Ian Gray
Guest Judge
When you treat people right, word gets around. That’s Ian Gray’s famous tagline from his business, owning and operating Salmon Arm GM. But this motto applies equally to Ian’s support of numerous community organizations including youth sports, the Kids Fishing Derby, the SPCA, Second Harvest Food Bank, along with many other causes. It’s hard to believe Ian has any spare time, but when he does, he loves to go boating on the lake and visit his newest venture, the Shuswap Shark Shack floating restaurant with his wife Holly, his son and daughter and his young grandchildren. Ian returns to the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars dance floor after a 2016 appearance with his daughter Kaitie. Last Year he danced with Heather Stranks and the couple raise the most money a couple have raise since the start of DWTSS. He’s back, this year as a guest Judge. Ian you are amazing!
Carolyn Wonacott-Judge
Carolyn is the Dancing with the Shuswap Stars resident dance expert. The exploration of dance has been her passion and profession for most of her adult life. She has lived and worked in Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, California and Mexico and has always been busy with either performing or teaching dance, especially ballet. Many young Shuswap Dancers got their training from
Carolyn at Shuswap Dance Center. Carolyn’s keen eye for technique and her outspoken nature gives our audience some insight into the challenge and the rewards of a good dance performance.
Cathy Hay-Judge
*We thank Cathy for stepping when our previous judge, David Izik-Dzurko needed to bow out in order to see his son Jaeden, a world famous pianist, perform in the Lower Mainland.
Many of you might recognize Cathy as a frequent Mainstage MC for the Roots & Blues Festival. She is also known locally for her involvement in many areas of the arts such as acting, directing, gum boot dancing, Balkan singing, storytelling, West African drumming and dancing!
For many years, Cathy was the Musical Theatre and Performing Arts teacher at the high school in Salmon Arm. To complement that program, she introduced the 11/12 Dance course as a way of showcasing the work of new choreographers and to bring the wonderful experience of dance to new teen dancers and their families.
As “Miss Hay,” she has watched countless auditions and performances over the years, as well as celebrating people as they learn new skills in the arts.
We look forward to Cathy bringing her wit and expertise to our dance floor.
Jared King-MC
Jared was a previous dancer, then returned as MC and did such and amazing job we couldn’t think of anyone else we’d want to take the mic for the 2024 event. As Principal of South Canoe School, Jared has had many opportunities to refine his skills with audiences from kindergarteners to adults. Jared has lived in Salmon Arm for more than a decade and has been involved in his community with athletics and the pursuits of his children. He may have been the runner up at a previous dance competition, but he’s number one in our hearts for guiding us through the evening’s festivities!