DANCING HER DREAM
P.E.I.’s Charlotte Byrne heading to Toronto with hopes for Rome
MONTAGUE – When Charlotte Byrne received an email congratulating her on her acceptance on the World Performers Canada national dance team, she didn’t believe it, at first.
“I thought it was scam,” laughs the 18-year-old dancer from Peakes, P.E.I.
But, when Byrne opened the attachment and saw the official World Performers Canada logo and a letter inviting her to represent her country in June 2020 at the Dance World Cup in Rome, Italy, her feelings of being ripped off turned into excitement.
This was going to be her big break.
She would be one of over 20,000 competitors from 62 countries competing at their country qualifiers and at the world finals.
“I was so excited . . . . It was something I never expected,” says Byrne who, after a preliminary week in Toronto in August, is returning in October for eight solid months to rehearse with the Canadian team, competing in modern, hip hop and jazz dance.
Competing at the Dance World Cup has always been a dream of hers.
“Anyone who knows me knows that dance has been my thing ever since I was little. I’ve always loved dancing and I’ve always worked hard at it.”
Byrne also knew she wanted to do something with her passion after high school.
“But I wasn’t sure how realistic my dream was, especially for someone who lives in a very rural part of P.E.I.,” says the Morell Regional High graduate.
That’s because opportunities are not always there.
“So, to have this opportunity to expand my world and dance more, especially for my country, is amazing.
At the Down East Dance Academy in Montague, her dance teacher is thrilled she’s receiving her big break.
“We’re super proud of Charlotte. She’s been my student for a long time,” says Marie Lavergne, who believes in treating her students fairly.
For example, when the opportunity
came up to audition in Saint John for the World Cup, she invited all her dancers to apply. However, some felt there were “so many good dancers out there” so they didn’t audition. But Byrne remained positive. “With Charlotte, it was like, ‘it’s a great opportunity and I’m just going to try with no expectation’. So, for her to be accepted and to be rewarded for taking that risk is wonderful.”
That’s because, for dancers, most of their battle is learning to put themselves out there and accept every opportunity they receive. That’s because if they place limits on themselves, they’re not going to achieve their goal.
With her eye on the goal, Byrne has been training for the competition. It started in August in Toronto when they learned all the dances.
“While I’m here (on P.E.I.), I’m practising on my own. I’m keeping up my training by taking classes and working hard on my technique. When I go back in October I’ll be in the studio practising with my team.”
And she can’t wait for the music to start.
“I am grateful to be offered this amazing opportunity.”