Another wonderful year has past and JAM would like
to acknowledge a few of the Highlights of 2009.

Tap Dancer Places 5th in
IDO World Tap Dance Championship

In December, Dancer Julia LeClerc attended the International Dance Organizations World Tap Dance Championship in Riesa, Germany. Julia competed in both the solo and group formation categories.

Her Tap Solo was ranked 5th out of 28 dancers from around the world. As a member of the Canadian National Tap team, she was also awarded 5th place in the group formation.

Jazz Dancers Win Bronze in Poland

In December, dancers Hayley Butcher (left) and Ahlyssa Mundy (right) attended the International Dance Organization World Danceweek in Mikoljki, Poland. Both girls competed in the jazz and modern small group categories and the jazz and modern duet categories.

Proudly Canada brought home the bronze medal in both the jazz and modern small group categories.

BATD Scholarships

Kaylie Estrela, Gemma Paciocco, Rachel Grant, Katy Schultz and Vanessa Sudar were all recognized for their outstanding ballet technique, when they were nominated by an examiner of the BATD (British Association of Teachers of Dance) to attend scholarship classes.

Rachel Grant, Sydney Major, Gemma Paciocco, Heather Stewart and Vanessa Sudar were also nominated for their outstanding tap technique to attend scholarship classes.

The girls all participated in the scholarship classes at the annual BATD convention in November with other dancers from Ontario and Quebec.

Kaylie Estrela and Rachel Grant were both ranked in the top ten in the ballet division and Heather Stewart was also ranked in the top ten for the tap division.

40th Annual Whitby Santa Claus Parade

Once again this year, all the staff, students and parents pulled together to create another great parade entry. Approximately 150 participants were there to help make it a success, by either sitting on the float created by the parents, handing out candy canes or dancing.

The studio was selected by the parade sponsors (Whitby JC's) as best dance/majorette group of the 2009 parade.

Light the Night Walk

In October, a number of the staff participated in the annual Light the Night Walk for Leukemia/Lymphoma research... ...a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts. Thanks to our many generous sponsors, parents, families and friends, the Stallion Survivors team raised over $11,000 to help find a cure.

New Associate Members

Congratulations to Bridget Riberdy, Olivia Stanley, Adriana Tomarchio and Megan Verrydt. All four girls were successful in passing their Associate Stage Exam and are now Associate Members of the BATD. (British Association of Teachers of Dance) - stage division.

Hard Work Pays Off

Each year at our annual recital show in June, JAM and Sequins Plus acknowledge dancers who have stood out over the season. These dancers may be competitive or recreational and must exhibit hard work and strong commitment to dance. The recipients of the 2009 award are Ashlynn Heinrich, Gemma Paciocco and Daniella Petralito.

Cut for Cancer

Jennifer's Arts In Motion and Laurel Richards Hair teamed up in June to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Breast Cancer Research. The event was held at Laurel Richards Salon in Ajax on June 28th. All hair that was long enough was donated to make wigs for cancer patients, and all money raised was donated to help find a cure. Thanks to everyone's participation, a total of $1,100 was raised.

Workshop Scholarship

At the Starcatchers Festival in March, Vanessa Sudar was selected by a panel of judges to attend The Beat - a week long dance intensive workshop in Lakefield, Ontario. Vanessa spent the week learning from top choreographers and had a great time.

Highlights of 2008