MK Studio held its first recital in Blind River and fifth annual in Elliot Lake, capping a busy two weeks for the local dance company.
Kate Collet, founder of the studio, handed out a personal award to each student in Blind River, which was a collection of medals from her previous dance years, according to a news release.
She also handed out three additional awards. Anja Kubatlija won the most dedicated award in her mini division. Annie Adair won the Most Improved award in her junior division and Taylor Bizier received the most improved award in her intermediate division.
All dancers are residents of Blind River. To top off the evening Collett also announced she has added new members to the competitive team. Lily Olsen, Morgan Jensen, Jenielle Cuillerier, Anja Kubatlija, and Megan Lemieux will compete with Mk Studio in North Bay & Guelph for their 2023-2024 season.
MK Studio was founded in 2018. Collett is a Danceworks alumnus and was awarded best all-around dancer in 2007. She is certified in jazz dance. Faculty member, Emilie Lafontaine is certified in acrobatics and is also a DanceWorks alumnus.
"Together they have built a strong foundation in both communities with a tremendous amount of positive feedback and appreciation from their dance parents," the release said.
At the Elliot Lake recital on June 23, Collet's hometown crew received individual awards for their hard work and dedication. She also handed out two additional awards. Abbeygail Stewart won most improved dancer in the acrobatics division and Amelia Cuthbertson won most dedicated in the junior jazz division. Three five-year awards went to students that have been in the studio since its opening: Hailey Mae Sagan, Chloe Gingras and Mya Stefanich are all dancers at the competitive level. Echo Davidson will also be joining them this coming season at the competitive level.
The studio will be holding in-person registrations at the Blind Riverfest on July 8.