BRITISH ISLES PAVILION

2026 British Isles Pavilion Ambassadors

Hi! My name is Elena Haines, I’m 14 years old and I attend Collège Béliveau. I have been dancing for three years, and it has quickly become one of the most important and exciting parts of my life. I work hard both in school and in the studio. I’m proud to maintain high grades, and I love reading in my free
time. When it comes to dance, I really enjoy pushing myself to improve and grow. I’ve had some amazing competition experiences, including my most recent earning 1st place once and 2nd place twice. I truly enjoy competitions, the excitement, the challenge, and the chance to perform on stage always motivate me to give my best. I am especially excited to be part of Folklorama again this year, it’s my 4th year participating! I absolutely love the bustle, the energy, and the strong sense of community that Folklorama brings. Being surrounded by culture, tradition, and supportive people makes it such a special experience, and I’m so proud to be involved!

Hello, my name is McKinley Hodgins and I am excited to be one of the youth ambassadors for the British Isles Pavilion 2026!

When I was 7, I joined classes with the McConnell School of Irish Dance. I instantly fell in love with dancing and performing on stage. Not long after I joined, I started competing in competitions throughout North America, winning many major titles. In 2024, I travelled to Ireland to compete in the CRN World Championships, where I had great success, becoming the under-13 boys world champion. The next year, I travelled back to compete again, winning the under-15 boys category.

I currently attend school at College Jeanne Sauvé, where I participate in many music programs along with being part of my school's wind ensemble. I enjoy school as it teaches me the best ways to do what I love. Outside of school, I like to compose music with friends and play badminton. Playing my instruments in and outside of school has taught me many skills on rhythm and timing that I can implement into my dancing. I am soon to finish my 10th grade year and am very excited for my academic future that awaits me.

Hope to see you all at the British Isles Pavilion this summer!

COMING SOON!

Hi! I’m Ally, and I’m honoured to serve as a an adult Ambassador for the Folklorama British Isles Pavilion. My connection to the British Isles is deeply personal — my grandmother was English, my grandfather was Welsh, my great-grandmother was Irish (and I married Scottish!) so this heritage has always been woven into my family story.

I am a current dancer with the McConnell School of Irish Dance and a former Highland dancer and teacher, and I have always loved how music and dance keep these traditions alive across generations. There is something powerful about stepping into rhythms that have been shared for centuries and bringing them forward into community spaces like Folklorama.

Passing traditions on is also especially meaningful to me: while I couldn’t convince either of them to stay in Highland dance past the age of 8, my youngest, Laura, is a longtime backstage volunteer at the Pavilions and my oldest, Lou, is serving alongside me this year as the other adult ambassador. Celebrating our shared heritage together — and representing it as a family — feels like a beautiful continuation of the stories and culture that shaped us.

I believe culture is best experienced together — through rhythm, storytelling, hospitality, and shared celebration — and I am excited to welcome guests to the pavilion to experience the rich history, vibrant traditions, and enduring spirit of the British Isles. We can’t wait to see you! 

Serving as a Folklorama Ambassador is a fun and rewarding opportunity for anyone who loves the British Isles and Folklorama!  Like all jobs, the role of Ambassador comes with responsibilities, requires dedication, and hard work, all of which must be taken into consideration before submitting an application.

•  Ambassadors must be available and present at the pavilion for the entire week of the festival from opening to closing each night.
• Ambassadors are expected to attend training and orientation sessions to help familiarise them with their role within the pavilion.
• In addition to the festival week, ambassadors attend approximately 5 - 7 required Folklorama events (from June to August) including Ambassador Orientation, Canada Day Celebrations, Media Event, and Folklorama Kick-Off.
• Ambassadors must represent the pavilion in the highest possible standards at all times.
• Ambassadors must wear appropriate cultural attire to all Folklorama events.  Cultural attire is determined by the pavilion coordinator and must represent one of the major countries in the British Isles.
• During pavilion operating hours, Ambassadors are responsible for providing cultural tours and hospitality to visitors from other pavilions. Knowledge of many aspects of British Isles culture, including history, music and dance, and food is essential as well as familiarity with the pavilion's cultural area.
• Ambassadors are expected to socialise with VIP’s guests and dignitaries during their visits.
• British Isles Pavilion Ambassadors are expected to represent and tour other pavilions during the opposite week (when our pavilion is not in operation).  

As part of the selection process applicants may be asked to attend an interview.  Interview dates will be confirmed once all applications are received.

2026 Ambassadors positions have been filled. 

If you're interested in becoming an Ambassador for 2027, please consider volunteering at the British Isles Pavilion!