(PHOTO: Rylee Fortier-Turner (left) and Paige Publow from Pointe of Grace Dance Company)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K0yyINp34g&feature=youtu.be
Several local dancers auditioned and have made it to the largest and most prestigious of all dance competitions, The World Dance Championships, and two are from Stittsville.
The championships will be held this year in Graz, Austria, from October 19-23. The International Dance Organization has over 250 thousand member dancers from 6 continents. This exciting World Championship format is Olympic Style with only one Gold, Silver and Bronze being presented on the Podium with the World Champions National Anthem being played as the top three medalist flags are raised.
Selected to represent Canada are Paige Publow, age 13, from Stittsville, and Rylee Fortier-Turner age 12, from Kanata. Both attend Pointe of Grace Dance Company in Stittsville.
“It’s truly amazing and I’m so honoured to be able to do this once in a lifetime experience. This opportunity means so so so much to me and I’m prepared to work my butt off and push myself to the limits,” says Publow.
Other participants from the Ottawa-Gatineau area include:
- Samantha Marois, age 14, Gatineau, Kali Andrews Dance Company
- Kyle Wegg, age 14, Ottawa, Kali Andrews Dance Company
- Myranda Bingham, age 20, Ottawa, Kali Andrews Dance Company
- Angel Kirton, age 15, Ottawa, Kali Andrews Dance Company
- Lara Renaud, age 14, Gatineau, Atelier de danse Carole Brouard (World Championship in TAP, Germany, November 29-December 4.)
While most teens are doing other activities during the summer, these talented teens will gladly give up their summer holidays as well as their weekends to train for this exciting experience and a chance to represent Canada on the World Stage. Since there is no government support for Team Canada Dance, each member must raise their own funds to attend the World Championships.
Publow has set up a Facebook page to share updates and to help with fundraising, and is looking for corporate sponsors and private support. You can contact her family at paige4canada@gmail.com.
Fortier-Turner also has a Facebook page, and you can reach her at ryleedance2016@gmail.com.
More Information on Team Canada Dance can be found on www.teamcanadadance.com