4 minute read
From Mannville to Prague for Rian Haugan
From Mannville to Prague for Rian Haugan
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Rian Haugan’s love of dancing has already taken her from the local stage to an international competition. The Mannville area tween was one of 9,500 dancers from 54 countries to participate in the 2024 Dance World Cup (DWC) finals in Prague, Czech Republic.
The DWC kicked off with an Olympic-style opening ceremony on June 28, where 20,000 worldwide participants and their supporters paraded through Prague’s Old Town to Wenceslas Square. Rian says, “The parade and street party was a lot of fun. I took Canada pins and keychains to share with dancers from other countries. Meeting other dancers had a calming effect for my stage performance. Knowing we were all there together for the same reason, I wasn’t nervous at all. I just went out on the stage and did my thing.
Another highlight for me was representing my country, not only doing what I love but also embracing friendships through dance. I met other dancers through the dance classes I attended throughout the week.
The competition was similar to other competitions, and the dancers were really good! I danced on June 29. Our tap group, ‘Jet Set’ came in 12th place out of 28 countries. Meeting other dancers was a lot of fun, from here in Canada to countries all over the world. I met some friends I hope will last a lifetime.”
Rian’s mom Rachel, dad David and brother Cody were right beside her to cheer her on. They even got to spend some time seeing the sights of Prague before heading to Italy after the competition where they enjoyed skiing in the Swiss Alps and visiting the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Disneyland in Paris. Rian says, “Traveling across the world and experiencing other cultures was an experience I will never forget.”
Rian earned a spot at DWC after attending the dance competition, Standing Ovation in Fort Saskatchewan in April of 2022. Rachel says, “There she won a placement award for the highest tap solo mark under the age of 12. With that award, she gained a spot on the 2023 Tap Team Canada for Portugal. Unfortunately, there was no Western tap team that year, so they held her a place for 2024 in Prague, Czech Republic.
I am so proud of Rian and her dedication to working hard towards a goal, and for her to win such an amazing award has been very exciting. Europe was never in our sights to visit, so being invited was out of the blue.
The city was amazing! We thoroughly enjoyed walking the streets, experiencing all the history, and learning to use the metro. I grew up in a city, but the other three were citified, that was fun and eye-opening to realize that my kids can read a map, have a good sense of direction, and are full of common sense. We were bummed that we weren't able to go to Portugal, but after all is said and done, we are so happy we were able to experience the Czech Republic. It is not a country I would have ever chosen to visit, but now I would love to go back!”
Looking back, Rachel says that, “Rian has always been very keen, and a perfectionist. Right from the get-go, she was a dancer. We took mom and tots class when she was just walking, and she continued from there to preschool classes. She would do ballet around the house. Her first stage performance as a ballerina was at age 3. Now, around the house or out and about her feet are always moving. Tapping through a routine, in her street shoes, on the spot. Any dancer's parent knows what that sounds like.”
Rian says she’s always loved dancing and the process of learning the steps to a full routine on stage. “Learning choreography for a routine is my favourite part.” She has many years ahead of her to continue to enjoy what she loves to do, and it’s no secret that her family, friends and fellow dancers at Dance Impressions by Ryan will be behind her every step of the way.
