Culture Shock Canada is powered by a diverse team united by one mission, using dance to inspire positive change. Meet the people making it happen.
Alan Faigal is an educator, dancer and community animator who has been a part of Culture Shock Canada since 2003. A former dancer with Culture Shock Toronto, he now serves as a principal instructor for children, youth and community. Alan also works in academia as a lecturer and learning strategist for both University and College spaces (Early Childhood Studies and Theatre).
Alan has been a movement specialist in the fitness/wellness industry for over 22 years. As a former canfitpro PRO trainer, he trained and certified group fitness instructors in various disciplines.
He is also the newly appointed Outreach Coordinator for Dance Ontario. Alan’s dance education has been in Hip Hop, club inspired genres and Bollywood. He has performed and studied Indian and Bollywood Dance with Lopa Sarkar and Divine Heritage Artistry. Dance floors and academic lecture halls are avenues for his dynamic teaching methods.
Karen first joined the Culture Shock Canada family as a dancer with Culture Shock Toronto in 1998. Over 20 years later, she is still proud to be contributing to this incredible organization. She has taken on leadership roles, from Admin Director for Culture Shock Toronto, to National Director of Operations, and presently as the National Executive Director of the Culture Shock Canada dance troupes. Every so often, she puts her dance shoes back on to perform at the annual Showcase with the Alumni team. Giving back to Culture Shock has been a driving force for Karen. She especially enjoys having inspirational chats with the Regional Directors and is honoured to be a part of their leadership journey.
Marc-André Clement is a passionate entrepreneur and educator who dedicates his life to the promotion of a positive, active and healthy lifestyle.
Marc-André has over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience ranging from entertainment, personal wellness, training, and more. Since 1991, he has worked in the fitness and health industry, with numerous years of competitive coaching and mentoring experience. Marc-André has been involved with numerous organizations on a regional, national and worldwide scale from being a national High Five Facilitator and national ViPR Master Trainer to international fitness and lifestyle presenter, consultant and motivational speaker. Marc-André is known for his commitment to offering creative, high quality solutions for both active and competitive lifestyle needs.
As the co-founder of Momentum Moves Canada and Entrepreneur Lifestyle Academy, as well partner at PoliceFit Canada, Marc-André is no stranger to the “Entrepreneur Lifestyle”. He is recognized for his ability to instil leadership skills, by creating innovative dance and movement programs as a fitness alternative, and preaching the importance of creativity and individuality. Mesmerized by the art of movement through Hip Hop music, he has appeared on the award winning “Cardio Hip Hop” TV show, as well as on Cardio Dance segments for Josée Lavigueur’s “Ma Zone Fit”.
Marc-André has real estate holdings in rental properties and is an experienced landlord. He has been actively involved with world renown network marketing companies and often collaborates with Carleton University Masters Students in Social Media and Design for internship purposes.
Perhaps most notably, Marc-André is the National Executive Director of Culture Shock Canada Charity, and has been the driving force behind the success of this organization since 1998. He continues to act as an ambassador to Culture Shock internationally, as well as other dance troupes and related dance, youth and fitness organizations worldwide.
Stephanie is an educator at heart. She believes in Freire’s message that education is freedom. Currently she teaches middle school but also mentors beginning teachers.
Stephanie fell in love with dancing at a young age and explored a variety of styles from contemporary to house. She joined Afta Shock Ottawa in their inaugural season and has been dancing with them ever since. Stephanie gives back to the organization that feels like a second family to her by serving as Afta Shock Ottawa and Future Shock Ottawa’s Administrative Director.
Marc-André Clement is a passionate entrepreneur and educator who dedicates his life to the promotion of a positive, active and healthy lifestyle.
Marc-André has over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience ranging from entertainment, personal wellness, training, and more. Since 1991, he has worked in the fitness and health industry, with numerous years of competitive coaching and mentoring experience. Marc-André has been involved with numerous organizations on a regional, national and worldwide scale from being a national High Five Facilitator and national ViPR Master Trainer to international fitness and lifestyle presenter, consultant and motivational speaker. Marc-André is known for his commitment to offering creative, high quality solutions for both active and competitive lifestyle needs.
As the co-founder of Momentum Moves Canada and Entrepreneur Lifestyle Academy, as well partner at PoliceFit Canada, Marc-André is no stranger to the “Entrepreneur Lifestyle”. He is recognized for his ability to instil leadership skills, by creating innovative dance and movement programs as a fitness alternative, and preaching the importance of creativity and individuality. Mesmerized by the art of movement through Hip Hop music, he has appeared on the award winning “Cardio Hip Hop” TV show, as well as on Cardio Dance segments for Josée Lavigueur’s “Ma Zone Fit”.
Marc-André has real estate holdings in rental properties and is an experienced landlord. He has been actively involved with world renown network marketing companies and often collaborates with Carleton University Masters Students in Social Media and Design for internship purposes.
Perhaps most notably, Marc-André is the National Executive Director of Culture Shock Canada Charity, and has been the driving force behind the success of this organization since 1998. He continues to act as an ambassador to Culture Shock internationally, as well as other dance troupes and related dance, youth and fitness organizations worldwide.
Patricia Lavres is a Canadian choreographer and artistic director with over a decade of experience creating original, movement-driven work for stage, film, and live performance.
Her practice is rooted in narrative, crafting choreography that communicates story and feeling in innovative and unconventional ways. Her work has been showcased across Canada and the U.S., and throughout her career, many of her former students have gone on to work professionally or become dance educators themselves, reflecting her enduring commitment to mentorship.
Patricia serves as the National Director of Artistic Development for Culture Shock Canada, providing national-level artistic leadership, mentoring artistic directors and choreographers, and overseeing the creation of original work across the organization. She previously held Artistic Director roles with Culture Shock Ottawa and Future Shock Ottawa. She continues to contribute as an educator and mentor through schools, community outreach programs, showcases, and workshops, cultivating environments where dancers grow as performers, mentors, and future leaders.
Stephanie is an educator at heart. She believes in Freire’s message that education is freedom. Currently she teaches middle school but also mentors beginning teachers.
Stephanie fell in love with dancing at a young age and explored a variety of styles from contemporary to house. She joined Afta Shock Ottawa in their inaugural season and has been dancing with them ever since. Stephanie gives back to the organization that feels like a second family to her by serving as Afta Shock Ottawa and Future Shock Ottawa’s Administrative Director.