Terrace’s Free Elements Dance studio found success in its first ever virtual competition last month at the Prince George Dance Festival, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Masks on and REM Lee stage booked, we got it done and still came home placing in almost every single group dance we entered,” said Molly Boyetchko, co-owner, in an email.
“We are beyond proud of our dancers for their adaptability, strength and drive.”
Kira MacDougall was awarded a trophy for first place in Classical Ballet 15 and Under, and the studio claimed trophies for Small Group Hip Hop 18 and Under as well as Small Group Classical Ballet 16 and Under.
In the first two months of 2021, the studio adapted all of its group dances to eliminate contact by taking out lifts and partner work and re-choreographing group numbers to comply with B.C. guidelines.
At the Prince George Dance Festival, competing studios submitted recorded numbers, which were then livestreamed for adjudicators, dancers and their families between Mar. 20 and Mar. 25.
The festival was the first opportunity for the studio to compete since closing in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Remaining competitions this season will also be conducted virtually, including the Terrace Dance Competition this April and Prince Rupert’s BC Annual Dance Competition in May.
“Although this isn’t our traditional format for competing, our dancers aren’t used to performing to empty theatres, we are beyond grateful to be able to showcase our hard work,” said Boyetchko.
A full list of results is available at pgdancefestival.com.
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