Nanaimo dancer Halle Ebdrup has been chosen to represent Canada as a member of Team Canada Dance at the World Dance Championships.
The championships are being held in Riesa, Germany from Monday (Nov. 21) to Nov. 26.
When Ebdrup learned she was on the team, she immediately shared the news with family.
“I just screamed and ran downstairs and told my mom,” she said.
Ebdrup’s mother Ann Marie Clark was overwhelmed with emotion.
“I just cried,” said Clark. “I am just so proud of her.”
Ebdrup, 14, has been dancing since she was three years old. Since that time she has learned several different disciplines of dance including tap, classical and lyrical ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern stage and others. Over the years, she has won numerous medals at dance competitions.
She’s competing in the world show dance competition in the adult category.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for her to represent Canada ... it’s a dream come true,” said Kirsten Powers, who teaches Ebdrup ballet at Tempo Dance Academy.
Powers said Ebdrup has a lot of self-discipline and always strives to do better and improve.
“She’s very enthusiastic,” said Powers, adding Ebdrup also brings a positive attitude to class. “We love her at Tempo. We are very proud of her.”
Ebdrup said she loves not only the challenge of competitions, but also the camaraderie she encounters at events.
Ebdrup said she hasn’t decided what she wants to do in the future, but is considering becoming a dance instructor.
As part of the world championships, competitions are being held in various locations. World hip hop and break dance competitions are being held in Graz, Austria; ballet, jazz and modern are held in Wetzlar, Germany and tap championships are being held in Reisa.
Team Canada has had dancers compete during the World Dance Championships since the 1990s. The first team only had 12 dancers and attended the World Tap Championships in Dresden, Germany. Since that time, Team Canada members have won more than 25 world titles in tap, ballet, jazz, modern and show dance.
For more information about Team Canada Dance please go to www.teamcanadadance.com.