VAUGHAN 2026

SUNDAY
AUGUST 23
2026

Universal Eventspace
6250 Hwy 7
Vaughan, ON

Complimentary parking available on site

CONVENTION LOCATION

HOST HOTEL

More info soon!

 

VAUGHAN 2026 FACULTY

JAZZ

  • Alex Pollard is a professional Dancer, Choreographer, and Actor based in Toronto ON with over 15 Years of experience in the Entertainment Industry. He is trained in various styles of dance such as Hip-Hop, Jazz-Funk, Heels, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Bollywood, and much more across cities such as Toronto, New York and Los Angeles. Alex also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from York University. Alex has performed and choreographed across various mediums including Film/TV, Live Stage, Theatre, Commercial, and more with credits including: Amazon Prime Video, Bud Light, Nike, Adidas, Hulu/FOX, YTV's The Next Star, Indian International Film Awards, JUNO's Nominee Concert, Anjulie, Kiesza, David Foster, Mary Kay, Bat Out of Hell, The Empire Strips Back, Shoppers Drug Mart, Glad x Sesame Street, Downy, Meals on Wheels America, ESPN x Dos Equis, IKEA and more. Alex is a passionate instructor who has taught for institutions such as York University, Centennial College, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, York Region District School Board, Peel District School Board, and many more at various Regional Arts Programs. He has experience in teaching individuals of all ages and abilities. Alex has also adjudicated for competitions across Canada such as VIEW Dance Challenge, Shock Dance Challenge, Dream to Dance, and more. Most notably, Alex is the Owner of City Centre Dance – The GTA’s Hottest Dance Programs. Alex is quick to learn and can adapt under any circumstances given to him, seizing any opportunity to perform, choreograph and teach. He continues to grow and learn through his passion for dance and living life through gratitude. By treating each day as a new opportunity to grow as both a person and artist, he continues to shape a journey unique to him.

COMMERCIAL

  • 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.

HEELS

  • Patricia Gordon (she/her) also known as “Ponytail Patricia” is a performing artist based in Toronto. She began dancing at the age of 3 in Sudbury, ON training in multiple classical and street styles. Patricia competed for 10 years then attended the International Student Visa Program at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. Patricia’s work spans across stage, commercials, film/television and fashion. Her credits include; Nissan, Alaska Airlines, Anjulie, Visa, Smirnoff, Drake, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Film Centre, Kiesza, Meta, and New York Fashion Week just to name a few. She has worked with choreographers such as Tanisha Scott, Andy Blankenbuehler, Noémie Lafrance, Jowha Van de Laak, Amy Wright, Lisa Stevens and many more. Patricia continues to dedicate herself to the art form of dance and looks forward to longevity in her career.

contemp

  • Ashley Coulson is a Toronto-based professional dancer, actress, choreographer, and teacher whose career spans stage, television, and film. She began dancing at the age of four and has since developed a highly versatile and refined movement language through extensive training across a broad range of styles, establishing herself as a dynamic, adaptable, and emotionally grounded performer. Throughout her career, Ashley has worked with some of the industry’s most respected artists and creators, including Ryan Heffington, Mia Michaels, Emilio Dosal, Atom Egoyan, Stacey Tookey, Garrett Smith, Tiler Peck, Amanda May Wilson, Amy Wright, Evelyn Hart, Josh Lamb, and Tiffany McLachlan. Ashley’s performance experience spans Canada, Los Angeles, New York, and Europe, appearing in both large-scale productions and intimate performance settings. She has performed with major companies such as Disney and Universal Studios, and has worked alongside acclaimed recording artists including Jessie Reyez, Deborah Cox, Francesco Yates, Ria Mae, and Blake McGrath. On screen, Ashley has appeared in projects for leading studios and platforms including Netflix, Paramount+, Sony Pictures Television, Crave, Hulu, Family Channel, and Rhombus Media. Her screen credits include a principal role as Gwen in Tiny Pretty Things, multiple appearances in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, as well as Cruel Intentions, Motorheads, Seven Veils, Disney’s Descendants, and The Testaments. She continues to expand her presence as a performer across both dance and acting roles in television and film. In addition to her performance career, Ashley is a dedicated educator and choreographer, teaching and creating across Canada and internationally. She is passionate about cultivating strong, intentional artists and values rigorous training, individuality, and longevity within the profession. Whether on stage, on screen, or in the studio, Ashley brings a grounded, powerful, and professional approach to her work.

hip hop

  • Having danced for numerous international artists, Robert brings over 15 years of industry experience to FORWARD Dance Academy. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he started dancing at the age of 5 and self-trained by watching music videos and learning choreography. At age 11 he enrolled in dance classes and then started training under choreographers Leon Blackwood, Luther Brown and some of Toronto’s veteran dancers/choreographers. Specializing in hip hop, Robert has performed with well-known celebrities as Ariana Grande, PSY, Down With Webster, Victoria Duffield, Jully Black, Keshia Chante, and Blake McGrath to name a few. He has also had the opportunity to open for Destiny’s Child at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. Based on his talent and expertise, Robert has had the opportunity to assist choreographer Luther Brown on several projects, including a Ford commercial, the 2015 Pan Am Games with Cirque du Soleil, and Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. His professional credits include YTV’s The Next Star, Alvin The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, Disney’s Camp Rock 2, Disney’s Zombies and most recently Netflix’s “Work It” In addition, he was casted in the 2012 Monsters of Hip Hop show in Los Angeles and has trained at prestigious studios such as: Millennium Dance Complex LA, Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio, Movement Lifestyle and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. A skilled and energetic teacher, Robert’s documented dance classes have been widely discussed online and recognized by several artists, such as Ciara, Jo’zzy, Jovi Rockwell, and Electrik Red. He has also shared his passion for dance throughout Canada by teaching workshops and classes in cities across the country. On a mission to develop students into poised and unstoppable dancers, he teaches students of all ages to push the limits and be the best they can be.

LATIN FUSION

  • Melissa (she/her) is a highly sought-after choreographer and teacher who has worked with prestigious institutions and events such as the National Ballet of Canada, Jump Dance Convention, and numerous studios and conventions across Canada, the U.S., and Italy. Her dynamic and versatile teaching style has inspired dancers throughout North America and Europe. Melissa's choreography spans both screen and stage. Her film and television credits include Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2024), Cross (2024), The Accused (2024), Slumberland with Jason Momoa (2022), The Christmas Dance with Corbin Bleu (2021), The Moodys (2021), and The Porter (2022), where she worked as assistant choreographer and in turn, the program earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming. She has choreographed high-profile live productions such as a show for Schwarzkopf, Crazy Country in Quebec City, and Rock of Ages: The Musical at the historic Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Melissa's past choreographic work also includes So You Think You Can Dance (U.S. and Vietnam) and seven seasons of the No. 1 Hispanic television show Mira Quien Baila in Miami and Mexico, where she served as Head Choreographer and Principal Dancer. When not performing, Melissa continues to travel extensively — judging, choreographing, and teaching at conventions, motivating and mentoring the next generation of dancers through her passion, experience, and artistry.


Schedule coming soon!

REGISTRATION INFO

REGISTRATION | May 1, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026

Admission can also be purchased at the door.

PRICING

ADMISSION | CAD$195 +tax

CLASSES

JAZZ
COMMERCIAL
HEELS
LATIN FUSION
CONTEMPORARY
HIP HOP