Local dancers part of event at Disney World
Local highland dancers Allyson and Amelia Parker of Central West River recently participated in the first annual International Gathering of Scottish Highland Dance at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The gathering included a regular dance competition, a Disney-themed choreography challenge (dubbed ‘ChoreoMagic’), and a performance during the Magic Kingdom parade in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
Results for the regular competition are as follows:
Amelia Parker placed 4th Fling, 5th Sword, 4th Sean Truibhas, 5th Reel, and 4th Laddie in Premier 12. Allyson Parker placed 4th Fling, 3rd Sword, 4th Sean Truibhas, 4th Reel, 3rd Barracks, and 3rd Laddie in Premier 20 & Over.
The sisters also performed in the ChoreoMagic competition. Amelia performed a solo to the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from Mary Poppins, and joined Allyson for a duet to “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” from Frozen, performing as sisters Anna and Elsa. They also competed in the group choreography challenge, performing alongside five other dancers from their dance school, the Carolyn MacKenzie Spears School of Highland Dance, based out of Halifax. The small group danced as chimney sweeps to the song “Step in Time” from Mary Poppins, and won first place and the overall impression trophy.
The following day, along with over 100 other highland dancers, they had the privilege of dancing in the afternoon parade at Magic Kingdom. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and received special ‘cast member’ Mickey ears for their participation, as well as a chance to see the backstage areas of the park.
Allyson and Amelia would like to thank those who helped them with fundraising for this trip and let everyone know that it was both enjoyable, educational, and a great chance to meet other dancers from all over North America and beyond.
Amelia as Mary Poppins Allyson (third from left) and Amelia (fourth from left) along with the other dancers and their teacher Carolyn Spears with their first-place choreography trophy