A local dancer is preparing to take the stage for a special ballet performance.
Kayla Malanfant, a Grade 12 student at Delta Secondary, will be performing in the Royal Academy of Dance Solo Seal award this week. In order to be invited to the Solo Seal, candidates must first receive top mark of distinction in their Advanced 2 RAD exam.
Malanfant, who trains at Deas Island Dance in Ladner, is one of only 20 Canadian dancers who have qualified and will participate in Solo Seal performances this year. This performance marks a very special milestone as it is the culmination of over a decade of training.
Malanfant has been coached for this event by Deas Island Dance senior ballet teacher Janet Gittens, who has prepared several candidates for the Solo Seal.
Malanfant is a versatile dancer excelling in ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and musical theatre. She has had opportunities to train with Alvin Ailey, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and has recently been invited to attend the School of Alberta Ballet.
"Kayla is a hardworking, positive young woman and she is a joy to watch perform," says Deas Island Dance director Lesley Benham. "She has been an incredible role model for young dancers in our community. We are so proud of all that Kayla has achieved."
The Solo Seal performance takes place this Friday at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
