Tori Rempel is off to dance at the World Championships

We've all heard the stories from athletes local, national and international about THAT feeling....the one you get after being informed you will represent your country at an international event.  Some are simply stunned, while others just break down and sob.
 
She didn't cry, but Tori Rempel says she was pretty excited when she was told she'd made the Canadian National Dance team.

"It's quite amazing actually.  I was shocked.  There was definitely a lot of jumping around and excitement.  I didn't quite cry but, I was pretty close."

Making any kind of national team is never easy, and to make the National Dance Team, Rempel says it's quite a process.

"You had to compete at Nationals, which was my first year also competeing at Nationals.  Then, there was a sign-up sheet where there was signing for the World Team so, I signed up.  Then you go to an audition, you pretty much learn a routine and then you show it (to the judges).  They videotape it, you have a number on so they know who you are, and then they call you up eventually and tell you if you made it or not."

Rempel is now off to Austria this fall as part of Team Canada to compete in the World Dance

Championships.  It is a first-time experience for her and she is still trying to take it all in.  Having been involved in dance since she was ten, she's worked hard to get to this point.  She started with lessons at Stoney Brook Dance Company, and after getting the basics of classical dance & ballet down, she switched to hip-hop and has been in love with it ever since.

If you're not familiar with the genre, grab any one of the 'Step Up!' movies or, best of all, 'Save the Last Dance'.  The latter might be more appropo because it is a story about a classical dancer that switches to hip-hop.

So, what's the appeal for Rempel?  Personal expression.

"I find it's your way of showing the world who you are and what you do because, it's your own style and you can put your own things into it.  I kind of put a more sassy vibe to it - that's what my dance teacher does in my solos."

Unfortunately, making Canada's National Dance Team is just like making it to the Olympics in that there is little to zero funding available for you from government agencies.  So, Rempel is actively looking for people to sponsor her so she can go on this trip.  And if you think Canada isn't an international dance power - think again.  Rempel says Canadian dancers are known to be some of the best in the world and 'we' have several World Titles to our credit.  

Knowing that, it kind of brings that city slogan to mind - it's worth the trip.

It certainly could be for Rempel.

If you're interested in helping her out, or just following herjourney to Austria, go to her webpage at www.mylifeasadancer.tumblr.com.