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Our Mission
Inspire all dancers to be their best, have fun and make lasting friendships in a creative, family friendly environment.
Passion. Encouragement. Confidence.
Join our RUNWAY Dance Family and 'Reach New Heights'
We are sisters, best friends, and business partners – co-founders and directors of RUNWAY Dance Connection. From a very young age, RUNWAY has been our dream. Our childhood was filled with memories of dance competitions in our family room, with the fireplace hearth as our stage. Little did we know, this playful sibling rivalry would someday lead us to create RUNWAY.
Building RUNWAY has been a family-sized effort, powered by love, and passion. Our promise is simple: to work tirelessly to ensure that RUNWAY becomes the most professional, unique, and family-friendly dance competition out there. We want RUNWAY to be the event everyone talks about and the community that every dancer wants to be part of.
Between us, we’ve spent over 30 years dancing competitively. The list of dance competitions, nationals, showcases, year-end shows, and intensives is too long to count. The discipline, dedication, and hard work required in competitive dance always pushed us to be the best versions of ourselves. Now, we’re using that experience and passion to bring you Canada’s most exciting new dance competition.
When we’re not hosting RUNWAY events, Riley is a multi-award-winning television and event producer with an extensive background in high-profile sports, entertainment and investigative documentaries. Riley has produced some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, US Open Tennis Championships and the FIFA World Cup Qatar in 2022. Riley’s documentary, "BROKEN: The Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics," garnered prestigious recognition at the Canadian Screen Awards last year winning "Best Documentary.”
Kelly, meanwhile, is currently a professional dancer and "CanCan" soloist at the world-renowned Moulin Rouge in Paris. She’s had the honour of performing for global brands like Adidas, Red Bull, and Maserati, as well as at prestigious events such as the Shanghai Film Festival. Kelly has also been featured in a national Super Bowl commercial for Vroom and has graced the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Main Stage multiple times.Together, we’ve combined our passion, experience, and expertise to create an event that celebrates the best of the dance world.
We can’t wait to see YOU on the RUNWAY!
Riley & Kelly Nimens
Co-Founders & Directors, RUNWAY Dance Connection
Riley Nimens
Sister Spot: Big Sis
Role: Co-Founder & Director
Education: Western University - Bachelor of Arts in Media, Theory and Production. Fanshawe College - Diploma in Television Broadcasting.
Career Highlights: Riley has worked on some of the world's largest sporting events—such as the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the US Open Tennis Championships, and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022. Notably, Riley's documentary "BROKEN: The Toxic Culture of Canadian Gymnastics" won the prestigious "Best Documentary" Award at the Canadian Screen Awards in 2024. She has also worked as a Producer/Director for esteemed programs like CTV’s W5, CTV News, and Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet.
Riley says: “I’m the family organizer and planner, the quintessential older sister.”
What her sister says: "My sister is the embodiment of hard work and determination. She pushes herself to new heights every day and is my biggest inspiration. I’m constantly in awe of her strength, drive, and unwavering commitment." - Kelly
Favourite Dance Move: Aerial
Personal Dance Style: Acro
Motto: “Go for what you want, don't be afraid to fail!"
Kelly Nimens
Sister Spot: Little Sis
Role: Co-Founder & Director
Education: Chapman University - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. Acrobatic Arts Certified.
Career Highlights: Kelly is an accomplished professional dancer, known for her role as a Can Can soloist at the iconic Moulin Rouge in Paris. She has performed in prestigious events including the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and worked with global brands such as Adidas, Red Bull, FujiFilm, Maserati, Martell Cognac, Miss France and the Shanghai Film Festival (for Jaeger-LeCoultre). Kelly has also appeared in a National Super Bowl commercial for Vroom and has graced the Main Stage of the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) multiple times.
Kelly says: "I am committed to being the best version of myself, so I approach everything with hard work, passion, and dedication—especially when it comes to my RUNWAY family. I give my all in everything I do, all while enjoying every step of the journey."
What her sister says: “Kelly is the total package - talented, determined, passionate and wholeheartedly committed to uplifting those around her. I am in awe of her imagination and drive to conquer any obstacle she faces. She is constantly pushing herself to achieve new goals and her creativity knows no limits.” - Riley
Favourite Dance Move: Pirouette
Personal Dance Style: Jazz
Motto: "Just be yourself. There is no one better."
Frequently asked Questions
No. Taking videos and/or photos during the competition while dancers are performing is strictly prohibited. DRC captures all photos and videos of each performance and uploads them to DanceBUG following the competition. However, you are welcome to take photos and videos during adjudications.
YES! Every entry at a RUNWAY competition receives an award.
Please email us at info@runwaydanceconnection.com
Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for competition fees, except in extremely extenuating circumstances. For more information, please contact your studio director.
RUNWAY Rules & Regulations can be found on the Rules & Regulations page.
Please contact your studio owner, and have them contact RUNWAY with the mistake found.
We accept cash, debit, or credit card to purchase merchandise.
50% or more of dancers in a routine must be Pre-Competitive in order for the routine to be considered Pre-Competitive and vice versa for Competitive.
For any duet/trio with performers who are a mix of novice, pre-competitive, and/or competitive dancers must dance in the higher category.
The location of each competition varies. Please go to our Events page for a full list of competition dates and locations.