It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for two Lloyd dancers as they gear up to take the world stage this summer in Ireland.
Mea Gee, 13 and Charlie Johnston, 17, from Core Dynamics Pilates and Dance, will be competing at the Dance World Cup in Dublin, Ireland.
“The competition is July 2026,” said Patti Johnston, Core Dynamics Pilates and Dance owner.
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It all started with an audition.
“They sent out advertising emails to studios and then we got to go audition in Edmonton,” said Charlie.
Gee said she it was quite the experience.
“We had to learn our audition dances pretty quick and then we ran them a couple of times,” she said. “They were watching and I was scared.”
Despite any nerves, the girls’ talents shone on.
“There were five separate auditions the weekend they went, and they each made five teams,” Patti explained. “They’re in the ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop and contemporary teams.
“It’s a great opportunity for these two, from little old Lloyd.”
They’ve already begun their training in Edmonton.
“They’re travelling to Edmonton. It’s almost once a month for three days to meet with a team,” said Patti. “They learn their choreography and do small groups they can be selected for, anywhere from four to six hours.”
On top of preparing for the dance competition, Gee and Charlie are getting some excellent experience.
“They’re getting to learn from some amazing choreographers that they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to train with,” said Patti.
In addition to the five teams the pair qualified for, there’s other dances they’ll be taking part in.
“There’s a showstopper one, which is all the regions doing one together, which is going to be really cool,” said Charlie. “We learn it now, but we have one rehearsal altogether in Toronto.”
When asked if the dancers had a favourite style, it was difficult to narrow it down.
“I like tap and hip-hop the best,” said Gee.
“I really like contemporary and jazz and hip-hop — and ballet,” Charlie said.
Prior to the event, the studio will begin fundraising efforts for Gee and Charlie.
“Each dancer is allowed to raise up to $7,500, it goes towards their classes, their costuming, their travel costs,” said Patti.
Not only will they be dancing in Ireland, but they’ll also have a chance to learn from leading industry experts.
“There’s a convention there as well, so they’re not just competing, they’re taking classes from industry professionals,” she said.
Those looking to support the Lloyd dancers can contact the studio at 780-874-9988 or online at coredynamics.ca.
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