The Waterdown Team Canada dancers won a spot on the 100-member national team after auditioning in August. More than 300 dancers from across the country competed for the honour.

The Dancemakerz troupe of show and tap dancers consists of Michael Glenney, Kelsey Guerette, Lindsay Harrison, Sierra Lanchbury, Katelyn Landry, Madeline Lymburner, Ashlee Mein, Ashley Morin, Lindsey Morin, Allison Scarrow, Jodie Scarrow, Kalyn Langford, Stephanie Tusim and Megan Roti. Christie McKay, owner of the Waterdown studio, said all of the students on the Waterdown team are Flamborough residents except for two who live in Burlington.

Three additional Waterdown girls receiving instruction at other dance studios – Jennie Goulet, Stacey Witt and Kelsey Costanino – are also members of the Canadian team.

Traditionally, the Canadian dancers do well at the international competition, having brought home 15 world titles in the past. This year, they’ll be competing against the best dancers from Russia, Japan, Slovenia, Italy, Germany and the U. S.

Unable to obtain a major sponsor or government support, the students are faced with the prospect of raising $3,000 to compete in the world championships. The cost to compete includes airfare to Europe, ground transportation while in Germany, team jackets, starter fees, international license fees, membership fees, accommodation, meals, choreography and choreographer.

Students from Dancemakerz are still looking for sponsors, McKay said, adding that donations from individuals, groups or businesses are welcome.

This year, McKay was honoured when asked to choreograph for the junior and senior show dance teams at the World Dance Championships. Working with Allain Lupien of Canadian Dance Company in Oakville, she has come up with a Hairspray choreography for the juniors and a Dark Knight dance routine for the seniors.

Lupien has helped choreograph for the international competition before, but this is McKay’s first experience. “I’m really excited about it,” she said this week, adding that they have been working on the routines for five hours every Sunday since September.

For more information about the international competition, visit www.ido-online.org or to find out more about Dancemakerz, phone 905-690-4777.