MONCTON ~ NOVEMBER 20-22, 2026
THE CENTRE - CASINO NB
THE CENTRE - CASINO NB
NADINE LEPERA-VARGA
JUDGE
Nadine is a multi-talented, certified dance professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. She is an accomplished dancer, master dance and acrobatics instructor, award winning choreographer, and sought-after international adjudicator. As the Owner and Co-Director of Pulse Dance Works Inc. in Markham-Toronto, Ontario, Nadine has dedicated her life to shaping dancers of all ages through passion, precision, and performance.
Nadine is a certified teacher and proud member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.), Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association (C.D.T.A) and Acrobatic Arts. She is also a certified Acrobatic Arts AcroDance Competition Adjudicator, a certified member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (P.A.A.), The Dance Judge Organization, and a certified Strip To Fit instructor in fused dance and fitness (burlesque dance). In addition, Nadine holds a valid Standard First Aid with CPR & AED certificate, reflecting her commitment to safety. As a highly respected international adjudicator for many years, Nadine is known for her detailed, thoughtful, and technically focused critiques that support dancer development at all levels, from recreational, competitive, to professional. As a judge, she has a keen eye for dance forms and acrobatics, with a particular focus on technical foundation and excellence.
Her dance journey began at the age of four. From a young age, Nadine trained simultaneously in many dance disciplines for several years, developing a strong and versatile foundation in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, strength & flexibility (stretch/conditioning), acrobatics, musical theatre, song & dance, hip hop, burlesque, latin dancing, and various styles of social dance. Nadine began competing at a young age and earned numerous prestigious awards as an international dance competitor at top-level competitions. She became a full-time international competitor, gaining invaluable experience and insights into the world of professional dance.
Additionally, Nadine studied music for several years, specializing with the tenor saxophone, which deepened her understanding of musicality and enhanced her work as a choreographer and performer. Her passion for the stage extends into musical theatre productions, where she has performed in, choreographed, and assistant directed productions including The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, A Chorus Line, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Nadine also expanded her artistic reach into the world of rhythmic gymnastics, serving as a trainer and choreographer at the prestigious Kalev Estienne Rhythmic Gymnastics Centre in Toronto. There, she worked with top-tier athletes on Canada’s junior national rhythmic gymnastics team, Jr. Rhythmic Express, combining artistry with athleticism to support elite-level performance.
As a master educator and instructor, Nadine prioritizes a “safety first” approach, emphasizing strong technical foundations, age-appropriate progressions, injury prevention, and a good understanding of the science and anatomy of the body to ensure that movements are performed safely. Her detailed, structured instruction helps dancers progress with confidence and integrity at all levels, from recreational, competitive, to professional.
In addition to her extensive performing arts credentials, Nadine has uniquely maintained a dual career, simultaneously for years, thriving in the corporate world as a Director of Business Operations, Human Resources & Executive Affairs along with expertise in event management. As well, for over two decades she brings a wealth of entrepreneurial knowledge and leadership as the owner of Pulse Dance Works Inc. in Markham-Toronto and valuable experience as a supply teacher for the YCDSB. Nadine’s rare and dynamic combination of artistry, organizational leadership, and professionalism makes her a compelling force, renowned for inspiring excellence and elevating every endeavor she leads.
Nadine’s legacy is one of empowerment, passion, artistry, and dedication to the performing arts. Building on 24 years of experience as a studio owner and director, she successfully transitioned her dance school into a versatile performing arts service business offering her expertise for hire. Drawing on years of wisdom, Nadine continues to evolve as an inspiring master educator, choreographer, creative leader, and captivating speaker. Through her business, she brings passion and professionalism to a wide range of opportunities, connecting deeply with dancers and artists, from amateurs to professionals, of all ages and levels. Her clear technical expertise, personalized encouragement, and artistic vision empower performers to reach their fullest potential. Her influence extends far beyond the studio, shaping the dance community and leaving a lasting impression on everyone she works with.
CLARA EATON RIBEIRO
JUDGE
Clara Eaton Ribeiro is a distinguished dancer, aerialist, instructor, and adjudicator with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She is trained across multiple disciplines, including Contemporary, Acrobatics, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Tap, Modern, Song and Dance, and Aerial Arts. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s prestigious Performance Dance Program, Clara holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), is certified with Acrobatic Arts (Modules 1 & 2), and is accredited by the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA).
Clara is the co-founder of VERTEX VIBE, a dance workshop that creates a safe, supportive, and intimate environment for dancers across Canada. With limited group sizes, VERTEX VIBE is designed to ensure every dancer feels seen, heard, and valued, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, build confidence, and grow both as artists and individuals.
She is also the creator of The Vault, an online mentorship community dedicated to helping dancers navigate confidence, mindset, and personal growth, while reminding them they are not alone in their journey.
Clara’s performance credits include MuchMusic Canada’s The Big Jingle, TRIBE (PANAMANIA, choreographed by Debra Brown), the National Ballet of Canada’s remount of Heroes by James Kudelka, and Royal Caribbean International’s Aqua Show HIRO, which has taken her to over 34 countries worldwide. Most recently, she joined Royal Caribbean’s Creative Talent Operations Team in Miami, FL, as a Rehearsal Choreographer for HIRO.
She has also served as a host and online adjudicator for World of Dance, including the 2024 WOD Summit in Los Angeles and on the World of Dance Nation app.
As a sought-after instructor, Clara has taught at Toronto’s Underground Dance Centre, Dance Masters of America conventions, and studios across North America. Through her teaching, adjudication, and mentorship, she is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, embrace their individuality, and feel empowered both on and off the stage. Clara is excited to share her insight, encouragement, and passion with dancers at Electric Beat Dance Productions this season!
JUSTIN JACKSON
HOST
Justin Jackson is an award-winning performing artist from Montreal, Canada whose career spans more than two decades and encompasses dance, choreography, television, acting, judging, emceeing and live entertainment.
While best known for his electrifying tap dancing performances, Justin is a complete dancer with extensive training in hip hop, musical theatre, ballet and stage performance — making him one of Canada's most captivating entertainers of his generation.
He was a Top 40 finalist and a featured guest performer on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance Canada (Season 3), a semi-finalist on America's Got Talent (Season 18), Portugal's Got Talent (Season 10), and a semi-finalist on (Season 3) of Révolution!
He’s appeared on some of the most recognizable entertainment shows and platforms including The Jennifer Hudson Show (Los Angeles), The Wendy Williams Show (New York City) and The Red Carpet coverage covered by Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight and E! News. His credits also include NBC, Peacock, CTV, CP24, TVA, PBS
Kids, Breakfast Television, Bell Media and Crave, among others.
He’s been a principal dancer for Cirque Éloize — whose productions were televised across Canada, Europe and French speaking territories around the world. Toured across Canada in "The Great Big BOO!" Musical, presented by Cineplex Theatres and Corus Entertainment. Performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Winter Fest at Canada’s Wonderland, the International Jazz Festival, also The Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and most recently completed 22 shows with Cirque du Soleil in Europe!!
Earlier into his career he was on the children's
television series Caillou, as well as Workin' Moms, The Umbrella Academy and No Sleep 'Til Christmas, which streamed on Netflix and Disney+. He’s also worked on
national commercials for ALDO, Call it Spring, IKEA, Porter Airlines, Rogers Wireless and Tangerine Bank.