An event aimed at bridging the gap between young and old in the community and to help mark the 70th birthday of the Town of Qualicum Beach has generated a lot of interest. Round one of So You Think You Can Dance Qualicum saw many talented dancers from several Vancouver Island dance schools turn out for the auditions.
Organizers of the event said dancers performed routines in many different disciplines and the talent was top notch.
Dance judge Donna Wilkins who was at the Qualicum Beach School of Dance March 23 to choose dancers who will move on to round two of the contest said she was looking for dancers who not only had good dance technique, but showmanship and personality as well.
“I am looking for all round talent…someone who is versatile in all styles,” she admitted.
The contest is open to youth between grades six to12 and the winner will receive a trip for two to Las Vegas, including flights, accommodation, workshops in their dance form and tickets to see a Cirque du Soleil show.
Round two will take place on Saturday, April 21 and Wilkins said that is when the cream will rise to the top because dancers will have to dance a couple of different styles.
“The next round has choreography. That is when we will discover who is really versatile.”
The finals will occur on Sunday, May 20 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre.
The finale will include a gala dinner and a night of dance performances that will include two group numbers, one hip hop, the other contemporary, professionally choreographed. There will also be a group number done by the finalists.
The Oceanside Hospice Society is the beneficiary of all funds raised from the event.