Seven young dancers from Innisfil, ranging nine to 19, are among the more than 7,500 dancers from 50 countries who qualified to compete in the Dance World Cup.
Regarded by professionals in the industry as the “Olympics of dance," they will compete in various styles of dance including acro, jazz, contemporary, ballet, and tap when they represent Canada in Braga, Portugal from June 30 to July 8.
“On behalf of the Town of Innisfil, we wish all the best to local residents Kaitlyn, Maddy, Eva, Elianna, Olivia, Kayleigh, and Alexis as they travel to Portugal to compete in the Dance World Cup representing Canada,” said Mayor Lynn Dollin.
“This is a tremendous achievement and these young ladies have put in countless hours of training and practice to qualify for this prestigious competition," the mayor added. "Best of luck to all and we know you will do Innisfil proud.”
All seven dancers practise at local dance studios, and the owners and professionals at Miss Jennie’s Performing Arts Studio (MJPAS) and Chelsea’s Dance Pac are proud of the girls’ accomplishments.
“Some dancers are only nine, 10 years old, but have been dancing seven-plus years and Kaitlyn, the oldest MJPAS dancer going, has been with us for 14 years,” Kate Badger and Jennie Chapman of Miss Jennie’s Performing Arts Studio told InnisfilToday.
“I am really looking forward to having this chance to dance for Canada to complete my dance performance journey,” Kaitlyn Rigg said. “As a senior, it is going to be such an amazing memory to have that we got to end with this incredible experience and trip.”
“I am most looking forward to watching all the (dancers from) different countries dance and being a part of Team Canada with the friends I have made over the past year,” Alexis McKenna said.
While some of the dancers are travelling abroad for the first time, others look forward to representing Canada again.
“I have travelled with World Performers Canada (WPC) last year to Spain, but this is my fourth consecutive year with the team,” Eva Graves explained. “And this year, in 2023, I am most excited to travel with my friends from previous years but also my friends from my MJPAS family.”
“I’m competing (in) jazz and acro which are definitely my two favourite styles. I have an acro solo that I’m so excited about performing,” Kayleigh Badger said. “On this team, you still do your full home-studio and then practise these routines independently at home and then together with the WPC team on holidays. We spent Thanksgiving, Christmas break, Family Day, Easter, and the Victoria Day holidays getting ready for this competition.”
“I'm most excited about travelling to Portugal and getting to do workshops and other dance opportunities while I'm there,” Maddy Emo said. “I’m only competing in contemporary, but I'm really looking forward to that because contemp is my favourite and strongest style.”
“For dancers wanting to pursue dance competitively, it's important to be disciplined and dedicated to your training,” Kim Landon and Chelsea King from Chelsea’s Dance Pac told InnisfilToday. “Ensure your studio instructors are qualified. Focus on developing your skills, staying physically fit and healthy, and maintaining a positive attitude. Remember to also keep an open mind and have fun while you learn and grow as a dancer. With hard work and determination, you can achieve your goals and succeed in the dance world.”
“Being a part of Team Canada means so much,” Elianna Failla said. “It’s such an awesome feeling to be representing my country and meeting lots of other kids who also love to dance. I have been practicing every other day at home to get ready … either by watching videos or running through the dances. And, of course, the team scheduled practices. (I’m) getting excited for rehearsals so I can see some of the other team members. It’s pretty cool to see it come together.”
The Dance World Cup will conduct its opening ceremonies on June 30. According to its website, other special events include a dance lecture by Richard Wherlock and Street Battles 1vs1.
“I am most excited about being part of the World Cup and meeting and dancing with people from all over the world,” Olivia Tucker said. “I am really excited about walking in the parade with my Canadian track suit and representing my country. I am also really excited for the chance to visit Portugal and to see Europe.”
When asked about her favourite style of dance, Tucker said: “Ballet is my absolute favourite. I dream of dancing for the National Ballet when I get older. Ballet makes me happy. It is so beautiful and tells a story.”
“If you dream it, do it! If you love to dance and perform, you can do anything you can put your mind to. Passion goes a long way in the dance world,” Jennie Chapman of MJPAS said.
“We’re so proud to have dancers representing Innisfil and our studio on the Canadian team. To have seven dancers from such a small town dancing on this team is incredible. We will be up between 2 and 3 (a.m.) Eastern to watch them all shine,” Kate Badger from MJPAS said.
To learn more about the Dance World Cup, visit the website.
