Abbotsford dance studio Danceworx participated in the Shine Dance Festival in Penticton over the long weekend and walked away with a prestigious award.
Danceworx members performed well, achieving special awards and scholarships that recognized excellence, achievement and sportsmanship.
The crowning recognition after four days of full dance schedules was that Danceworx studio won the prestigious Studio Spirit Award. Owners of DX, Elise Melo and Pat Erikson – along with their teachers, office staff, parents, and students – were recognized for excellence in exemplifying positive character.
The award is given to a studio whose students, staff, and families exhibit friendliness, respect and support toward fellow competitors, teachers and festival staff, as well as modeling a high standard of etiquette and sportsmanship throughout the festival.
Danceworx is also celebrated the graduation of three of its Grade 12 dancers, all of whom have been dancing competitively at the studio since the age of three.
Taylor Dyck, Kirsten Spitzig, and Carly Savage demonstrated commitment and balanced a rigorous dance practice training schedule with their school studies. All three have plans to attend university in the fall.
Studios from the Kootenays, the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland all participated in the festival.