March 2 – 7, 2026.
Rotary Centre for the Arts
Dance Festival Update – Provincial Nominees Announced
The Dance portion of COPAF has now concluded, and we are thrilled to announce this year’s Provincial nominees.
Thank you to all the dancers, teachers, and families who made this week so inspiring and memorable. The festival, held March 2–7 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna, showcased an incredible level of talent, dedication, and artistry from across the region.
Congratulations to the following performers who have been nominated to represent our region at Provincials:
- Olivia Schulze – Junior Ballet
- Nia Carranza – Intermediate Ballet
- Nicole Nattress – Intermediate Ballet Alternate
- Ava Heales – Senior Ballet
- Sara Grecoff – Senior Ballet Alternate
- Sophia Briglio – Junior Modern
- Amberlyn Romano – Intermediate Modern
- Gretta Jansen – Intermediate Modern Alternate
- Gabby Kinvig – Senior Modern
- Sara Grecoff – Senior Modern Alternate
- Payton Brunton – Junior Stage
- Annalise Dionne – Junior Stage Alternate
- Olivia Briglio – Intermediate Stage
- Alexandra Cavaliere – Intermediate Stage Alternate
- Tepi Porcelli-Newlands – Senior Stage
- Emily Moore – Senior Stage Alternate
Please note that while all of the above performers were nominated, not all will be advancing to Provincials.
We are incredibly proud of all participants and grateful to everyone who contributed to such an exceptional festival. We wish those advancing the very best as they go on to represent our region.
We look forward to welcoming you all back next year.
Meet Our Dance Adjudicator: Nancy Pezzo
Get ready to be inspired! Nancy Pezzo is a nationally recognized performer, choreographer, and dance educator whose passion and precision have shaped dancers across North America. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, Nancy’s extensive training in classical and Vaganova ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz fuels her dynamic approach to both performance and teaching.
Her creativity has led to choreographic projects for major brands including Hudson’s Bay Company, Lancôme Paris, Toyota, and TD Bank, and her performance experience spans television and international talent showcases.
Nancy has taught and adjudicated at festivals and masterclasses across Canada and the U.S., including Dance Worlds at Walt Disney World (televised by ESPN), Dance Manitoba, and the World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood. She is a Registered Teacher and Mentor with the Royal Academy of Dance, and holds distinctions with ISTD, IDTA, and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Known for her technical excellence, artistry, and ability to draw out every dancer’s best performance, Nancy brings energy, depth, and heart to the COPAF stage.
Dance Categories
Demi-Pointe, Pointe, Neo-Classical, Contemporary, Interpretive, Character
Modern, Interpretive Modern, Contemporary, Interpretive Contemporary
Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Hip-Hop, Acrobatic Arts, Theatrical, Song & Dance, Choreography
Ethnology (Irish, Highland, Ukrainian, Indian Classical, Polynesian, Flamenco, etc.)
Full-length works combining multiple dancers or styles
Rules & Syllabus
Please review the official COPAF Dance Syllabus for full details, including time limits, adjudication criteria, and Provincial qualification requirements.
Dancers and teachers are encouraged to read through the syllabus carefully to ensure they enter the appropriate class or age division.