Taylor’s Dance Academy Wraps Up An Award-Winning Season With Another Big Win

Written By Andrew Tompsett

Taylor’s Dance Academy has wrapped up its 2026 competitive season with another outstanding showing at the Dream to Dance Competition, held May 7 to 10 at Centennial Hall in London, Ontario. The event saw the team earn more than 37 awards, bringing the season total to over 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 added, “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. 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 Dream to Dance Competition, dancers showcased their talent, dedication, and energy throughout the event, earning numerous overall and special awards including

  • 3 Dream Awards (scores of 93+)

  • 26 All Star Awards (scores of 90–92.99)

  • 8 Platinum Awards (scores of 87–89.99)

One of the studio’s standout performances was Welcome to Bikini Bottom, the competitive team’s musical theatre production choreographed by Taylor Nethery and Mackenna Lyons. The production earned multiple honours, including a Dream Award, Top Production, the Costume Award, a standout award titled “What a Production!”, and Top Studio Score.

Judges praised the performance for its believable characters, strong character work, and high-energy staging throughout the routine. Special recognition was also given to the choreographers and organizers for the tremendous effort required to bring the production to life; a sentiment that was echoed by a variety of judges across multiple competitions.

The acro large group Infected, choreographed by Miss Taylor, earned an All Star Award, 1st Overall Mini Pre-Competitive Large Group, and a standout award. Judges commended the dancers’ intensity, atmosphere, teamwork, and commitment throughout the performance, describing the piece as “creepy and eerie in the best way.”

This year marks the ninth season for Blenheim’s Taylor’s Dance Academy. While the competitive circuit is complete, preparations are underway for the studio’s Annual Competitive Showcase on June 6, 2026, at the Ursuline College Chatham stage at 8:30 a.m. The show features both the competitive team and the recreational dancers. Members of the public are invited to attend and purchase tickets on-site. The team will also perform at community events throughout the 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!”

To learn more about the TDA competitive team and recreational programs, visit www.taylorsdanceacademy.ca.

Season nine for Taylor’s Dance Academy has been record setting with over 186 awards for the competitive dance team and the studio. The latest showing at the Dream to Dance Competition was a huge success to top off a stellar season.

Additional

Other Taylor’s Dance Academy award winning performances at the Dream to Dance competition include: 

  • The hip hop group dance called Perm, choreographed by Miss Mackenna, received an All Star Award and a standout award titled “Take Your Moment!” Judges highlighted the dancers’ strong character work and individual performance moments throughout the routine.

  • Run Boy Run dance is an open duet performed by Grey Robinson-Martin and Konner Ramsden and choreographed by Miss Taylor, received a Dream Award, 1st Overall Pre-Competitive Intermediate Duo/Trio, scholarships to the Dream to Dance convention in August, and a standout award. Judges praised the dancers for maintaining an intense atmosphere and executing difficult lifts with strength, trust, and connection.

  • Kenzie Ramsden’s lyrical solo dance called Oceans, choreographed by Miss Taylor, earned an All Star Award, 5th Overall in Novice 1, and a standout award titled “Chain Reaction.” Judges noted her beautiful contractions, fluid movement quality, and grounded emotional performance.

  • Lexie McLaughlin and Ella Bogaert completed their lyrical duo dance called Heal, choreographed by Miss Mackenna. The dancers received an All Star Award and a standout award titled “The Human Experience.” Judges praised their emotional connection, believable partnering, and impactful storytelling from start to finish.

  • Everly Caryn’s acro solo dance called Welcome to Wonderland, choreographed by Miss Taylor, earned an All Star Award and a standout award for her stage presence and consistency of skills. Judges highlighted her confidence, storytelling ability, and strong technical execution.

  • Sage Myers’ tap solo dance called Walkin’ on Sunshine, choreographed by Miss Taylor, received an All Star Award and a standout award titled “Tappin’ on Clouds!” Judges commended Sage’s musicality, dynamic range of sounds, light-footed performance quality, and joyful stage presence.

    • Additional special recognitions included:

    • Lexie McLaughlin receiving the Most Potential Novice 1 Intermediate award

    • Konner Ramsden receiving the session’s MC Award for his bravery and commitment

  • Additional overall award results included:

    • Put It On Me dance: Grey Robinson-Martin’s acro solo choreographed by Miss Taylor — receiving an All Star Award and 2nd Overall Pre-Competitive Senior Solo ‍

    • Let Em’ Go dance: Konner Ramsden’s acro solo choreographed by Miss Taylor — receiving a Dream Award and 1st Overall Pre-Competitive Intermediate Solo

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Andrew Tompsett
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