Shannon Subchuk

Shannon is the Artistic Director of Affirmation Dance Creative and Affirmation Dance. Specializing in dance instruction, dance choreography and dance fitness. Shannon teaches contemporary, jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, pre-school and senior ballet, barre fitness and also youth inclusive dance based classes for children with individual learning differences and other special needs. This ground breaking rhythm and dance program focuses on skill development, self-empowerment, and celebrating our differences.

With over 15 years of teaching experience and two degrees focused on dance and choreography, Shannon has a strong understanding of dance history, anatomy and safe dance practices. 

Her education includes BFA in Theatre Performance Dance (Ryerson University) and MFA in Contemporary Dance and Choreography (York University).

During her studies, she danced for Holly Small, Louis Laberge-Cote, Kenny Pearl and David Earle and she has been in several dance festivals and performed in Vienna under the direction of Keith Hennessy at the Impulstanz Festival. Shannon participated in the Society for Dance History Scholars Conference at York University in collaboration with Susan Lee, Don Sinclair and Andra McCartney and “Saudades do Brasil” with Newton Moraes Dance Theatre at the PULSE Youth Dance Conference.

Shannon has taught in Ontario, Newfoundland, China, Spain and Alberta. Recently she had the opportunity to be a guest dance instructor at the University of Alberta.

Shannon strives to keep up-to-date with current dance trends and has taken class from tWitch, Brian Friedman and Mia Michaels, a few of her mainstream idols. She has been in music videos for Shweta Subrams and Jesse Labelle.

Most recently, Miss Shannon certified in All Star and Scholastic Pom Cheer and is excited to be the first to bring Cheerleading to Camrose! 

Other credentials are Rhythm Works Integrated Dance certified. Progressing Ballet Technique certified. Certified in Classical Ballet Progressions of Canada from Edmonton School of Ballet. Level one and two facilitator in Contact Beyond Contact Dance Healing. Barre Fitness Instructor. Dance choreographer and instructor. Cecchetti and RAD instructor. TRX certified. Adult synchronized skater. Gymnastics active start and foundations. Acrobatic Arts Certified.

With a passion for movement and a dedication to inspire others, Miss. Hayley has been teaching dance for 4 years, specializing in Tap, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary. Miss. Hayley brings a dynamic and encouraging approach to every class.

Miss Hayley has dedicated 18 years to competitive dance, continuing her passion for movement as a member of the University of Alberta’s MOD Contemporary Dance Movement for the past 4 years. Along with her dance journey, Miss. Hayley studies Psychology and Sociology at the University of Alberta. Her teaching philosophy focuses on technique, musicality, and self-expression, ensuring that every student, from beginners to advanced dancers, reaches their full potential.

Whether coaching competitive dancers or guiding recreational students, Miss. Hayley creates a supportive and energetic environment where passion and creativity thrive.

Charlize trained and competed in dance for over 10 years, with a strong foundation in the Cecchetti ballet syllabus. In addition to ballet, she studied a wide range of styles including acro, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap, and successfully completed multiple Cecchetti ballet examinations.

She is a certified Acrobatic Arts Module One instructor and holds certification in Tap Roots. Charlize is currently pursuing a three year Premier Certification through the Acro Dance Teachers Association to further expand her teaching credentials.

For the past three years, Charlize has had the privilege of shadowing under Miss Shannon, gaining invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the culture, values, and standards at Affirmation Dance. She now specializes in teaching acro, ballet, and lyrical, while also serving as the Festival Team Coordinator and Rehearsal Director.

Charlize is dedicated to fostering a positive, disciplined, and supportive environment in the studio. Her teaching philosophy focuses on developing strong technique, building confidence, and inspiring every dancer who steps through Affirmation Dance’s doors to reach their fullest potential.

Mary is a passionate and dedicated instructor whose love for dance began at Edge Studios in Calgary, Alberta—a school honoured as WBAC’s Best School in 2023 and YAGP’s Outstanding School in 2017. She trained under award-winning teachers Caitlin Lockwood and Cyndi Scott, both recognized with WBAC and YAGP’s Best Teacher titles.

Over her thirteen years of dance training, Mary has completed all her RAD vocational exams up to Advanced 1 and has developed strong skills in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and contemporary. Highlights of her dance journey include representing her studio at a RAD workshop in Edmonton (2020), earning a Top 10 Soloist placement at the Terpsichore Dance Competition in Lake Louise (2022), and working with acclaimed choreographers such as Chris Knowles, Amy Gardner, and Sabrina Philip. Her passion for dance has taken her to countries such as Hungary, Austria, Italy, and the United States, where she has participated in workshops, competitions, and conventions.

She first connected with Affirmation Dance in 2024, leading a workshop that introduced new choreography and creative ideas to the dancers. As she joins the staff for the 2025–2026 season, Mary will be teaching ballet and pre-pointe/pointe classes. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students build confidence in both their technical skills and creative expression. She strives to create a supportive, encouraging classroom where dancers feel inspired to grow, challenge themselves, and discover their own unique artistry.

Darcie is a versatile dancer and dynamic choreographer with immense passion for the art of creation. She has trained at established studios such as the Edmonton School of Ballet and Mantra Movement. Her background is diverse training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Dancehall, Vogue, Hip Hop which holds a special place in her heart. 

Darcie is a professional dancer with Essence Talent Management, where she works as a repeat hire for back-up dancing. Her resume includes artists such as Kuzi Cee and Alicia Lov, alongside recruitment for Canadian-Punjabi artist Karan Aujla’s Tour, where she performed on the Roger’s Place stage.

 This is Darcie’s second season with Affirmation Dance. She’s also worked at  Edmonton Dance Factory as a teaching assistant and a substitute dance teacher across Edmonton.

Sophie became an assistant dance teacher as a teenager and started teaching her own dance classes as a senior dancer. After Sophie graduated she further pursued her love for dance in Los Angeles through an intensive training program at Millennium Dance Complex. Sophie has always been interested in the behind the scenes of running a dance studio which has lead her to work in administration for a few different dance studios. She loves being able to create a positive environment and help students foster their love for dance.