The Queen’s Competitive Dance Team (QCDT) is back and better than ever.
After a three-year hiatus from competitions, the team proved they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their results at the Be Dance and On The Floor competitions over the past two weeks are testaments to their hard work and commitment.
QCDT is composed of 38 technically trained dancers—all coming from diverse backgrounds and various dance styles—that share a common love and passion for the art form. The team allows participants to continue their dance careers into their post-secondary education, compete in competitions, and showcase their passion to a wider audience.
The team not only represents Queen’s, but also inspires and entertains audiences both on and off campus. On March 17 to 19, the dance team made their season debut in Mississauga for the Be Dance Competition.
Their appearance was highly anticipated, as last season they were the one of the only universities that didn’t participate in any national competitions. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the team maintained a rigorous weekly practice schedule.
Co-Captain Helena Ziemer said the results from the Be Dance competition were proof all the team’s hard work paid off.
“We were able to come seventh overall, which I know for some sports that doesn’t sound very good, but with the way dance works, that’s a huge accomplishment. All the top seven teams were within 0.6 of the top score, so we were right up there with all the other top universities,” Ziemer said in an interview with The Journal.
The team worked tirelessly over the weekend, waking up at 5 a.m. and ending at midnight both days of the competition. Dancers from Queen’s received some of the best results of their careers, and Rachel Wiseman and Julia Novakovic received shout-outs for their choreography.
The following weekend, the team traveled to Niagara Falls for the On The Floor Competition. On Friday and Saturday, Queen’s dancers received fantastic results in their solos, duets, and small group performances. On Sunday, the team performed multiple group dances, showcasing their versatility and dynamic range.
“For some of our girls, there were eight dances, so they were starting early in the morning and they just had to keep dancing and dancing and switching costumes,” Ziemer said.
“So, it was a busy and overwhelming day, but our team did so well. I am so proud of everyone.”
Next week, on April 6, the team will have their final performance of the season in Kingston. The QCDT showcase is different from a formal competition and is an opportunity to show their friends and family their creativity in a more relaxed and intimate setting.
“[The showcase] is an opportunity for our dancers to show up for all of their hard work one last time,” Ziemer told The Journal.
Tickets for students will be $15 and $30 for the general public, and the team welcomes everyone to join them for an evening of breathtaking performances.
Students are encouraged to attend and consider auditioning for the team next fall. The showcase will be at 7 p.m. at the Kingston Grand Theatre and tickets can be purchased online.
Tags
competition, Dance, queen’s dance team
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