Several local dancers are heading to Europe for the International Dance Organization’s World Dance Championships.
This year’s Team Canada Dance team includes Surrey/Cloverdale dancers Tianna Chilibeck, Charyse Cerezo, Victoria Holman, Madison Yaremchuk, Isabella Bonato, Rylen Samson and Lillian Chen.
The girls will compete in Riesa, Germany, from Nov. 21-26.
The International Dance Organization has more than 250,000 member dancers from six 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.
Team Canada Dance National Director Bonnie Dyer has selected Danielle Gardner to choreograph the team.
Dyer said the Canadian team’s strength stems from the high standard of training that local studios offer, adding “It is also great to see the best of the best in Canada that come from various studios all working together as one team with one goal – and that is to represent Canada.”
There girls spent the summer training for competition.
Since there is no government support for Team Canada Dance, each member must raise their own funds to attend the world championships.
Individually and in groups, the dancers have held hot dog sales, car washes, bottle drives, pub nights, sold doughnuts, Tupperware, and will be holding more events in October and November.
To support the team or for more information about Team Canada Dance, visit www.teamcanadadance.com