Brooks Academy of Dance loves to dance
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Brooks Academy of Dance 'loves to dance' – the BAD competitive team brought home a huge collection of trophies from Love to Dance in Huntsville.
"We've been at four competitions, and we've got one more," said BAD's Jasna Brooks in their dance studio on Broadway/Fox Alley.
Earlier competitions included Flash Dance (Burlington), Be Dance (London), followed by Love to Dance at the Deerhurst Resort, and the recent Kitchener Kick it Up. Their last scheduled event was Dance Canada (May 9-10th weekend).
Love to Dance was easily one of the season highlights.
"They performed well," said Jasna, Office Administrator.
"The judging was fair," said Academy Director Emily Brooks. "You knew there was no favouritism, no politics involved or anything like that because they brought in judges the States. So it was fair game. I loved it."
"We're a small studio, but we don't shy away from big competitions," said Jasna, noting many of them are in their first competitive groups, "because you know what, kid's have to see what life's really like out there. I think that's the reality. They need to know that you can achieve more. I find it drives them more – they come back and they want to be even better."
There are 22 dancers on this year's BAD competitive team, and over the course of the 2014-15 season, and from Year One to Year Three, they've made some significant strides.
"The technique from the kids has grown immensely," said Emily. "Their ballet has improved so much."
"We've seen an immense difference," nodded Academy Director Brittany Brooks-Adam. "In everything... in technique, in the desire and drive for it. It's great to witness. We're so proud of them."
"They've grown a lot," said Jasna.
"Not only as dancers, but as people," said Brittany, recalling a sportsmanship award BAD dancers received. "The kids did great."
Following the final Dance Canada competition, they will be gearing up for the year-end show with three performances, June 20-21, at the Tillsonburg Community Centre Lions Auditorium (11 a.m., 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday).
Emily recalled a comment from one of the teachers at Kick it Up, noting how polite the BAD dancers were. She said that, by itself, had all the BAD instructors smiling.
"If you don't win, it doesn't matter. The fact you can get that comment says so much in itself."
Brooks Academy of Dance
Love to Dance results
Work Song – 1st overall high score elite, teen small group; and 3rd place Dance Off finalist teen/senior
Dream On – 3rd overall high score elite, teen/senior small group acro; and 3rd Dance Off finalist mini/junior
Lean Back – 2nd overall high score elite, teen small group
Latin Moon – 3rd overall high score elite, mini-junior acro duet/trio
Let's Get Tricky – 3rd overall high score elite, mini duet/trio
Pirates – 3rd overall high score novice, mini/junior duet/trio
The Keys – 3rd overall high score elite, teen/senior duet/trio
Angel – 1st overall high score elite, mini junior acro solo
Bounce Dat – 5th overall high score elite, teen/senior solo
Bounce – 7th overall high score elite, teen/senior solo
Grown Women – Photo Contest winner, Director's Choice, winning scholarships to Dance Attack.