Taylor’s Dance Academy Grabs Diamond Awards at Dance Attack Competition
Continuing a winning season that has been filled with outstanding highlights, Taylor’s Dance Academy (TDA) has won 38 more awards at the recent Dance Attack competition held at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham on April 17 to 19, 2026. The studio enjoyed an exceptional weekend, with dancers delivering strong performances and earning numerous accolades.
During the judging for a group performance titled A Million Dreams, judges stated “Every individual moment you completely understood what our lyrical category is all about. Storytelling and using our facial expressions to take us on that journey with you.” They went on to praise the unity and collaboration of the team saying, “Every single one of you was there for that beautiful lift, there was trust and foundation underneath. There was no hesitation with the emotion coming out of that lift as well.”
In total, the team received eight Diamond awards (scores of 93+), 17 Platinum awards (90–92.99), and 12 High Gold awards (87–89.99), reflecting the high caliber of talent across all age groups.
Two routines choreographed by Taylor Nethery, A Million Dreams and Oceans, were selected for the prestigious Showstopper Award. Similar to a Golden Buzzer from America’s Got Talent, this distinction allows a judge to pause the competition and highlight a performance’s exceptional qualities. Six dancers from the TDA team have received a scholarship to Dance Attack’s 2027 workshops.
A Million Dreams, which is a mini lyrical small group dance, features dancers Everly Caryn, Sage Myers, Abigail Chartier, Lucy Dauphin, and Marilyn Dowker. The Platinum Award and Showstopper Award winning piece was recognized for its expressive performance quality, strong technical foundation, and cohesive storytelling.
Oceans, which is an intermediate lyrical solo, features Kenzie Ramsden. The Diamond Award and Showstopper Award winning piece was praised for its attention to detail, emotional depth, and compelling storytelling. The dance placed first overall in the novice intermediate solo category.
“It gives you goosebumps when a Showstopper Award is called because it means that something special is being recognized and that the dancers are being rewarded with an opportunity to attend amazing workshops which will further elevate their skills,” said Taylor Nethery, Owner of Taylor’s Dance Academy. “This sort of recognition will stay with a person for the rest of their life.”
The studio was also honoured with the Studio Spirit Award, an achievement determined by votes from fellow studio directors. This recognition celebrates qualities such as perseverance, kindness, punctuality, and respect, all values that define the dance community. As part of this honour, the competitive team earned a video game party.
“The entire dance team put their best foot forward at Dance Attack and I am so proud of each dancer for their passion,” said Nethery. “We have a focus on core skills, teamwork, and fun at our studio, and while we love to win, it is even more important that the students feel good about themselves and what they are doing. I think this is at the heart of why we have been recognized for the Student Spirit Award, they are doing this for the love of dance and each other.”
This successful weekend highlights the dedication and spirit that defines the studio. The dance season has passed the halfway mark and Taylor’s Dance Academy is preparing for the next rounds of competition. In addition, the studio also offers recreational dance classes for people of all ages and abilities. From Kinder programs all the way to adult dance, the Blenheim dance studio is community-proud and offers a friendly and welcoming place for everyone.
To learn more about the TDA competitive team and also recreational programs, visit www.taylorsdanceacademy.ca.
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Photos
Taylor’s Dance Academy competitive dance team with the Top Studio Spirit Award presented at the Dance Attack Competition. This recognition celebrates qualities such as perseverance, kindness, punctuality, and respect, all values that define the dance community.
Additional
TDA social media
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaylorsDanceAcademy-blenheim
Overall achievements from the competition include:
Welcome to Bikini Bottom, a full-company musical theatre production choreographed by Taylor Nethery and Mackenna Lyons, received a Diamond award and was named Top Production of the competition. The team also celebrated with a special pizza party.
The junior open line Waves, choreographed by Taylor Nethery, placed first overall in its category and earned a Platinum award.
Depth Over Distance, a senior contemporary small group choreographed by Taylor Nethery, received a Diamond award and placed second overall in the senior small group division.
A junior jazz small group choreographed by Mackenna Lyons earned a Diamond award and placed second overall in its category.
Into the Hundred Acre Woods, a ballet group choreographed by Mackenna Lyons, received a High Gold award and was honoured with the competition’s Top Design Award. The studio extends special thanks to seamstress Miss Kim for her contributions.
The junior acro large group Infected, choreographed by Taylor Nethery, earned a Platinum award, was recognized with the Choreography Award for its session, and placed second overall.
Run Boy Run, an open duo performed by Grey Robinson-Martin and Konner Ramsden, received a Diamond award and placed first overall in the senior duo/trio division.
Kenzie and Konner Ramsden’s contemporary duo Unsteady, choreographed by Taylor Nethery, earned a Diamond award and placed second overall in the senior duo/trio category.
Grey Robinson-Martin’s acro solo Put It On Me received a Diamond award and placed fifth overall in the senior solo division.
Konner Ramsden’s acro solo Let ’Em Go earned a Diamond award and placed third overall in the senior solo category.
Everly Caryn’s acro solo Welcome to Wonderland received a Platinum award and placed seventh overall in the mini solo division.
