directly to the HSN fund.
CLASSES
CONTEMPORARY
JAZZ FUNK
FOUNDATIONS

