News from North Bay: The teenager will represent Canada at the world dance championship in Slovenia
The teenager from the North Bay area will wear the red and white of Team Canada and represent Northern Ontario at the World Dance Championships in Slovenia.
Dancing is the favorite pastime of 17-year-old Cecilia Darling, who is ready to show her stuff on the big stage.
Darling, who hails from Sundridge, has been dancing since she first put on ballet shoes at the age of three.
“I have always loved dancing. I love performing and competing. Dance has given me so much in terms of discipline, friendships and teamwork,” she said.
“I can’t imagine my life without dance.”
In June, she auditioned for the Canadian team of the International Dance Organization (IDO).
Darling learned in September that she will join the team for this year’s IDO World Championship, which will be held in Podčetrtek, Slovenia.
Rehearsals and training sessions began immediately. He comes to North Bay for training 14 hours a week and also goes to Newmarket and Waterdown for his Canada team training.
She was shocked and excited when she found out.
The teenager from the North Bay area will wear the red and white of Team Canada and represent Northern Ontario at the World Dance Championships in Slovenia. Dancing is the favorite pastime of 17-year-old Cecilia Darling, who is ready to show her stuff on the big stage. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)
“I was in complete disbelief,” Darling said.
“I just auditioned for fun because auditions are always a great experience…When I got the email I was so shocked that I was going to have this opportunity.”
On Friday, she was in the studio on the dance floor, stretching and practicing.
Darling will compete in six dances: four group dances, including a modern dance group; jazz band; ballet group; and a contemporary group. She will also have two solo performances in jazz and point in the 17+ category.
She will go on the journey with her parents, who could not be happier for her.
“We are excited about the adventure we are about to embark on,” said her father, Jason Darling.
“She is so dedicated to her dance. She loves her very much and we are so proud of her.”
Cecilia said the training and exercises were rigorous to get her in top physical shape for the competition.
“My dance teachers have been very helpful in preparing not only my technique but also my mindset to compete at such a high level,” she said.
The Canadian team consists of more than 100 dancers and choreographers who will travel to Slovenia with their family members and fans.
The competition runs from November 28 to December 12. 4.
Darling hopes to steal the spotlight and bring home a medal.
“I’m really excited to go and do what I love to do and just share my love of dance,” she said.