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Q, Citizen -- Tuesday, December 20,1994 --33 a Dancing her way to a Canadian title by Heather McCrae Highland dancing has always been an important part of Jen Blackburn's life, more so now than ever before. Two weeks ago, Jen received the certificate she's been waiting + for. The one stating she's the Champion Junior Highland Dancer in Canada for 1994! Jen began dancing at five years of age and two years later began peting. Today, she Pp all year round, throughout Canada and parts of the US, and has hopes of making it (dancing) a career. After receiving 94% each in her theory and dance during her instructor's exams last April, she's new teaching Highland Dancing to eight children from the Scugog area. "I love dancing" she told the Citizen last week, during an interview in her parent's Scugog + Island home. "I could have ga bad day at school or work" she explained, "but as soon as my students walk through the door my mood picks up", adding she feels dancing is good physical exercise that gives her a mental release from the day's stress. Always encouraging her students and giving them an incentive to work for, one mother told Jen recently, "you're doing far more for our daughter than you realize." And she doesn't regard her students as just that, but as her friends as well. The basement of the Blackburn home is filled with countless trophies and medals won by Jen over the years. Currently, it's the "off season" for conipetitions but starting'in the new year she'll be competing almost every weekend of the year. "She's very dedicated to it (dancing)" her mom, Marion, told the Citizen proudly, "but then that applies to anything she does, too". t's a big investment over the" sores her Scottish-born mother said "but now she's teaching". And when Jen turned sixteen last March she received another reward. When you reach the premiere age of sixteen in Highland Dancing, you begin to win money as well as the hardware at the competitions. And, usually winning a first or second place at every competition, she's been collecting money since. "It's a bonus now to be making money at something I enjoy so much" adding, "I've won .a-fair amount, but then, any kind of money is nice: she smiled. Jen feels she's really lucky to have her family and friends support her. Her brother, Jerry, has often either driven or accompanied her and his parents. to numerous competitions. "My dad, he's like my lucky charm" she smiled, "always encouraging me in his own quiet way". And her friends are supportive of her Spi always estastic when she brings home another trophy. "But, win or lose, I know 1 have everyone's support" she + said. This year} @t the request of her PPHS phys. ed. teacher, Mr. Jackson, she taught Highland From all us at the Citizen ... toallof you ... A Very Merry Christmas and - A Happy, Healthy New Year! With orm Wishes FEvom The Whole Flock We appreciate having vou as our customers. from all of us at CIBC 145 Queen St., Port Perry 985-4444 or, Dancing to her grade eleven class. Showing, first, a film of one of her competitions, she then taught a few basic steps, which "went over well". "All I did was give them a taste of what it's like" she laughed, but one guy came up to her afterwards exclaiming "that was really hard". Jen loves a challenge. In fact, if she didn't have to work at it (dancing) she probably wouldn't do it. And she always has a Turn to page 34 Hope your season is stuffed with treats. Happy Holidays and many thanks. ANALDA NURSERIES Jen Blackburn, 16, with a selection of her fayourite trophies ' she has earned this year for Highland Dancing. She has become the Champion Junior Highland Dancer In Canada for 1994. See story. ' We'd like to thank each of you personally, but we've made topo many good friends in the past year to find the space to list them here. So to all of you, our very best wishes go -- for a very Merry Christmas and a ho...ho...ho! The Chapman Family KOUNTRY BULK & DELI 38 Water St., Port Perry 985-3007 * nw hha Warmest Christmas Wishes The lights are: strung, The gifts piled high, Stockings are hung, And the time is nigh. We're wishing you, Good cheer abound, Peace and joy, too, And love all around! STEVE STRACHAN CONTRACTING ® Renovations @ Additions ® New Construction ® Custom Homes (905) 986-0601 116 Centre St., Caesarea »