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VIDEO: Danish gymnasts dazzle spectators at South Surrey high schoool

Talented troupe energizes elementary, high school students at EMS Monday

Some South Surrey students started their week with two impressive performances from a visiting group of Danish gymnasts.

The Dejbjerglund Gym Team, all former students of Dejbjerglund Boarding School of Sports in Denmark, range in age from 18 to 26, and perform a mixture of gymnastics, dance, hip hip and movement as they tour a handful of cities in B.C. and the U.S.

Peace Arch and South Meridian elementary school students attended a morning performance in the gym at Earl Marriott Secondary, while EMS students and teachers were able to enjoy an afternoon show.

EMS athletic director Russ Heggie said the group, which features a different travel team each year, first got involved last year through South Meridian teacher Sophie Gronmyr, as they were looking for a place to host the talented troupe.

"They were looking for a place to host them and do performances and connect with local schools – that began last year, they tour from Victoria and Delta and here, then Portland and Denver," Heggie said.

"They got really lucky with the weather... they did the Grouse Grind and Seawall and typical Vancouver-area (tourist attractions)."

Opening the show with a performance of the Danish national anthem, the team performed a mixture of gymnastics, movement, dance and even a little theatre, an energetic and enthusiastic display of their skill.

"They're great ambassadors for Denmark because of their positive and energetic spirit, and they're very talented – not just their gymnastic floor routines, but also in dance and hip hop styles and all the acrobatics that they're doing, so it brings some good energy into the building," Heggie said. 

EMS's leadership students help host and guide the athletes while they visit, and participate in team building and other exercises with them while they're here. Some of last year's students still stay connected with their Danish friends through social media, he added. 

An always-busy gymnasium, EMS co-hosts the Peace Arch News Classic volleyball tournament later this month, as well as the senior girls volleyball provincials, along with Seaquam Secondary in North Delta, in November. 



Tricia Weel

About the Author: Tricia Weel

I’m a lifelong writer and storyteller, and have worked at community newspapers and magazines throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
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