Silver and Gold isn’t just a Christmas song to three current Niagara Catholic students and one recent alumni.
The quartet recently returned from the IDO World Championships in Slovenia, described as the “Olympics of Dance” for its high standards for competition, as members of Team Canada Dance.
The competition brought together dancers from around the world to showcase their routines in a variety of universal and regional dance styles. It was an incredible opportunity for the dancers to perform on a global stage.
Helene Lemmen (Blessed Trinity Class of 2022), Ava Seca (Grade 12, Blessed Trinity), and Julianna Watt (Grade 12, Blessed Trinity) competed on the adult Team Canada dance team. Ava competed in ballet and Helene and Julianna competed in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. All routines did well however the Adult Ballet group won gold, and the Adult Ballet duet of Helene and Julianna won silver.
Addison Gray is a Grade 7 student at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School. She competed on the children’s Team Canada dance team. She danced in two solos, groups, and formations in all three styles of dance. Addy and her team won silver for their ballet group and gold for their ballet formation.
Their parents said it was “very surreal and emotional” to hear O Canada played for these dancers as they stood at the podium! They all worked hard and have been training since the summer after receiving a golden ticket at a competition in May to have a spot on this national team.
Standings are below:
Adult Team Standings:
Ballet – Groups – 1st
Ballet – Duos (Helene and Julianna) – 2nd
Jazz – Duos – (Helene and partner)- 8th
Jazz – Groups – 9th
Jazz – Formations – 7th
Modern & Contemporary – Formations – 14th
Children’s Team Standings:
Ballet – Groups – 2nd
Ballet – Formations – 1st
Ballet Open Classical – Solo – Addison – 7th
Jazz – Groups – 6th
Jazz – Formations – 4th
Modern & Contemporary – Solo – Addison – 21st
Modern & Contemporary – Groups – 10th
Congratulations to Addison, Ava, Helene, and Julianna. We’re all very proud of you!