Local Dancer chosen to attend National Ballet Associates Program

July 8, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Michelle Janzen

Acacia de Krijger has been accepted into the country’s foremost training institutions for aspiring young dancers, Canada’s National Ballet School.

She will spend two days a week at the school in Toronto honing her talent and perfecting her skills.

Acacia is a student of Dance Fuel Dance Studio located in Shelburne’s Agricultural building on William Street.

“She has absolutely amazing talent,” say Dance Fuel’s studio owner Lori Grey.

Grey says Acacia is a pleasure to teach, as she not only possesses incredible talent but she is also fully committed to her training.

“She’s just a sweet girl and I’m so happy and so proud.”

“In the future, she has the potential to be a really great dancer,” says Grey “She’s obviously talented, now she has to go and work hard and be dedicated.”

Acacia was accepted into the Associates Program after auditioning to earn the spot.

“It was a lot of fun,” says Acacia.

She is well aware, however, that the professional ballet program will be tough.

Canada’s National Ballet School is the only ballet academy in North America to provide elite dance training, academic instruction and residential care on the same campus. There are approximately 160 students in the professional ballet program, which combines a professional ballet curriculum with academic classes for Grades 6 through 12.

As Acacia is only eight-years-old and entering Grade 3, the Associates Program is a stepping stone for when she ready to go full time.

In addition to two ballet classes, she also opted to take a jazz class being offered. Each year, students have to requalify to gain entry for the next academic year.

Her parents are excited yet understandably a bit nervous about this new opportunity for their daughter, but are reassured she will be receiving the best dance training.

“We are so very happy for Acacia and know what a great opportunity this will be for her. We look forward to what this new school year will hold and support our children in anything they want to do so the drive to Toronto twice a week will be well worth it.”

As Acacia embarks on this new adventure this coming September and for the entire school year she plans on continuing to dance competitively at Dance Fuel.

For more information about Dance Fuel go to dancefuel.ca or you can find them on Facebook.