Team Canada dancers will be performing at the Massey Theatre Saturday, as part of the second annual Gala for Gold Showcase and Fundraiser.
The group of 39 representing the West Coast will be heading to the International Dance Organization World Championships in Poland from Dec. 7 to 14, hoping to win a spot on the podium. Competition will definitely be fierce, with 23 other nations sending in their best. But costumes and a flight across the pond don’t come cheap.
Because the team does not receive any government funding, each family has to raise $3,600.
“After the gala, that money is divided among the 39 dancers and they give us a cheque. Last year, we received it at the airport as we were boarding,” said Susan Kiddie, mother of 15-year-old Caroline, who’s on Team Canada for the second year in a row.
Kiddie encourages everyone to buy a ticket, not only to support the cause but to witness some beautiful performances.
“You’ll see all the categories, from modern jazz to ballet. There will be solos, duos and groups,” she said. “There will also be live and silent auctions of fabulous items.”
According to Kiddie, her daughter and the team have worked extremely hard to get to this point, dedicating a lot of time to training and perfecting their craft.
Caroline, who decided at the age of 10 to give up competitive figure skating for dance, will be performing her first ballet solo at the championships.
“She’s very serious about her dance and knows it’s a tremendous privilege to be competing,” Kiddie added. “She’s a quiet person in the public eye, but when she gets out on that stage, she’s in a different sphere. She feels free.”
On top of her commitment to Team Canada, Caroline dances 20 hours a week, keeps up with her French immersion homework and is involved with the dance program at her school.
At last year’s event, the teen from Burnaby won two gold medals and was fourth in her jazz group, and sixth for large modern group finals. Canada won a trophy for the best international team, with the most gold medals of the 24 participating countries for a second year running.
Besides the performing aspect of the competition, Kiddie said the trip will allow the girls to bond and form new friendships.
“It will also provide them with a network of choreographers, who can help them launch a professional career.”
Tickets for the gala are $21.95 and can be purchased by visiting masseytheatre.com or by calling 604-521-5050.
