The PDF Board of Directors is pleased to present our 2024 Adjudicators, Kirstin Strang and Bri Zubick!!
Kirstin Strang
BSc. Human Sciences, CDTA-L, AACI & AACII, ADTA Master Instructor & Examiner
Miss Kirstin Strang has over 25 years of dance experience – having trained primarily in the disciplines of jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, and musical theatre. After taking a leave from dance to earn her BSc. in Human Sciences (Great Distinction), Miss Kirstin returned to dancing in 2011 and became a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association’s Stage Division (Licentiate – Tap & Jazz, Associate Member – Acro). She takes pride in being an active member with the CDTA, and was recently elected Regional Director of the newly nationalized Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association. As well, Miss Kirstin is a certified Master Instructor & Examiner with the Acro Dance Teacher’s Association (ADTA), an Acrobatic Arts Modules I & II instructor and holds teaching credentials with KinderMusik, Zumba, Alixa Flexibility, Spectacle Blue, and TRX. She has taught workshops for the Alberta Gymnastics Federation and was honored to be selected to choreograph an acrobatic routine for Team Canada for the 2023 World Gymnaestrada in Amsterdam.
Miss Kirstin is the head choreographer and technique instructor at Centre Stage Studios – the Midwest’s largest performing arts and musical theatre studio. She looks forward to staging their production of Frozen Jr. later this year.
As a performer, her passion is tap dancing and in 2014, she auditioned for the American Tap Dance Foundation’s “Tap City” and was selected to perform in two productions “Tap Future” and “Tap It Out” at the New York City Tap Dance Festival. She completed a week-long residency under tap dancing legend, Brenda Bufalino and ATDF Artistic Director, Tony Waag.
Miss Kirstin’s students are inspired in her classes and challenged through her intricate choreography. Her degree in Human Sciences and extensive dance training provide her with a special understanding of the human body and the mechanics of movement. As a teacher, her intention is to challenge and educate dancers; focusing on placement, correct technique, strength and agility.
Bri Zubick
Bri Zubick began her performance career at a small competitive studio in British Columbia. Her love of dance took her to Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and most recently London, UK. Bri has worked with Mackenzie Martin (Geometry Dance Company), Samm Price, and Chelsea Collins performing in pieces at various events in Los Angeles. While in Toronto Bri performed in pieces and shows choreographed by Ashley Schoffield (Opus Dance Collective), Hayley Paone (Prerogative Dance Collective), Kahvontay Slaughter (Unapologetic Dance Collective), as well as Kathryn Miles. Some highlight performances for Bri have been performing at the Rotary International Opening Ceremonies, being a part of the cast of Candy Cane Kids the Holiday Musical and performing in the short film Her/Self. Bri has trained at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, IDA Hollywood, and House of Jazz. These spaces inspired Bri to always continue dancing and discovering new parts of the dance industry. Choreographically Bris’ work has won awards at various events across Alberta and British Columbia. Bri has won choreography awards for her Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Acro routines.Her work has been showcased at various shows including “The Letters We Do Not Want to Send”, hosted through the TD Arts Incubator, “WISE International Women’s Day”, University of Toronto and “NextGen Film Festival”, Dance YYC. As an Educator Bri is incredibly passionate about providing encouraging spaces for dancers to grow and develop as Artists and Humans. Bri believes that dance should be a space to make mistakes and discover what truly moves us. Along with being a competitive dance choreographer Bri has founded The SHiFT Dance Company. The SHiFT is a pre-professional/professional dance company that provides training and performance opportunities. The SHiFT is a space for dancers to develop versatile dance skills and practice mindfulness. Bri continues to further her dance education through various educational spaces. Bri continues to educate performers through adjudicating various events across Canada.