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A R T SThe Canadian Champion, Friday, September 8, 2006 - B Local g«irls dance way onto national team By Stephanie Thiessen CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Apair of young Miltonians are hop- ing that two months [rom now they'll be standing on a podium lisxenîng to their national anthem play - a fitting conclusion lu a competîrion ihatu called the Olvmpics of dance. In November, Jade Ryan and Ahlana McLeod, boîh 16, will be coînperîng with Oakville'u Addison Brasil. 17, at the International Dance Organizations World Dance Championuhipu in Germany as part of the Canadian National Dance Team. The tbree Dance Flite utudents bad to audition for their spots on the 22-member Canadian National Dance Sbow Team, and bave buen taking classes ail summuer long in preparation for the November 22 to 26 com- putition. Tbey're putting in the long bours because tbey're passionate about dance, tbey al agreed. "The classes we've been tbrougb are so, intense, if we didn't have a love for it, we wouldn't put up witb it,' Ahlana said, adding, "If you want to bu a dancer like this, tberes not mucb of a social life. Ils onu or the other." Tbe show dance routine lu similar 10, jazz but witb more of a tbemre, Addison said, explaining tbere'l be many languages repre- sented at tbe competition, 50 it's important for tbe tbemnes 10 bu clear. "You bave to bu able to tell the story regardiess of tihe language," be said. Allana added: "Dance lu like a commun GRAHAM PAINE CANADIAN CHAMPION MAKIN' THE CUT: Dance Elîte members (f rom Ieft) Addison Brasil, Allana McLeod and Jade Ryan are ail smiles after earning a spot on the Canadian National Dance Team. langriage." Canada bas il world titles to its credit, meaning tbe local dancers have more than a umaîl chance of ending rip on tbe podium as tbey're hoping. Tbe fact the stridents made thse team lu reason enough 10 gel excited, said Mamnie Palmer of Dance Elite. "The auditions brorigbî somne of the best dancers [rom. across Canada," ube said. As luck would bave it, Palmer won'î bu traveling to Germany witb the stridents, because sbe's due to give birtb that very week. But, ube said, tbey won't be far from, ber thougbts. "i'm so excited for tbem. l'Il be thrtlled for themn tbat day (wbun tbey compute)," Palmer said. Although the vaut majonity of their urne in Germany wtll be spent in a theatre ejîher dancing or cheering on the rest of their teammates, there will be one day for sight- seeing, Addison satd, addrng, 'Uts the only day we won'n bu in uniform." Nee 'diesu to say, theres a lot of work involved in working toward their dream. Just because they have a lofty goal and tight training schedule doesn't mean the three teens will be excused from real hife for the next two months. Like every other teen, they also have ro deal with school and, for two of the three dancers, a part-rime job. "We bring a lot of our homework hure (10 Dance Elite)," Ahlana said, explaining they have to fit their schoolwork around their dance schedules. "Our lunches are spent doing home- work," Jade said, adding most of ber friendu don't really understand what it takes to be a dancer. "They wonder, 'How can dance be su, tiring?"' Fortunately, the stridents' dance training, wbucb started at a young age, bas given tbem ukls-lke perseverance and time manage- ment - tbeyve been able to, apply to ail areas of tbeir loves. The teens ail gel good grades and are on the bonorir roll at subool, as well as being part of tbeor strident councils. Tbey eacb said the bard work lu definite- ly wortb it. Tbe level tbey've acbieved is proof of tbat. "If you really want it, you can have it. We ail wanted it," Addison said simply Stephanhe Thiesuen can bu reached ut sthiesseni@mltoncanadianchampion.com. Saturday, September i 6th, 2006 Noon - 3:00 pm Fabulous Fail Colour An outstanding show of colour and texture in the fall garden isthe subjeci oftnhis weeks TERRA Trend Cool Inighns and wanrn days are traditionally thefbrut sogns uf foul but for the dagandener the finon hardy rnum nu flower remîinds us that autumn is here' Faill in a great oppottuni t n fi1l the garder wîth spiashes of colour. Fati munno corne in a rainbow uf colours and shades ard are grean when planted towands the front of the gatdeo bed, in hanging baskets and containers. Mumo can easily replace ary spring plunted arouals that are starting nu look tined or ca be placed thr ughout the garden. Why non try adding sorne fall grasses and asters for cumplete auturn Wgarder alive with culour and texturer Stop by une of our gardon centres this week and be datai ed by the fabulous colours of fall Listen to, AM9oOC~ for more ýU R