In just two weeks, 20 local dancers will be jetting off to Riesa, Germany for the International Dance Organization (IDO) World Tap Dance Championships, from Dec. 1-5.
Featuring top dancers from more than 90 countries, the event is one of the highest level competitions these dancers can face.
The Canadian teams — made up of several Langley dancers — are choreographed by Langley’s own Lisa Dew of Lisa’s School of Dance.
The junior team (ages 12-15) features Kaprice Goldsmith, Kyla Fowler, Samara Simon, Jordyn Beitel and Allison Young from Lisa’s School of Dance; Madeleine Ducharme from Studio One Dance Centre in Aldergrove; Maya Zalo from Dance Xpressions in Surrey; and Jaden Vukelich, Jaine Hillier and Jaime Alcos.
The senior team (ages 16 and over) is made up of Betty Kerekes, Danika Simon, Elizabeth Coady, Emma Zadeiks, Faith Dew, Jessy MacDonald, Michaela Lanfranchi, Tianna Sinkovits and Megan Schumi from Lisa’s School of Dance; and Shayleen Dignall from Dance Xpressions.
“It is absolutely unbelievable, it’s a dream come true,” Lisa Dew told The Times in an interview in August.
“It’s like having your top five students in your large group, multiplied by five. So everyone in the group is giving it 110 per cent.”
The students have been practising for the world stage since July — many, while balancing schedules with school and regular dance classes. Each dancer is also required to raise $3,600 plus the cost of costumes, food and more.
Last year, Canada’s children and adult teams placed in the top 10, while the junior team placed in the top five.
Before they perform in Germany, the dancers are showcasing their skills this Friday (Nov. 20) at a special performance in Abbotsford.
Held at the Abby Arts Centre, the showcase will feature all Team Canada dancers and numerous other performance groups from across B.C.
There will also be a silent auction, flower sales, concession and other activities to help support the dancers.
Tickets are $25 and are available at The Dance Box, 114-20226 Fraser Hwy in Langley, Limbers Dancewear, 150-5620 152 St. in Surrey, and JazzMaTAzz, 3-2543 Montrose Ave. in Abbotsford.
Show begins at 6 p.m.
For more info, visit www.teamcanadadance.com or www.ido-dance.com.
