Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Shortly after learning to walk, Mercedes MacDonald discovered dance-and hasn’t looked back.
The 10-year-old Amherstview native’s passion for dancing is already taking her places as she was recently named to Team Canada’s World Performer Dance Team. She’ll now represent the red and white as they compete next June at the Dance World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic.
MacDonald earned her spot on the team after impressing judges via a video submission. The talent scouts liked what they saw, offering her a spot on Canada’s children’s group contemporary team.
“I’m kind of nervous, but excited. I’m glad that I get to travel with my good friend on the team Gracelyn Dunlop,” said MacDonald.
Dancing at the age of two, by four she was competing.
MacDonald has honed her skills while training at Kingston’s TK Danceworx, where she regularly competes in competitions throughout the season. Dunlop also trains from the same studio.
In 2022 MacDonald was awarded the Regional Most Potential Mini Classic Dancer and has been a Top Ten Soloist mini competitive division and First-Runner for title winner for Mini Miss at a regional competition, and was also a Title Soloist Contestant at Nationals in 2023.
When not competing, her and her team serve as backup dancers for a local Mini Pop Kids concert and they regularly take part in fundraising events, team parties, the Santa Clause Parade and team sleepovers while also attending conventions.
Sometimes, she may be dancing six days per week during busy seasons and that includes regular trips to Toronto to train for three days a month.
Though her team routine for the Worlds is a contemporary, that’s far from her only style. She has also competed in acro, hip-hop, jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet and musical theatre.
She now has a little over a year to prepare for the big stage-that includes not only practicing, but fundraising as well.
“I’m trying to finance it all on my own by business sponsorships, donations, baby sitting and I’m starting a business called Made by Mercedes and we’ll be selling things that I make such as bracelets, clothes, desserts, bows, banners, cards, cake toppers and photography sessions,” she said.
She’s also be offering personalized t-shirts for kids as they get ready for back to school, with shirts displaying their name, teacher’s name and grade.
Everything she raises through her business enterprise will cover the cost of her trip. The Facebook page for her business can be found by visiting www.facebook.com/madememommygifts?mibextid=LQQJ4d.
Competing at the Worlds is just a start as she sets intends to continue with dance for life.
“I want to dance when I’m older as a career, it’s so much fun,” she said.