The official buzz squad for the B.C. Summer Games in Abbotsford has been selected.
The new Elementz dance team has come together, and the 15-person team is set to debut later this month.
A multi-week process with auditions concluded on Nov. 7, and Games entertainment chair Lorissa Arndt said the talent from all over the Fraser Valley was overwhelming.
“I would say overall the audition was a success,” she said, following auditions at W.J. Mouat Secondary School on Nov. 7. “There is plenty of talent to choose from to build this elite dance crew.”
About 25 dancers hit the stage, performing in groups of various sizes in front of four judges to determine who would be the right fit for Elementz.
“We want people who are unique, interesting, full of energy and can just bring it,” she said. “It’s also important to have people who, when they dance, your eye is drawn to them.”
Auditions were open to dancers aged 16 to 24 and the final Elementz roster includes: Kiana Rigg, Glory Shumbusho, Savannah Gillespie, Alyssa Litowsky, Lynnelle Sura, Ali Snow, Elisa Weatherston, Michele Faiola, Ginah Choi, Vanessa Tonks, Emily Reid, Caylea Davidson, Elianna Buchan, Jewel Miller and Jade Chong.
Arndt said Elementz will perform about 12 to 15 times before and during the Games. She said the dance crew is there to create atmosphere during events.
“They’re going to perform at pre-Games events from now until the Games,” she said. “Their job is to create energy and hype during the Games, opening and closing ceremonies and the torch-lighting. They will also do a lot of interacting with the athletes at the different special events. It’s going to be amazing; I cannot wait.”
Arndt, who teaches at Dynamic Dance and does choreography for Abbotsford Children’s Theatre, said rehearsals for the team begin on Saturday. The official unveiling for Elementz occurs at the 20th annual Abbotsford Business Excellence Awards at Tradex on Nov. 26.
The 2016 B.C. Summer Games in Abbotsford runs from July 21 to 24. For more details on the event, visit bcgames.org/Games/BCSummerGames.aspx.