Did you know Thermea Spa Village Whitby is once again hosting Aufgusshow 2026? From May 26 to 28, the Spa Village will come alive with heat, rhythm, and storytelling as Canada’s top Aufgussmeister gather for three days of immersive performance.

Across 24 performances, 19 competitors will take the stage in Logga, the largest event sauna in the country. Each ritual blends heat, scent, music, and movement to create a moment that is as powerful as it is fleeting.

Competitors can showcase their craft in three categories: Show Aufguss solo, Show Aufguss duo, and Modern Classic Aufguss. Some will tell bold, theatrical stories. Others will focus on technique, rhythm, and connection. All share the same goal: to earn their place on the international stage.

Before the first towel is lifted, take a moment to meet the competitors behind this year’s performances.

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Meet the Canadian National Aufguss Championship 2026 Participants

Competing Solo

Barbara Prevedel

Representing Thermea Spa Village Whitby
On May 28 at 5:45 p.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

With over three years of experience, Barbara Prevedel approaches Aufguss as both a grounding practice and a form of expression. Her ritual, Spirit of the Sauna, honours the essence of the sauna, blending heat, rhythm, and presence to unite body, mind, and spirit.

At the heart of her practice is creating space: space to release, reflect, and reconnect. Each session becomes a moment suspended in time, shaped by care and intention. With red mandarin often featuring in her rituals, guests will have to attend her Modern Classic Aufguss to discover whether it will appear in this performance.

Barbara is drawn to the indescribable energy of the Canadian National Aufguss Championship, where fellow artists come together to share, learn, and grow through a shared passion.

“My favourite thing about Aufguss is combining heat with release, creating a moment and a safe space where guests can truly let go.”

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHOW & MODERN CLASSIC

Evens Dominique

Representing Bota Bota Spa sur l’eau
On May 26 at 3 p.m. and May 27 at 2:15 p.m.
With a Show Aufguss and a Modern Classic Aufguss

With five years of experience, and after earning third place in the solo Show Aufguss category at Aufgusshow 2025, Evens Dominique brings both heart and story to the sauna. His Modern Classic ritual immerses guests in Caribbean warmth, turning heat, rhythm, and presence into a space for release and self-expression. In his Show Aufguss, The Sacred Hourglass, he explores love that endures, using heat, movement, and presence to transform emotion into a shared, memorable experience.

Vetiver, chosen in honour of his mother, often features in Evens’ rituals, grounding each session in heritage and personal meaning. At Aufgusshow, he looks forward to the vibrant energy of the event, where fellow artists share, connect, and explore creative freedom together.

“Aufguss lets me express myself fully, connect with guests, and bring movement, heat, and energy together to create an unforgettable experience.”

Zacharie Drouin-Hill

Representing Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
On May 28 at 5 p.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

Last year’s duo Show Aufguss winner, Zacharie Drouin-Hill, takes on a Modern Classic Aufguss by himself this year. With five years of experience, he approaches Aufguss as a space for connection, both with others and within oneself. His ritual, A Moment of Acceptance, invites guests to slow down, appreciate who they are, and reflect on where they’ve been.

Focused on simplicity and intention, the experience creates a calm pause from the outside world while letting guests fully engage with the warmth, rhythm, and flow of the sauna.

Black spruce is among Zacharie’s favourite essential oils, though whether it will feature in this Aufguss remains a mystery. At this year’s Aufgusshow, he looks forward to reconnecting with returning competitors and welcoming new members to the Canadian sauna community.

THE AUFGUSSHOW 2025 RECAP

Xavier Drouin-Hill

Representing Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
On May 28 at 11:30 a.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

After winning first place in last year’s duo Show Aufguss alongside his brother, Xavier Drouin-Hill takes the stage this year with a solo Modern Classic ritual. With three years of experience, he approaches Aufguss as a space for grounding and presence. His performance focuses on returning to the present moment, finding balance between past and future, and fully engaging with the warmth and rhythm of the sauna.

Through careful intention, movement, and heat, Xavier encourages guests to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and everyday life. Juniper berry is among his favourite scents, though whether it appears in this ritual remains part of the experience.

At Aufgusshow 2026, Xavier looks forward to witnessing the creativity of fellow competitors and sharing in the collective energy of the Canadian sauna community.

Jacqueline Mason

Representing Thermea Spa Village Whitby
On May 26 at 2:15 p.m.
With a Show Aufguss

In Medusa Unveiled, Jacqueline Mason revisits a familiar figure through a new lens, moving beyond fear and myth to explore connection, identity, and humanity. Her performance brings a modern perspective to the story, inviting guests to see Medusa not as a legend, but as something more personal and relatable.

With three years of experience, and after earning second place in the duo Show Aufguss category in 2025, Jacqueline creates immersive rituals that draw guests into another world. Through heat, movement, and atmosphere, she shapes a space where time softens and attention shifts inward, allowing guests to fully settle into the moment.

While lime is among her favourite essential oils, whether it will be part of this performance remains to be discovered. At this year’s Canadian National Aufguss Championship, Jacqueline looks forward to sharing her story and connecting with fellow Aufguss masters through their creations.

“I love creating an experience where guests can relax and lose track of time in the heat.”

LAST YEAR’S PLAYOFFS IN GERMANY

Quincy Hiebert

Representing Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg
On May 26 at 1:30 p.m.
With a Show Aufguss

In Solamor, Quincy Hiebert draws inspiration from the story of Icarus, exploring passion, risk, and the irresistible pull toward something greater. Her performance transforms this timeless story into an immersive experience shaped by heat, movement, and emotion.

With three years of experience, Quincy approaches Aufguss as a way to uplift and connect. Each ritual becomes an opportunity to brighten someone’s day and create a shared moment of joy, where guests can fully step into the experience and let themselves be carried by it.

At the Championship, Quincy looks forward to reconnecting with fellow Aufguss masters and celebrating the community that brings them together.

“I believe we need more people who bring joy into the world, and I feel lucky to do that every day.”

QUINCY’S AUFGUSSHOW 2025 PREPARATIONS

Emily Krolick

Representing Wander the Resort
On May 26 at 10 a.m.
With a Show Aufguss

With over three years of experience, Emily Krolick approaches Aufguss as a fully immersive art form. Her upcoming Show Aufguss remains top secret, but promises an inspiring and cinematic story that explores the perseverance of mankind.

For Emily, Aufguss is a powerful form of expression. Through heat, scent, music, and movement, she creates experiences that go beyond words, evoking emotion and awakening memories through storytelling. Each performance becomes a space where guests are invited to feel, reflect, and connect on a deeper level.

Her background in dance plays a central role in her approach, bringing fluidity and intention to every movement. The towel becomes an extension of her body, allowing her to merge technique and artistry into a dynamic and engaging performance. Since 2022, she has performed hundreds of rituals, continually refining her ability to blend her passions into one cohesive experience.

Sandalwood is among her favourite essential oils, though she hints at using something reminiscent to shape the atmosphere of this performance. At Aufgusshow 2026, she is most excited to bring her story to life by combining light, music, movement, and emotion into a fully realized Show Aufguss.

Sandrine Bastille

Representing Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
On May 28 at 10 a.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

In Road to the Self, Sandrine Bastille offers a reflective journey inward, guided by heat, rhythm, and presence. Her Modern Aufguss unfolds with intention, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves through each phase of the ritual.

Since beginning her practice in 2023, Sandrine has expanded her approach through local and international experience. Her time in Germany deepened her understanding of classical towel techniques, enriching the foundation of her Modern Aufguss while keeping her heart rooted in freestyle expression.

For Sandrine, Aufguss is about creating connection. Her intention is simple: to ensure every guest feels acknowledged and seen, through movement, presence, and carefully built moments of reflection.

Her journey has also taken her to the international stage, including a third-place finish at the Master Freestyle Aufguss qualifications in the Netherlands, a wild card entry to the finals in Germany, and a first-place win at the Kristall Cup in 2026, securing her place at the Master Freestyle Aufguss Finals.

During this year’s Aufgusshow, she looks forward to sharing her evolving practice on home soil and connecting with the Canadian sauna community, bringing experience, intention, and a touch of surprise to every moment.

Mohammad Abdollahzadeh

Representing Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg
On May 28 at 1:30 p.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

In Silk Road, Mohammad Abdollahzadeh invites guests on a journey along the ancient paths of Persia, where goods, ideas, and cultures once converged. His Modern Classic Aufguss transforms history into a reflective and grounding experience, connecting the past with the present through heat, movement, and intention.

Star anise, a bold and aromatic choice, adds depth to the atmosphere, complementing the ritual’s story and sensory rhythm.

With three years of experience, Mohammad approaches Aufguss as a moment of calm and release. Each ritual is an opportunity to let go of stress, centre attention, and invite presence.

At this year’s Aufgusshow, he is especially excited to compete in the Modern Classic category and share his interpretation with fellow Aufguss masters, bringing a blend of heritage, technique, and intention to Logga’s stage.

Jad Maalouf

Representing Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
On May 26 at 10:45 a.m.
With a Show Aufguss

After winning first place in last year’s solo Show Aufguss and representing Canada in Italy, Jad Maalouf returns with The Making of a Star, a Show Aufguss exploring the courage it takes to break free from expectations and embrace one’s true self. With under two years of experience, he brings a vibrant energy and heartfelt presence to every performance.

For Jad, Aufguss is about more than heat and technique: it’s about connection, community, and spreading joy. “It’s the love that constantly gets spread between guests and within the community.” Through movement, rhythm, and presence, he creates a space where guests can fully engage, reflect, and feel part of something larger.

Cinnamon, one of his favourite essential oils, may appear in the ritual, adding warmth and depth to the experience. At Aufgusshow 2026, Jad looks forward to reconnecting with fellow masters, sharing his craft, and continuing to spread both heat and love throughout the sauna.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JAD MAALOUF

Stéphane Gauthier

Representing BiOM Health Club
On May 26 at 11:30 a.m. and May 28 at 3 p.m.
With a Show Aufguss and a Modern Classic Aufguss

With eight years of experience, Stéphane Gauthier brings both intensity and intentionality to Aufgusshow 2026, presenting a Show and a Modern Classic Aufguss. In his Show Aufguss, The Intervention, he explores the emotional aftermath of a police operation gone wrong, highlighting the realities of PTSD for service members. Through movement, rhythm, and heat, he creates a performance that is immersive, reflective, and deeply human.

In his Modern Classic Aufguss, Stéphane shifts focus to the essence of Aufguss, heat, rhythm, and connection, crafting a grounded and intentional ritual where guests can reconnect with themselves while sharing in the collective energy of the group.

“Aufguss brings people together—body, mind, and spirit.”

Sandalwood, his favourite essential oil, might provide warmth and grounding across both rituals. At Aufgusshow, Stéphane looks forward to witnessing the full spectrum of performances, connecting with fellow masters, and sharing his own carefully crafted experiences with the Canadian sauna community.

Maxime Trépanier

Representing Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
On May 27 at 5 p.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

With just under a year of experience, Maxime Trépanier brings fresh and intuitive energy to his Modern Classic Aufguss. His ritual, Road trip en nature, guides guests on a tranquil journey through nature, gradually building toward a dynamic and vibrant conclusion.

Inspired by the rhythms of the outdoors, the experience allows space for relaxation, reflection, and immersion before shifting into an energizing finale. At the heart of Maxime’s approach is connection, creating a meaningful bond with each guest throughout the ritual.

“Connection with people is what makes Aufguss so special.”

Virginia cedar will be part of the experience, adding warmth and grounding to the journey. At this year’s Championship, Maxime looks forward to meeting new people and learning as much as possible from this shared and immersive experience.

MAXIME’S FIRST AUFGUSS

Laura Cordon

Representing Everwild Spa
On May 27 at 5:45 p.m.
With a Modern Classic Aufguss

With four years of experience, Laura Cordon approaches Aufguss as a practice of return, focusing on presence, connection, and the moments we often set aside. Her Modern Classic ritual invites guests to reconnect with the things they love, especially when life feels too full to make room for them.

Through heat, rhythm, and attentive presence, she creates a space where guests can slow down, reflect, and share in the collective experience of the sauna.

“Aufguss brings us back into presence—with ourselves and with others.”

Black spruce, her essential oil of choice, provides grounding and complements the intention of her ritual. At Aufgusshow 2026, Laura looks forward to reconnecting with fellow practitioners who share her passion and to continuing her growth within the Aufguss community.

Abigail Gillies

Representing Thermea Spa Village Whitby
On May 26 at 5:45 p.m. and May 28 at 10:45 a.m.
With a Show Aufguss and a Modern Classic Aufguss

With nearly four years of experience, and after earning second place in the solo Show Aufguss category in last year’s Aufgusshow, Abigail Gillies brings two distinct performances to Aufgusshow 2026, each rooted in immersion, storytelling, and presence.

In her Show Aufguss, Life in the Dreamhouse, she explores a familiar and playful world while revealing the deeper layers that lie beneath the surface. Through heat, movement, and atmosphere, she creates a story that invites curiosity, reflection, and connection.

In her Modern Classic Aufguss, Victorian Royalty Day in the Life, Abigail transports guests to the 1800s, offering a refined and immersive experience inspired by the elegance of the Victorian era. This ritual focuses on slowing down, reconnecting, and fully inhabiting the present moment.

“My favourite thing about Aufguss is that it’s the most potent escape from reality, yet you feel completely in your body.”

Cedarwood, one of her favourite essential oils, will be featured in one of her three sessions. At Aufgusshow, Abigail looks forward to reconnecting with fellow Canadian Aufguss Masters and sharing in the passion and creativity that define the community.

Kasha Kostrzewa

Representing Thermea Spa Village Whitby
On May 26 at 5 p.m. and May 27 at 3 p.m.
With a Show Aufguss and a Modern Classic Aufguss

With three and a half years of experience, Kasha Kostrzewa returns to Aufgusshow after earning second place in the duo Show Aufguss category in 2025. She brings two contrasting yet complementary solo performances, each rooted in creativity, connection, and intention.

In her Show Aufguss, Hotel Haellelujah, she shares the story of a nun who, after facing bullying, escapes into a surreal journey that leads her to a mysterious hotel library. Trapped inside, she must find a specific book to make her way out. Through heat, movement, and storytelling, Kasha creates an immersive and imaginative experience that invites guests into a world of curiosity and discovery.

In her Modern Classic, Time for Self, she shifts focus inward, offering a calm and intentional space dedicated to personal care. This ritual encourages guests to step away from external demands and reconnect with themselves through heat, rhythm, and presence.

Kasha approaches Aufguss as a form of creative expression with the power to positively impact someone’s day or even their week. At Aufgusshow, she looks forward to connecting with fellow practitioners and celebrating the creativity and passion of the Canadian sauna community.

LAST YEAR’S PLAYOFFS IN GERMANY

Competing as a Duo

Zacharie and Xavier Drouin-Hill

Representing Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
On May 27 at 10:45 a.m.
With a Show Aufguss

Zacharie and Xavier Drouin-Hill captured first place in last year’s Aufgusshow with a duo Show Aufguss, earning the opportunity to represent Canada in Europe. This year, the brothers return with a powerful interpretation of the Wendigo story, blending folklore with their own vision to create a captivating performance.

With a shared passion for Aufguss and storytelling, the duo crafts an immersive atmosphere where movement, heat, and narrative intertwine. Their ritual explores transformation and tension, drawing guests into a world shaped by both tradition and imagination.

For Zacharie and Xavier, Aufguss is rooted in connection, whether with the story, the guests, or each other. This performance is also deeply personal, a chance to share the sauna as brothers and bring their creative vision to life.

“Sharing a special moment with guests is what makes this practice so meaningful.”

THEIR FIRST INTERNATIONAL AUFGUSS EXPERIENCE

Quincy Hiebert and Stedroy Crump

Representing Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg
On May 27 at 1:30 p.m.
With a Show Aufguss

In Trials of Abnoba, Quincy Hiebert and Stedroy Crump tell the story of a man who, after a life in the wilderness, encounters the spirit of nature and must prove himself worthy for a chance at immortality. Through heat, movement, and atmosphere, they bring this journey to life in an immersive and expressive performance.

With a combined experience of four years in Aufguss, the duo blends their energy and backgrounds to create a performance rooted in connection. Their approach is both playful and intentional, shaped by a shared love of movement and a natural ability to uplift one another throughout the ritual.

They are driven by the joy of connecting with guests, making them smile, and building a shared moment that extends beyond the sauna. This sense of connection carries through every element of their performance, from choreography to presence.

Maritime pine and clove, their respective favourite essential oils, reflect the individuality each brings to the ritual. At Aufgusshow, they look forward to connecting with fellow Aufguss masters and sharing their passion.

“We love connecting with guests, making them smile, and hyping each other up.”

Marika Charbonneau and Jade Coulombe

Representing Kōena Spa & BiOM Health Club
On May 27 at 11:30 a.m.
With a Show Aufguss

In Interwoven, Marika Charbonneau and Jade Coulombe bring to life the invisible threads that connect us. Their Show Aufguss unfolds as a shared story, built through movement, rhythm, and emotion rather than words, inviting guests to experience connection on a deeper level.

With a combined experience spanning more than a decade, the duo blends sensitivity, precision, and storytelling to create a performance that is both dynamic and intimate. Each gesture, wave of the towel, and rising moment of heat is carefully orchestrated to make the ritual as felt as it is seen.

“What we love most about Aufguss is the ability to communicate without words,” says the team. Their connection to each other and to the guests guides every detail of the performance, making the experience uniquely immersive.

At Aufgusshow, Marika and Jade look forward to sharing a story that is deeply meaningful to both of them and celebrating the shared passion and creativity of the Canadian Aufguss community.

Abigail Gillies and James Oinonen

Representing Thermea Spa Village Whitby
On May 27 at 10 a.m.
With a Show Aufguss

Abigail Gillies and James Oinonen bring The Unfair Maiden to life, a Show Aufguss that revisits the classic tale of a courageous knight and a princess in need of saving. As the story unfolds, both the mission and the maiden reveal themselves to be far more complex than first expected.

Through movement, rhythm, and atmosphere, the duo blends storytelling with the immersive elements of Aufguss, creating a performance that encourages guests to pause, reflect, and experience the unexpected.

With nearly four years of experience, Abigail brings a deep understanding of presence and immersion, while James contributes a thoughtful and expressive approach. Together, they craft a ritual that highlights the power of connection and shared experience.

“One of the most special aspects of Aufguss is that it is the most potent escape from reality, yet it keeps you fully present in your body.”

Cedarwood, one of Abigail’s favourite essential oils, will be featured in one of the three sessions, adding warmth and grounding to the experience. At Aufgusshow 2026, the duo looks forward to connecting with fellow Canadian Aufguss masters and sharing a story that is both classic and unexpectedly rich.

Plan your experience and get ready to witness it all firsthand.

FIND ALL THE 2026 EVENT DETAILS

BUY AUFGUSSHOW TICKETS NOW

Chelsea

Winnipeg

Whitby

Aufgusshow 2026: Meet the Competitors

Meet the Canadian National Aufguss Championship 2026 Participants

Competing Solo

Barbara Prevedel

Evens Dominique

Zacharie Drouin-Hill

Xavier Drouin-Hill

Jacqueline Mason

Quincy Hiebert

Emily Krolick

Sandrine Bastille

Mohammad Abdollahzadeh

Jad Maalouf

Stéphane Gauthier

Maxime Trépanier

Laura Cordon

Abigail Gillies

Kasha Kostrzewa

Competing as a Duo

Zacharie and Xavier Drouin-Hill

Quincy Hiebert and Stedroy Crump

Marika Charbonneau and Jade Coulombe

Abigail Gillies and James Oinonen

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Chelsea

Winnipeg

Whitby

Aufgusshow 2026: Meet the Competitors

Meet the Canadian National Aufguss Championship 2026 Participants

Competing Solo

Barbara Prevedel

Evens Dominique

Zacharie Drouin-Hill

Xavier Drouin-Hill

Jacqueline Mason

Quincy Hiebert

Emily Krolick

Sandrine Bastille

Mohammad Abdollahzadeh

Jad Maalouf

Stéphane Gauthier

Maxime Trépanier

Laura Cordon

Abigail Gillies

Kasha Kostrzewa

Competing as a Duo

Zacharie and Xavier Drouin-Hill

Quincy Hiebert and Stedroy Crump

Marika Charbonneau and Jade Coulombe

Abigail Gillies and James Oinonen

Latest Stories

Beating the Humid Months with Heat: A Thermal Wellness Expert’s Guide

The Summer Contrast: Why the Thermal Cycle Hits Differently in the Sun

From Chelsea to Whitby: Two Exceptional Spa Villages to Discover

Meet the Canadian National Aufguss Championship 2026 Participants