UNITY — The summer months have officially become a little more hectic for Keira Schumack of Unity, as she has been accepted to train and perform with the national acrobatic team, which will travel to Milan, Italy later this year to compete at the International Dance Organization (IDO) World Championships.
The 15-year-old submitted an audition video, showcasing her strengths, dance techniques, flexibility, control and overall performance quality. Although Schumack did not know how many acrobatic artists tried out for a spot on the team, she knew how hard it would be to earn a spot on the team.
Then the call came in. Not only was she accepted as a member of the team representing Unity, but she was also the only dancer from Saskatchewan selected for the junior age division.
“We were incredibly excited, and of course, a little nervous. It’s such a huge opportunity and we are so proud of Keira for being selected to represent Canada,” said mom, Ashley.
Born to dance
Schumack has been doing acrobatics for as long as she can remember. She got her first gym mat for Christmas at the age of five and joined the gymnastics club in Unity when she was eight. Her love of bending backwards and contorting her body helped her move through all the levels of gymnastics that were offered. By the age of 10 and with no formal acrobatic training, Schumack performed her first acro solo in the 2019 spring competitions. Later in the year, she was selected to join the acro team following an audition at the Alison Lamont School of Dance in Lloydminster, Alta., working with award-winning choreographer Kirstin Strang before the competition was cancelled due to the pandemic.
When the world and life resumed, Courtney Smith held auditions to create an acrobatic dance team at Revolution Dance in Unity.
“Keira has such a vibrant passion for dance and an insane work ethic. She has always had a strong drive to push herself and take on any opportunity she can to excel in her training,” said Smith.
When Revolution Dance announced that Smith would be the new owner of the studio with a new name, Stand Out Dance Collective (SODC), Schumack was excited to continue working with Smith. The acro team that was first formed with Revolution Dance continues to exist under the SODC name.
Flexing her spine
Over the years, Schumack has travelled throughout the western provinces, training at various acro camps and conventions. She attended her first camp in 2018 at Premier Dance in Kindersley, where the founder of Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA), Melissa Klassen, was present. The next year, Schumack earned a scholarship to an acro camp in Humboldt hosted by A-List Dance & Acrobatics.
She continued to train at SODC, crediting Smith for her continued growth in the dance style.
“The environment is really supportive and pushes me to keep improving. Courtney has believed in me from the beginning and always creates challenging and creative choreography that helps me grow not just as an acrobat, but as a dancer as well,” said the teen.
Smith, who has watched Schumack perform from the beginning, says she ensures to keep up on her teacher training and certifications through the ADTA.
“I will also personally be working with Keira to help clean the routines she will be performing at the IDO World Championships once the choreography has been set by the team’s instructor, Lexy Cox,” said Smith.
In addition to acrobatics, the teen also competes in other dance styles including lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and ballet. She told SaskToday she still has intentions to perform and train with her home studio while being committed to the national team.
“There will be some overlap in training from September through to the end of November, but I’m committed to balancing both. It’s definitely a big commitment, but I’m so ready to give it everything I have and proudly represent my hometown and Canada on the world stage,” said Schumack.
Twisted training
With the letter of acceptance in hand, Schumack’s calendar is filling up fast. Training will start near the end of July, working with world-class, award-winning choreographer Lexy Cox. Between travelling back and forth between Unity and Vancouver, B.C. for training, the teen admitted she is a little excited and nervous about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I’m excited to meet new people, take on new challenges and grow through every step of this international journey. At the same time, I’m a little nervous about the pressure that comes with competing at such a high level. I want to make my coaches, my team and hometown proud and not let anyone down. I know that nerves just mean I care, and I plan to turn that into fuel when I step on stage.”
Smith also added that Kiera dances four days a week and trains in a group setting. She is often found at the studio most weekends practising her tricks and routines, as well as mentoring young dancers who aspire to be just like her.
Schumack has been selected to perform an acrobatic solo with Team Canada, as well as picking up a group routine or two along the way.
“An opportunity like this is incredible for our small-town studio. It demonstrates not only to our community and our country but also the world, the kind of high-calibre training that SOSC offers. Keira has also set such a strong example for our young dancers, thinking, ‘If Miss Keira can do it, so can I someday,” said Smith.
Next stop, Italy!
With the competition less than six months away, Schumack is excited to share this experience with her mom and Smith, both of whom will be travelling with the teen to Italy. While her whole family wishes they could all be there to cheer her on in person, the family just cannot afford the added expenses.
“There are significant costs involved with being a part of Team Canada. Travelling to Vancouver for training, IDO entry fees, choreography accommodations, team gear and airfare to Italy for the championships,” said Schumack’s mom.
Schumack and her family are currently organizing fundraisers over the next few months as well as seeking out sponsorships.
“We will have a donation account set up at Sarcan, plans to have a barbecue at the Unity Delta Co-op parking lot and a town-wide bottle drive in August, as well as a Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser in September. I also have a few more fundraisers currently in the planning stages. If anyone is interested in being a sponsor, they can get in touch with us at [email protected]. Watch for advertising around town and online,” said Schumack.
While she understands it’s a big financial commitment, she is already so appreciative of the support she has received.
“I love the feeling of inspiring the people I love and those who look up to me. When I’m on stage, everything else fades away – I am completely in the moment. Performing lets me express who I truly am, and it's where I feel the most confident, alive and connected. It means the world to us to see just how much our community can rally. It’s been moving to see how many people support me,” added the teen.
The IDO World Championships will take place Nov. 17 to 22 in Milan, Italy, but Schumack’s mom did share that there will be a livestream service available to watch the competition, which will be shared at a later date so local supporters can tune in to cheer on Unity’s own Keira Schumack.
