25-26 Season Company Photos by Genevieve Picache
Silhouettes Dance Company’s 2026-2027 Exec Team
Artistic Director Justa van Gaal
My name is Justa and I’m one of this year’s Artistic Directors! I’m a third year at UofT studying Civil Engineering and this is also my third year in Silhouettes. I’m from The Netherlands but grew up in New York City and have been dancing my whole life. I have trained and competed in a variety of styles, but my favorites are jazz and theater. I was drawn to Silhouettes because of its inviting community and the opportunity to choreograph and I am so grateful to have found a place at UofT to continue my dancing. I’m so excited for this year and can’t wait to see what we will create!
Artistic Director Zoë MacFarlane
My name is Zoë and I am one of the Silhouettes Artistic Directors! This is my third year with Silhouettes and my fourth year at UofT specializing chemical physics with a minor in math. I’ve been dancing pretty much my whole life, mainly in ballet and contemporary, but ever since moving to Toronto for school and joining Silhouettes I’ve been loving exploring other styles including jazz and hip hop. This company has been such a fun and welcoming place for me to explore these other styles, and for me to choreograph for the first time in my life. I think it offers a lot of opportunities for dancers to explore their creativity in ways they maybe haven’t been able to before, and to do it all surrounded by a warm, friendly and diverse group of dancers. I am so excited for this next year and to continue to expand my skills and experience as both a dancer and a choreographer.
Media Coordinator Lily Perritt
My name is Lily and I am the Media Coordinator for the 2026-2027 season! This is my second year with the company and I am a fourth year student at the University of Toronto studying Kinesiology & Physical Education. I have been dancing since I was 4 years old and have trained and competed in a variety of styles, but my favourites are contemporary and ballet. Dance is my passion and I am so grateful to be a part of Silhouettes to continue my dance journey. This company provided me with the opportunity to choreograph a group piece, which is something I have been wanting to do for a while, but never had the chance. Being on stage again was one of my favourite moments this past year. I can’t wait for this upcoming season and all of the memories it will bring!
Financial Administrator Emily Tregwin
My name is Emily, and I’m the Financial Administrator for Silhouettes! I’m a second year Rotman Commerce student at UofT, and this is my second year with Silhouettes. I started dancing when I was 3 years old with ballet and have since trained and competed in many different styles, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and hip hop. Acro was my favourite style for a while, but over the past few years contemporary and lyrical have become my favourites! Being part of Silhouettes has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who share the same passion for dance and I’m so grateful to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community!
Company Administrator Eleni Orphanidou Events Coordinator Ella Hoffmann
My name is Ella and I am the Events Coordinator on Silhouettes for the 2026/27 dance season! I am currently in third year at UofT studying Political Science, and this will be my second year dancing with Silhouettes. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old mostly training in classical ballet. I started dancing competitively when I was twelve, and began training in other styles like jazz, contemporary, and lyrical. I completed my Royal Academy of Dance Advanced Two ballet exam when I was seventeen, which has been one of my most fulfilling personal achievements. Beyond my love for dance and performing, I have also taken pride in teaching. I have been teaching dance and gymnastics since I was sixteen, and have loved getting to share my passions for dance and movement with others. I joined Silhouettes because I was looking for a new dance community away from home. The people in this company truly welcome everyone in with open arms, and the level of creativity and passion that everyone brings to the table is truly inspiring.
My name is Eleni, and I’m the Company Administrator for Silhouettes Dance Company. This is my second year with Silhouettes and my fourth year at the University of Toronto, where I’m studying Chemical Engineering and currently completing my Professional Experience Year. I started dancing when I was three years old with ballet and, over the years, expanded into contemporary, modern, and hip-hop. My favourite style is contemporary fusion because it gives me the freedom to explore movement in whatever way feels natural and has always been one of my favourite creative outlets. Silhouettes is incredibly special to me because it was one of the first places at university where I found a community of people who shared the same love for dance that I do. It has given me a space to step away from the demands of academics, express myself, and continue doing something I’ve loved for most of my life. More than anything, I love Silhouettes for the sense of community it has given me and the friendships I’ve made along the way, which I know will stay with me long after university.
Show Producer Lalin Ece
My name is Lalin and I am your Producer for this year. I am a Co-op year Industrial Engineering Student and it is my 4th year at Silhouettes. I have been dancing since I was three years old. I had started dance with ballet and contemporary, but lately I have started doing jazz funk and heels. Silhouettes has been a second family to me, it is a place to create and dance with the most passionate people. I feel very lucky to have found a safe place at UofT to pursue dance. I am so grateful for Silhouettes and I am so excited to have this chance to give back to this company. Make sure you follow us for all the updates about this upcoming season!