Alan Faigal
Toronto Youth Director

Alan was born and raised in Toronto and currently resides in Ajax. Though he might describe himself as introverted, Alan is anything but when dancing with his crew or working with youth as Culture Shock Toronto’s Youth Outreach Director. His dedication, energy, and passion are inspiring to his troupe and the youth he works with.

Alan’s only formal dance training has been with Culture Shock, first as a class participant and then later as a troupe member. Prior to Culture Shock, he trained as a fitness instructor and has been in the fitness industry for over ten years. He has been with CSTO for eight years and first found out about Culture Shock by watching a cardio hip hop show on television hosted by then CS National Director Carole Woodstock. When CSTO started offering community classes, he gave it a try and Culture Shock has been part of his life ever since.

Being a part of CSTO has allowed Alan to develop as a dancer but also as a person and an educator. Growing up, Alan faced many adversities but being a part of CSTO has given him a sense of belonging and empowerment. Culture Shock is Alan’s second family and an outlet to develop himself artistically and physically. He wants to continue using hip hop as a means to reach youth and to further integrate it into his career as an educator. He has recently returned to Ryerson University to study Nutrition, and hopes to continue to set a positive example by promoting healthy lifestyles.