Seven dancers from Gravenhurst will be representing Canada in the International Dancing Organization Championships (IDO).
Wendy Laidlaw, owner and artistic director of Just 4 Kicks Academy of Dance, said this is a “remarkable” opportunity to represent not just Gravenhurst, but Ontario and Canada.
“Dancers receive a medal, and if they receive bronze, silver, or gold, they have the honor of standing on the podium,” added Laidlaw. “If Canada wins gold, they play our national anthem.”
She explained these championships are not at all like the provincial competitions.
“Dancers perform in rounds and are eliminated until they arrive at the final top six countries. Those six go head-to-head for a place on the podium. It is about the experience and growth in their dance journey,” she continued.
Laidlaw said the parents are “ecstatic and proud” even though the commitment comes with stress regarding finances.
“These wonderful opportunities do come with costs as these parents will also be traveling with their dancers,” Laidlaw explained.
Shannon Charland and Carlee Brownlee, dance teachers at the academy, said this competition not only gives the dancers the experience of a lifetime by representing the country but also puts the town of Gravenhurst on the map.
“Dancers come from all over Ontario to be on these teams, and we couldn’t be more proud to represent our hometown,” they shared.
Charland added IDO is the only accredited world dance organization that hosts a World championship event. She added the girls are participating in different categories, including tap dance, ballet, and acrobatics.
The championship runs from late October to the end of November in Poland and Czechia.
“It’s seen as the Olympics of dance, with each country bringing the best of the best dancers to represent their country,” said Charland.
