Twelve-year-old Kelsey Hayes from Aldergrove has been selected to represent Canada at the prestigious World Hip Hop Championships in Bochum, Germany in September.
“Auditions for the Canadian National Dance Team brought some of the best dancers from across Canada, vying for a position on the team to represent Canada at the World level,” states a press release from Team Canada’s National Dance Director, Bonnie Dyer.
According to the release, dance is not recognized in Canada as a Sporting Event, even though many of these dancers train up to seven days a week, are as flexible as any gymnast, as graceful as figure skaters and as dedicated as any Olympic athlete.
Hayes currently dances 20-25 hours a week, training in hip hop, ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro, stage and contortion; all while maintaining a very high academic average. Among her most recent accomplishments since joining Company Competitive Dance three years ago, is a Gold Medal win for her contemporary performance at the Dance World Cup 2014, held in Niagara Falls, Canada, July 4-6.
“Dance is not a hobby for me, it is my passion,” says Hayes. “I love to dance but hip hop is one of my favourite styles. When I hip hop I feel very swagy and like I can just let loose.”
As part of Team Canada’s Hip Hop Junior Group, Hayes is required to raise $3,500 to cover the costs of travel, choreography, coaches, Team Canada jackets, hotels and entrance fees.
“I would like to ask for any help in making my dream to dance for Canada, a reality.”
Fund raising events have been planned within the community over the next two months to help her get one step closer to achieving this fabulous opportunity.
Saturday, July 26, 2014 — Hot Dog Sale Co-op in Aldergrove from 9:30-2:00
Saturday, September 6, 2014 — Pub Night Murrayville Pub in Langley from 5pm - midnight. Tickets are $25 and include Roast Beef Dinner and Drink
Donations can also be made at https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/1nGi9