The Western Canadian Open Championship highland dance competition, held on March 26 in Kelowna, produced some impressive results for a South Cariboo dancer.
Madeline Martin, 9, of the local Wee Walker's club, ended the high-calibre competition as the third runner-up overall in the seven-nine years category. She earned the award with a fourth-place finish in the Highland Fling, fifth in Sword Dance, fourth in Seann Truibhas, and third in both Strastphey and Highland Reel.
The competition showcased the talents of 200 premier-level dancers who came from all over British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Washington State to compete.
On the following day, Martin went on to compete at the Premier Competition, which was also held in Kelowna.
She danced in the Premier 10 and Under division, winning second place in Highland Fling, third in Seann Truibhas and fourth in the Johnnie.
The competitions served as a warm-up for the upcoming B.C. Provincial Championships, which take place on May 14 in Vancouver.
Martin is taught by Carol Lidstone of Wee Walker's.
Veronika Martin, Madeline's mom, says her daughter's results speak volumes for Lidstone.
"She works hard with the dancers, and at the same time, has fun. Carol is always very proud of her dancers."
Madeline was the only Wee Walker's dancer to compete in Kelowna.
