Did you know Thermea Spa Village Whitby is hosting Canada’s first National Sauna Performance Championship? June 17, 18 and 19, Aufgusshow will be taking over the Spa Village. During those three days, 18 show Aufguss will take place in Logga—the largest event sauna in the country—and 20 Aufgussmeister will get to show off their skills to spectators and judges. The ultimate goal? To win and represent Canada on the world stage in Italy.

Out of those 20 Aufgussmeister, 7 are from Whitby. Let’s meet them before their big day, so we can cheer even louder when their performance comes.

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Abigail Gillies

Tell Us About Yourself

My name is Abby and I’ve been a Ritual Artisan for 2.5 years now. I was looking for a unique job after high school, and I knew this role would exceed my expectations of “niche” when nobody knew what I was talking about when I described my new job! Aufguss quickly captivated me and made towel waving practise my favourite pastime. When I’m not in the sauna, I am a student at Trent University studying psychology, but I hope to remain an Aufgussmeister for years to come.

What Does the Aufguss Community Mean to You?

As humans, community and expression is everything. I feel so lucky that the Aufguss community not only exists, but that I get to be a part of it. Aufguss has become a large part of my identity as it is an all-encompassing channel for my creative energy, my passion for health and wellness, as well as an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. It is a true gift to experience such magic, vulnerability and intense feeling in a group setting, and every day I feel honoured to be able to share this gift with others in the sauna.

When to Watch Abigail’s Performance: June 19 at 10 a.m.

Barbara Prevedel

Tell Us About Yourself

My name is Barb; I have always been inspired to help people. Giving and sharing experiences or energy with others has always brought me happiness and joy. I had tried different avenues to facilitate this, but it wasn’t until Thermea Spa Village opened in Whitby that I truly felt I was in the right space. Offering Aufguss, meditations and treatments to guests has been a heartwarming experience. Giving them a unique experience through Aufguss and feeling the joy and contentment it brings, makes me feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.

What Does Aufguss Mean to You?

Aufguss is a unique sauna experience, and I’m grateful to share it. I create a safe space for guests to let go, be present, and fully relax. My sessions range from deep surrender—releasing negativity—to lively, music-filled moments of joy. Seeing guests unwind, move, and smile is truly heartwarming. I’m also fortunate to work with an amazing team, growing together in the Aufguss community.

When to Watch Barbara’s Performance: June 17 at 3 p.m.

Emily Finlay

Tell Us About Yourself

Hi! I’m Emily Finlay and I am a woman who has worn many hats over my years on this beautiful planet; from radio to hairdressing; to Wife and Mama; to Aufgussmeister and gardener; with many things in between. I am passionate about creativity, connecting with the earth, sharing love and spreading joy within my own little world. I have had the complete luck of stumbling upon the magical world of sauna work about 3 years ago, and I haven’t looked back since.

What Has Aufguss Taught You?

Every day I have the honour of connecting with guests, spreading nature’s healing nectar and heat within the sauna, and all while creating beautiful journeys for people within their wellness journeys. Aufguss has shown me how to hold space for others, to guide guests into a new world of wellness, and that essential oils, heat, and a lot of love can positively impact so many. The magic of the sauna can help and heal, and I have the pleasure to be the conduit for the sauna spirit to touch those who enter the space. It is a complete pleasure to guide and help others find relaxation and peace.

When to Watch Emily’s Performance: June 19 at 9 a.m.

Emily Krolick

Tell Us About Yourself

With a background in wellness through Kinesiology and a lifelong passion for dance spanning over two decades, the art of Aufguss was destined to be a thrilling pursuit. Having worked as a Ritual Artisan for two and a half years, I can say that my life has never been the same. My love for connecting with people through performing is what initially led me to my journey at Thermea Spa Village. We have a welcoming environment where the process of creating is seen as a gift. Aufguss rituals capture each of my passions, seamlessly blending dance, performance, and wellness together to hopefully inspire guests and uplift them.

What Makes Your Aufguss Performance Unique?

Many guests notice my dance background in the way I move. Trained in ballet, tap, jazz, acro, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, and flamenco, I integrate dance into my towel movements to enhance the emotional depth of my rituals. Musicality is just as important, elevating storytelling in my show Aufguss. Like dance, Aufguss expresses emotions without words—creating a powerful, immersive experience.

When to Watch Emily’s Aufgusshow Performance: June 17 at 12 p.m.

Kasha Kostrzewa and Jacqueline Mason

Tell Us About Yourselves

We both come from health and wellness backgrounds and started at Thermea Spa Village in August 2022. We quickly fell in love with Aufguss and the passion grew from there. We even found ourselves travelling to Europe to experience and learn more about sauna culture and all that it encompasses.

What Has Aufguss Given Back to You Two?

It’s a community that has welcomed us with open arms and created lasting friendships. The sauna is a space where the heat, steam, and essential oils wash your worries away. It’s a space where we can be present, mindful and in the moment. Aufguss offers us a creative outlet and the perfect opportunity to connect with guests, ensuring they leave feeling better than when they arrived. We both love to bring the heat!

When to Watch Kasha and Jacqueline’s Performance: June 17 at 5 p.m.

Victoria Forster

Tell Us About Yourself

I have been working at Thermea Spa Village Whitby for over 2 and half years and this was my first experience with Aufguss rituals. I have always loved saunas, hydrotherapy and holistic wellness. This felt like the perfect next step.

What Does the Aufguss Community Mean to You?

I have loved everything about joining this warm and welcoming community. I am so fortunate to work with such a diverse and talented team, and I have met so many wonderful people from around the world. It is so exciting to see the Aufguss community continue to grow in Canada.

When to Watch Victoria's Performance: June 18 at 12 p.m.

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