Elm Creek’s Sadie Esau has grown to love taking the stage over the past four years.
The 10-year-old trains and competes with Liv Dance Company and recently found success at the Manitoba Dance Festival, taking home the junior scholarship for her musical theatre routine, Drama Queen by Lindsay Lohan.
Sadie Esau, 10, won a dance scholarship for her musical theatre routine, Drama Queen, at the Manitoba Dance Festival
She explained that her routine involves plenty of acrobatic elements, facial expressions, lip-syncing and personality.
“It shows who I am well,” she said. “I am an energetic and crazy kid, and I like to show that off on the stage.”
Choreographed by Miss Jill Livingston, the routine was rehearsed for two hours each week beginning in December. In addition to her musical theatre solo, Esau also performs in group ballet, jazz and tap routines, though musical theatre is her favourite.
She said receiving the scholarship, which came with a $125 award, meant a great deal to her, especially after a rocky start at an earlier competition when she forgot part of her routine.
“Coming back strong showed me I can do hard things,” she added, noting she has no plans yet for how to use the money. “Forgetting was really discouraging, but with the help of my parents and teachers, I didn’t give up, and I am really proud of myself for that.”
Other highlights of the competition included acting as a role model for younger dancers and encouraging and cheering on her friends with positive affirmations.
Livingston described Esau as an extremely hard worker with strong stage presence and attention to detail.
“She is a true performer,” she added. “We were all extremely proud of her. She represents us so well.”
The scholarship was only one of the highlights of the season for Liv Dance Company. Other accomplishments included participating in its first Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) jazz exams in January, where all dancers passed their respective levels, and having several competitive routines place in the overall standings at various events.
The company had four competitive routines this year featuring dancers ranging in age from seven to 18.
Livingston said she is proud of all the dancers for the results and awards they received, highlighting the importance of providing performance opportunities for young dancers.
“We believe in giving our dancers these opportunities so they know that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you should always dream big,” she said. “The opportunity to perform and compete shows that talent and passion for dance can exist and thrive in small communities.”
