At just nine years old, this Bradford dancer and gymnast is leaping onto the world stage.
The Tamburello family is set to join daughter Addison, 9, as she heads to the International Dance Organization competition in Kielce, Poland from Nov. 28 to 30, as part of Team Canada Dance in the Acro category — a combination of classical dance and gymnastics — in both large and small groups as well as a solo performance.
In July, when the call came in saying Addison had been accepted to the team, the young dancer said she was speechless.
“Her jaw dropped, she couldn’t believe it,” said mother Erin.
Now Addison is eager to make the trip to Poland, and do her best for the national team.
“It’s really exciting because one of our teammates, she went last year to Germany for the same competition,” she said.
While that teammate brought home a silver, Addison said she’d be happy to land anywhere in the top 10.
“It’s probably the most proud that I’ve ever been,” Erin said of having her daughter on the team. “It warms my heart.”
She explained the family of five, including Addison’s two sisters, are planning to travel to Kielce as well, both to show support and enjoy performances from some of the world’s best dancers.
On top of that, Erin said the family has plans to explore the local food, culture and tourism opportunities.
“Poland would have never been on our list as somewhere we would bring everyone, so I’m glad the opportunity presented itself,” she said.
In preparation for the competition, Addison has been to several practices in Mississauga and Milton led by choreographer Derek Piquette, who is known for performances on So You Think You Can Dance, Cirque Du Soleil and World of Dance, as well as performing with and choreographing for Jennifer Lopez, according to Team Canada Dance.
“It’s really fun learning the dances, but the choreography is pretty hard,” Addison said, adding that she’s particularly looking forward to the solo competition.
She also plans to borrow a costume from one of her fellow dancers who wore it when she was younger, allowing Addison to bring some extra home-team pride to Poland.
While she’s only been dancing for three years and only competitively for two, Addison has been in gymnastics since she was six months old, and this fall, will be going into her fourth year of dance at the Bradford School of Dance.
Seeing her skills, it was one of the fellow dance moms that recommended Addison try out for the national team, so Erin submitted an audition video based on Addison’s solo performance from a previous competition, and it obviously impressed the judges.
While an exciting opportunity, participating in an international competition also comes with costs associated with travel, food and accommodations, for which the family has begun a series of fundraising efforts.
For those with a sweet tooth, the family is taking orders for Krispy Kreme doughnuts at $15 per dozen, which should be available for pickup on Nov. 5.
They’re also preparing to raffle off multiple baskets full of gift cards to, and items from, various local businesses including: Hay Caramba, Bradford Jewellery by Peter Dykie, Diamond Dreams Jewellers, Il Gatto e la Volpe restaurant, 3 Scoops Ice Cream, Wing Zone and Reali’s No Frills.
Tickets will be available at the Bradford Farmers' Market on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Saturday, Sept. 28, when the raffles will be drawn and Addison will also be performing live.
In addition to all that, Addison is also creating handmade bracelets which will be available to purchase.
For more information about any of the fundraising efforts, or to place an order for doughnuts, email Erin at [email protected].
