Kristen Helfrich: 2021 Live Solo Adjudicator!
Kristen is an accomplished performer, teacher and choreographer. Her love of dance began at the young age of 5 at Sonia Fabian Dance Studio and she continued her dance education at Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Centre in Prince George, B.C.. Kristen’s training has led her to Vancouver, Broadway Dance Centre, Alvin Ailey, and Tremaine Dance Centre Professional Program in Los Angeles. She has been a guest teacher and choreographer for various studios in B.C. and has had the opportunity to adjudicate in B.C. and Alberta.
Kristen has performed and choreographed numerous Judy Russell Productions (Jesus Christ Superstar, Nunsense, Producers, Spamalot), and is well known for her role as the original “Flying Russian” in the Nutcracker. Performing in commercials, Movie Magic, B.C. Summer Games, conferences, and the PNE is only a few of her experiences. In the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Kristen was First Dance Captain for the Opening Ceremonies. She was also part of creating Canada wide curriculum for the Winter Games called “Catch the Spirit”. Kristen has worked with other educators to assist in creating a Performing Arts Program at a high school level for those students who dedicate their time to work on the Performing Arts.
A dance educator for over 25 years, Kristen teaches various genres of dance to all ages. She has trained in RAD, performed her Solo Seal, and has acquired her RAD Teaching certificate. Kristen has received her teaching accreditation from the CDTA and continues to encourage her students to participate in CDTA examinations. Teaching is a passion for Kristen as she has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Bachelors of Education, and a Masters in Special Education. Her most recent accomplishment is becoming a Vice Principal for School District 57.
Currently, Kristen has focused her energies on sharing her love of dance with children of all ages in a dance studio and in the educational school system. She establishes positive relationships with her students, motivating them to reach their full potential, and to develop their passions.
Sarah Tabler: 2021 virtual Groups, Duos and Solos Adjudicator:
Born and raised in Calgary, AB, Sarah Tabler started her journey in dance taking tap at the young age of three. She grew up training in jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, modern, contemporary, character dance, and pointe. She danced with The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede on full scholarship for two consecutive years performing in the Transalta Grandstand Show, and the Royal Visit Alberta Centennial Celebration in 2005. She was accepted into the Professional Division at the School of Alberta Ballet where she trained extensively with world renowned teachers and choreographers including Nancy Kilgour (Order of Canada CM), Murray Kilgour, Jennet Zerbe (former ABT soloist), Aram Manukyan, Kirk Peterson, Edmund Stripe, and Joyce Shietze (FCSC-CICB) to name a few. She earned her Cecchetti Advance 2 and graduated from their Professional Graduate Program, then travelled the continent auditioning and attending programs such as the National Cecchetti Course, The Washington Ballet’s Summer Intensive, and Steps on Broadway in New York.
After graduating Sarah joined Citie Ballet as a company dancer under the direction of Francois Chevennement and Laurence Menotti. She has performed many classical and contemporary works. Her favourites include soloist roles in Les Sylphides, Paquita, Swan Lake, Billie Holiday (Alysa Pires), HereAfter (Heather Myers), Barocco Beat (Shay Kuebler), and Gloria! (Paul Destrooper) to name a few. She was a featured artist in the film Taking Flight (2013), a lead dancer in Stroyhive’s winning music video Mercy (2015), and the lead dancer in Lakme with the Calgary Opera (2015). Sarah has danced in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and extensively throughout Canada and the United States.
Sarah earned distinction on her Cecchetti Associate Teacher Certification and furthered her teaching qualifications to earn her Cecchetti Associate Diploma in (ADCSC-CICB). In 2015, she was presented with the Heather Simpson Memorial Award in Dance for her contribution to the dance community. Sarah brings her passion, expertise, and love of dance to her students, and has become a sought out adjudicator, choreographer, guest instructor, and private coach.