Dancers from throughout the Kootenays performed last Friday and Saturday at the Just Dance Festival in the Brilliant Cultural Centre near Castlegar.
The dancers ranged from six years-old up to 18 years-old. There were many different categories from jazz to ballet to tap to modern to hip hop. Adjudicator Tiffany Bilodeau, a former member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, from Vancouver judged the performers based on a number of criteria.
“It was a great weekend,” said co-organizer Edena Brown from the Turning Pointe Performance Company in Castlegar. “There was some great dancing. The event was very successful. We had great community involvement and support. Lots of local businesses sponsored awards and bought program ads. We are very grateful for the community support.”
Winning the adjudicator’s choice for top overall senior dancer (sponsored by Yule Anderson) was Alison Brooks from Penticton. Adjudicator’s choice for top overall junior dancer (sponsored by M&M Meat Shop and Back in Balance Chiropractice) was Hollie Arsenault from Rossland.
Adjudicator’s choice “One of a Kind” Award (sponsored by Heritage Credit Union) was “Love Triumphant” dance by Charlotte McKay and Anna Cooper from Rossland. High Score Group award (sponsored by KSCU) went to hip hop number “They Don’t Really Care” performed by Turning Pointe dancers from Castlegar. High score duo or trio award (sponsored by Kootenay Smile Studio) went to “Two of a Kind” performed by Renee Jeffery and Kathyrn Boyd from Kimberley. High Score solo award (sponsored by 5N Plus) went to Alexis Brooks from Penticton.