Two young dancers from Miss Jennie’s Performing Arts Studio in Alcona will be travelling to Prague in the Czech Republic this week to — once again — compete in the Dance World Cup.
Both Kayleigh Badger, 10, and Olivia Tucker, 11, competed in the World Cup for the first time last year, which is known as the Olympics of Dance.
According to the World Cup website, over 120,000 children from four years old to the age of 25 attempt to qualify to compete in the finals.
This year, 6,000 dancers from 66 countries will compete. It is extremely competitive, as each country is allotted four places for dancers per age group and genre.
“On behalf of the Town of Innisfil, we wish Kayleigh and Olivia the very best as they compete," Mayor Lynn Dollin said. “Their hard work and dedication has definitely paid off and we are all so incredibly proud of them and will be cheering them on as they step on the stage.”
Kayleigh placed in the top 10 for her acro solo last year in Portugal. Not only will she be competing in acro, but she will have jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, ballet and show dance numbers.
“I was only competing (in) two styles last year so I am really excited to have these new opportunities,” she said. “This year I am in a new age category, ages 10 to 13, and I will compete jazz and contemporary solos. Categories in this age bracket have hundreds of competitors so it will be awesome to see so much talent from around the world."
Olivia has been competing in dance for eight years. At this year’s World Cup, she will be doing jazz, acro, tap, ballet, contemporary and lyrical routines. Her favourite style is ballet.
“I was amazed by the talent around the world and really loved meeting new people. I can't wait to do it all again and to make new friends from other countries,” she said. “The competition is very different than what we do in Canada and can't wait to wave the Canadian flag on stage and in the parade of nations.”
Kayleigh’s mother and co-owner of the studio, Kate Badger, said the dancers are "so fortunate to have this opportunity and experience."
“We were so moved by ... last year and can’t wait to be back," she said.
When asked how they learned that they would be competing in the World Cup, Kayleigh said: “We auditioned last year even before we had gone to Portugal.”
Olivia said, “I won my placement on the 2024 team at Xtreme Dance competition in February last year for my ballet solo. I then auditioned for placement in the other dance categories. I have won placement this year for the 2025 team for ballet and have auditioned to see which other style I will participate in. I can't wait to arrive in Prague and to see where we will be travelling to next year.”
In addition to their regular dance season and schedule at the studio, both girls train with the Canadian team in the summer and on statutory holidays.
Kayleigh and Olivia’s families are travelling to Prague as well. They look forward to seeing some of the local attractions, like the Charles Bridge, churches, museums and zoo.
“I am excited to see the Saltwater Springs, the Astronomical Clock and the massive toy store,” Olivia said.
The dancers received a donation from the Gryphon Guild, which is a group of volunteers who usher performances at Georgian College and Five Points Theatre in Barrie; they donate the money they raise to youth arts initiatives in the community.
Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard gave Kayleigh and Olivia pins to take to Prague.
“These pins have both the Canadian flag and the Czech Republic flag on them and I am so proud to wear one on my team jacket,” Olivia explained.
“We are so blessed to have everyone ... behind us,” Kayleigh said. “We ran fundraisers that always had so much support. We hope that other dancers will see us compete and be inspired to try out too.”
Olivia thanked her friends and instructors at the studio for "helping me to find the strength and confidence to grow as a dancer and to follow my dreams.”
“Always believe in yourself and follow your dreams," Olivia said, as a message to her fellow dancers. "I am grateful to be dancing with such stars.”
The World Cup is selling tickets to view the live stream.
“The whole (studio) dance family wishes the girls and their families safe travels and the best of luck on stage,” studio co-owner Jennie Chapman said. “We will be setting alarms for 2 (to) 4 a.m. to watch them dance.”
This year's World Cup runs from June 27 to July 6.
To learn more about the studio, check out its website.
