Canada’s Newest Dance Competition
Dance expertise meets business excellence. The Final Countdown was founded by people who understand the industry from the inside — and built it the way it should have always been.
Nicole Lofto Barber is a dancer, choreographer, adjudicator, and studio owner with over two decades of experience in the dance industry. Through her years as a studio director, she has developed a deep understanding of what studios, dancers, and families are truly looking for in a competition experience. Nicole is passionate about bringing her knowledge, industry connections, and vision to the dance competition scene.
She is thrilled to be partnering with her husband, Jonathan Lofto, who brings valuable expertise from the financial and business world.
Jonathon is passionate about helping create a fair, organized, and exciting dance competition experience for everyone involved.Together with their friends and fellow directors, Mark Sager and Lisa Sager—who bring extensive experience in business and events—they are excited to introduce TFC.Together, their shared goal is to create a competition that celebrates dancers, supports studios, highlights families, and fosters a fun, welcoming, and positive atmosphere.
This is a dynamic competition experience you won’t want to miss.
Our founding team brings together deep dance industry knowledge and serious business experience. We set out to do it right, from the very first event.
From Micro to Senior, every routine gets the spotlight it deserves. Our awards and atmosphere celebrate achievement at every level.
Timeout Lounge, studio incentives, and hands-on directors mean your team is supported from arrival to the final awards ceremony.
On-time events, transparent scoring, and a positive atmosphere aren't extras — they’re the baseline. Your weekend matters.
The People Behind TFC
Four people. One shared vision. TFC brings together a dancer with two decades on stage and behind the judging table, a finance and business professional, and two experienced event and community builders — all united by a love of dance and a drive to do competition differently.
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
A dancer, choreographer, adjudicator, and studio owner with over two decades in the dance industry. Nicole has lived every side of the competition world — on stage, behind the judging table, and in the studio director’s chair. Her firsthand experience shapes everything from judge selection to how TFC runs its stages.
Co-Founder & Business Director
Jonathan brings deep financial and business expertise to TFC. Partnering with Nicole, his focus on operational excellence and fair practice ensures every event runs on time and transparently — so studios can trust that the logistics will never get in the way of the magic on stage.
Co-Founder & Events Director
Mark brings extensive experience in business and large-scale event production to TFC. His passion for producing memorable, professionally run events shapes every element of the competition weekend — from registration to the final awards ceremony. A competition is a live event, and Mark makes sure it feels like one.
Co-Founder & Community Director
Lisa’s love of creativity, community, and human connection drives the warm, welcoming atmosphere TFC is known for. She ensures every dancer feels seen, every parent feels valued, and every studio feels at home — because the experience around the competition matters just as much as the competition itself.
Carefully selected panels include experienced dance educators who understand technical progressions and the development of young dancers.
Mark tracking and a detailed scoring rubric ensure consistent, transparent judging across every category and division.
Exclusive rubberized score bracelets replace ribbons. Top placements earn large celebration plaques that honour achievement for years to come.
Live Instagram and TikTok coverage connects the online dance community to the energy of every event in real time.
Special recognition and incentive opportunities reward studios who invest in their dancers’ growth and choose to compete with TFC.
Dancers with physical or developmental disabilities have their own division, their own awards, and their own moment to shine on our stage.
Join Canada’s most exciting new dance competition. Register your studio today and experience the TFC difference.
