KES Dance Team Competes at Versastyle Dance Competition

“OMG, someone put a clothespin in my hair!” …What?

Finding a surprise clothespin in your hair, on your costume, or bag, is a fun way for dancers at competitions to show their support for each other. The pins are decorated with kind sayings, rhinestones, and other decorations. Receiving one of these means someone is wishing you luck or they think your energy is great.

Competitions can create an environment for anxiety and pressure. On Thursday May 22, the KES dance team, Ms. Maguire, and I enjoyed the welcoming environment that Versastyle Dance Competition created. With this only being the second time KES has attended a dance competition and our first time participating in Versastyle, we weren’t exactly sure what to expect. We were treated with respect, and the dancers felt proud to be involved.

Dancers were impressed with the venue – we had our own dressing room and access to a large practice studio. They enjoyed getting ready together and vlogged nearly every moment; they didn’t want to miss anything. Our team participated in a trivia game during an award ceremony and not only were we the last team standing, but Maran Hawley ‘26 also won a little prize. Another unique experience was filming a promotional commercial with a professional videographer.

Having this opportunity really makes the dancers feel seen. We aren’t a dance studio that practices all year round. We are a school team that has five months to prepare together; build bonds, learn technique, improve skills and confidence, work together, and learn choreography. I know I’m biased, but I am very proud of all their hard work, passion, determination, and spirit.

On the Halifax Light House Arts Centre stage, the team performed two routines – Bad Barbie and Control. Dancers showcased two different dance styles, hip hop and lyrical. Our team is a collective of dancers from Grades 6-12 with varying levels of experience. They performed with heart among numerous other dancers. We came for the experience and left with special memories. We also returned to KES with two silver ribbons for both our routines and a third-place win in the hip hop category!

Of course, I am proud of how the competition day went, however, I am even more proud of how the dancers conducted themselves and what they created. I felt a great sense of unity in our team. Dancers worked together to exemplify each other’s love for dance. I also know that their actions on this day and throughout this year will pave the way for future KES dancers, and that is something truly special.

KES dance team members: Fia Strum ‘31, Maci MacInnis ‘31, Harper MacInnis ‘30, Maran Hawley ‘26, Tessa Kearns ‘26, Molly Dickinson ‘26, Eva Garron ‘26, Elisa Lastra Rubio ‘25, Lacey Wheatley ’25.