Thousands of dancers from Ontario and Quebec gathered in Gatineau for the ‘Hit the Floor’ dance competition on Sunday.
Organizers say it’s the largest dance competition in Canada and takes place over three weekends in different cities from March until May.
In Gatineau, more than 4,000 dancers descended on Lac Leamy over four days for the competition.
Founder Nicholas Bejin says the event is about giving people of all ages the chance to showcase their talent and have their skills put to the test. He says there are novices, competitive dancers and those who are considered elite.
“We take every smile,” he said. “We take every smile because it’s a big joy for us.”
16-year-old Malika Leveille Desjardins is in her first dance competition after picking up ballet last year.
She says she feels at home dancing.
“It’s freeing,” she said. “I feel it’s like expressing yourself without needing to use words”
She says she’s happy to be participating with her dance crew from Val-des-Monts, Que.
“We’re all like a little family and we can help each other out and give us tips and tricks,” she said. “I’m really excited.”
The four days alone holds 800 dance routines – covering everything from hip-hop, to jazz, contemporary and ballet.
J. Style, the competition’s host, says there’s a high calibre of dancers.
“It’s definitely one of the biggest competitions,” he said. “I think there’s high stakes for the dancers. There’s a lot of pressure. They know that they’re like going against the best of the best.”
Bejin says judges can come from the U.S. and Canada, looking for things like technique, performance and choreography.
“It’s a very safe space for dancers to push towards their goals and their dreams,” said Judge Neal Schwartz.
“I feel like it’s a very supportive environment.”
Organizers say there are about 15,000 visitors to the competition and is expected to pump $6.7 million into the Outaouais region.
