TWO former Mount Gambier dancers showcased their talents internationally when they took part in the prestigious Dance Worlds competition in America.
Dancers Shae Whitehead and Mikaela Johnston, now both Melbourne residents, competed at the competition at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort earlier this year, placing ninth overall with their team in the lyrical section.
“It really was surreal, it was an almost indescribable experience,” Shae said.
Both dancers spent their formative years in Mount Gambier, training at Maryke Dance Academy with Maxine Lockwood.
After moving to Melbourne, they once again danced alongside each other at Endurance Elite.
“Competing with Mikaela again is amazing,” Shae said.
“It was great that we had a bit of history together, because we were able to help each other out if we really needed to.
“A lot of the time she was on hand to do my hair for me and we had a lot of fun together with the rest of the team.”
When reflecting on her experience in America, Shae said it was unforgettable.
“We were able to stay at one of the resorts with a bunch of other teams from all over the world, which made the experience even more exciting,” she said.
“You were able to watch teams training and practicing in the open areas, as well as making friends and even swapping a few souvenirs with them.”
Talented teams from across the USA and over 40 countries around the world earned the opportunity to compete at what is described as the most prestigious international All Star dance event of the year.
More than 4000 athletes representing the most elite senior and international divisions made their way to Orlando, Florida, to take to the stage, with performances streamed live online and to television services as competitors vied for world championship titles.
To qualify for the competition, the dance team competed in a sanctioned event, gaining the highest score in their division to win their way to the major event.
“Competing in America is exactly what you would think, walking into the competition venue, everyone had their game face on, with headphones in and running the routine over and over again,” Shae said.
“It was amazing to know how hard we worked to get to the competition and then actually being able to step out onto the floor was insane.”
Shae has been dancing for around 20 years, taking a few small breaks, but always returning to her passion.
“My time in America was unforgettable, I had a lot of fun,” she said.
The convention centre where the contest was held is part of a lakeside American Southwest-themed resort and one of more than 20 hotels at Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando Florida.
