Local dancers qualify for worlds

Dancing within Marlborough has reached international heights, with Blenheim studio gearing up to compete at multiple global competitions after varying troupes produced strong results at the recent qualifiers.

Marlborough Academy of Dance – MAD for short – has dancers going to the Hip Hop Unite World Championships (HHU), Australian Dance Crew Championships (ADCC), and DanceLife Unite. MAD is sending hip hop dancers to the first two competitions, jazz and contemporary specialists to the latter.

“We are fairly new,” Hip Hop Director Fleur Hebberd explained at a Monday evening rehearsal, “but in the last four to five years, we have become quite competitive in competitions and crews. Hip hop is in its fourth year, while contemporary and jazz are in their second.”

Qualification for these prestigious competitions came in Christchurch. Hip hop mega crew MAD Nation placed second in their category to secure a spot at ADCC, which will take place in Sydney on October 3. Icey Bradley Kiwi, 16, placed second in her division to qualify as a soloist, and the nine-strong crew Madness received a wildcard for ADCC.

Jazz team MAD Fusion and contemporary team MAD Grace qualified for DanceLife Unite, which will also be held in Sydney, and top-four placings in duet qualified Sam Marfell and Immy Giles, both 18, and Filimoe’ulie Fotumoala, 25, for HHU in Tauranga on 29-31 October.

Experience
Immy, Sam and Fili (whose partner is from Nelson) have previously appeared on the world stage. Immy and Sam reached the semifinals last year and placed 10th.

“The first time we went to worlds, it was more of a take-it-all-in moment,” Sam said, “but this time, we want to make more of an impression.”

Observed Fili: “The first time getting that experience is such a cool opportunity, especially being from Blenheim. The second time around, you take what you’ve experienced, and it gives you a little kick and helps you upskill.”

Icey, making her debut as a soloist, noted: “My goal is to be proud of my performance, have fun on stage and leave without regretting anything.”

Preparation involves group dance training with extra workshops and longer hours as the events loom closer. “It definitely gets more intense leading up to a competition,” Contemporary Director Krystal Palmer said.

Still, many dancers appreciate the relaxation, rather than pressure, the activity brings.

“To me, dance means family and community,” Victoria Gaines, 17, expressed – and Peyton Bull, 16, elaborated: “Dance is a way for me to escape any worries I may have outside of the sport.

It’s a way for me to connect with different people from around New Zealand and in different countries.”