The Smithers Creative Roots Performing Arts team have just returned from the BC Annual Dance Competition, bringing with them some hardware. The Prince Rupert competition brings in hundreds of Canadian dancers in each of the 20 years that it’s been running, and not only does it offer up some cash prizes for the winners but it opens the door for other competitions as well. Scholarships are also awarded so that dancers can pursue a higher level of learning. One scholarship awards a one week all expense paid trip to Triple Threat and Harbor dance in Vancouver, B.C. Eighteen Creative Roots dancers took their opportunity to dance and be judged, facing off against more than nine other dance studios. “All of the dancers did an amazing job and most posted personal bests for their marks,” Creative Roots Director Deidre Tansey stated in an email to The Interior News. “Both of the adjudicators were from Australia and offered many insightful corrections. “Overall, it was a great festival, despite the fact that it rained the entire time!” Jordyn McCrea placed third in her tap solo, Katie Wertz placed second in modern solo and third in lyrical solo, Cayra Tansey placed first in her modern solo, Katie Larson placed third in her demi-character, and Isabel Tansey placed third for her lyrical solo. For duets, Cayra Tansey and Katie Wertz placed first for their lyrical duet, and Isabel Tansey and Hannah Trampuh placed first for their tap duet. In the group categories, three Creative Roots groups were selected to perform at the gala on Saturday night. “The Heist” placed third overall for all jazz groups, “Shake Your Groove Thing” placed second for small group variety and “Walk it Off” placed second for lyrical groups. Hillary Kerr, Cayra Tansey and Katie Wertz will also be competing at provincials in Kamloops, from June 4 to 9, based on their modern routines. Cayra Tansey was also awarded a scholarship to attend the Harbour Dance Summer Intensive in Vancouver, and Isabel Tansey was presented with the Margaret Kinney Memorial Award. “We were also treated to a solo and an amazing duet from Jenna Rauch, last year’s Performer of the Year,” Tansey wrote. Over 250 Creative Roots dancers are currently preparing for their biannual recital just around the corner on June 17, 18 and 19. Entitled “Kaleidoscope” the show will be exploring the changing of seasons.