Taylor’s Dance Academy has wrapped up its 2026 competitive season with another strong performance at the Dream to Dance Competition held May 7 to 10 at Centennial Hall.
The studio earned more than 37 awards at the event, bringing its season total to more than 186 awards across five competitive events.
“This has been a record-setting year for us, with a mix of individual and team achievements across all of our age groups and dance styles,” said Taylor Nethery, owner of Taylor’s Dance Academy. “Of course everyone on the team loves to celebrate the wins, but what is even more important to me is that our dancers had a wonderful time learning, working together, and ultimately building confidence in themselves.”
Nethery said the importance of dance extends beyond competition results.
“In a time where screens can take up a lot of a person’s day, even kids, getting up and moving has become so important,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of every student for their dedication and love of dance, and the awards are a reflection of that passion.”
At the competition, the studio earned three Dream Awards for scores above 93, 26 All Star Awards for scores between 90 and 92.99, and eight Platinum Awards for scores between 87 and 89.99.
One of the studio’s standout performances was “Welcome to Bikini Bottom,” a musical theatre production choreographed by Taylor Nethery and Mackenna Lyons. The performance earned a Dream Award, Top Production honours, the Costume Award, a standout award titled “What a Production!” and Top Studio Score.
Judges praised the production’s character work, staging and energy throughout the performance. Special recognition was also given to the choreographers and organizers for their efforts in bringing the production to the stage.
The acro large group performance “Infected,” choreographed by Nethery, earned an All Star Award, first overall mini pre-competitive large group honours and a standout award. Judges described the performance as “creepy and eerie in the best way” while commending the dancers’ teamwork and intensity.
Additional award-winning routines included the hip hop group performance “Perm,” choreographed by Mackenna Lyons, which received an All Star Award and a standout award titled “Take Your Moment!”
The open duet “Run Boy Run,” performed by Grey Robinson-Martin and Konner Ramsden and choreographed by Nethery, earned a Dream Award, first overall pre-competitive intermediate duo/trio honours, scholarships to the Dream to Dance convention in August and a standout award.
Kenzie Ramsden’s lyrical solo “Oceans” received an All Star Award, fifth overall in Novice 1 and a standout award titled “Chain Reaction.”
Lexie McLaughlin and Ella Bogaert earned an All Star Award and a standout award titled “The Human Experience” for their lyrical duo “Heal.”
Everly Caryn’s acro solo “Welcome to Wonderland” received an All Star Award and a standout award recognizing her stage presence and technical consistency.
Sage Myers earned an All Star Award and a standout award titled “Tappin’ on Clouds!” for the tap solo “Walkin’ on Sunshine.”
Additional special recognitions included Lexie McLaughlin receiving the Most Potential Novice 1 Intermediate award and Konner Ramsden receiving the session’s MC Award.
Other overall award results included Grey Robinson-Martin earning second overall pre-competitive senior solo honours for the acro solo “Put It On Me,” while Konner Ramsden’s acro solo “Let Em’ Go” received a Dream Award and first overall pre-competitive intermediate solo honours.
The studio is now preparing for its annual competitive showcase scheduled for June 6 at the Ursuline College Chatham stage beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event will feature both competitive and recreational dancers, with tickets available at the door.
The dance team is also expected to perform at several community events this summer, including Blenheim Cherryfest.
“We might be wrapping up the current season, but we are already thinking ahead to what the new season will look like in September. We hope to see some familiar faces return along with some new dancers to both our competitive and recreational programs,” said Nethery.
“From toddlers, to kids, to teens, and even adults, we have something for everyone and every skill level. We are a friendly group that invites everyone to try even one class such as jazz, line dancing, yoga, and so many more. Come out, it’s fun!”
