Local dance students shine on national stage

Youth dancers from the Lisa Naves Dance Company have returned home with national accolades after a standout performance at the 2025 Dance Canada Solo Finals, held June 30 to July 6 at the historic Sanderson Centre in Brantford.

The prestigious event brought together top soloists from across Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec, all of whom earned their place through a ‘golden ticket’ invitation - awarded to dancers who achieved exceptional scores during the 2025 Dance Canada competitive season.

The journey began for Lisa Naves Dance Company at the Dance Canada regional competition, held March 27-30 at the Americana Conference Resort in Niagara Falls. There, several dancers from the Simcoe and Brantford LNDC studios earned their golden tickets, securing their chance to compete for national titles such as Miss and Mister Dance Canada.

The Solo Finals offered more than just competition. Over the course of the week, more than 275 dancers participated in masterclasses across multiple genres, performed for industry professionals, and were interviewed by Dance Canada’s esteemed teaching faculty - creating a true pageant-style experience that tested both artistry and character.

Representing the studio in the Mini (9 & under) category were Ada Dedecker, Kylie Cutting, Clara Paxton, Samira Norman, Phoenix Abare, Scarlett Post, and Brice Sherk. In the Junior (10-12) category were Raya Antoniolli, Charlotte Moyer, Isla Smith and Peyton Tremblay.

Arwyn Carroll competed as the sole LNDC Teen (13–15) representative, while the Senior (16 & up) category featured Kaitlyn Devos, Ashleigh Durand, Chloe Filipcic, Kaitlyn Sanchuk, Elyse Gates, and Max Abonyi.

Several dancers achieved remarkable results:

Phoenix Abare was named 10th Runner-Up in the Mini category for her solo Yellow, choreographed by Avery Howard.

Scarlett Post earned 1st Runner-Up in the Mini category for her solo Show Off, choreographed by Jordyn Winger.

Isla Smith was crowned Junior Miss Dance Canada 2025 for her solo The Genius of the Crowd, choreographed by Avery Howard. 

Chloe Filipcic earned 6th Runner-Up in the Senior category for her solo "Bound to You, choreographed by Vicki Fletcher. 

Max Abonyi claimed the title of Senior Mister Dance Canada 2025, for his solo Ain't No Sunshine, choreographed by Teagan Davenport-Smith. This marks his second national title with Dance Canada.

“During the week at Dance Canada Solo Finals, I was thrilled to participate in several dance auditions and opening number rehearsals,” said Isla Smith. “Even if I felt nervous or uncomfortable, every time I stepped foot on that stage, I told myself ‘Be the best version of yourself. You’re allowed to mess up, so don’t get worked up if you do.’

“After I was crowned Junior Miss Dance Canada, I have to admit, I cried. I realized that my hard work and dedication paid off, and I was unbelievably proud of myself.” 

A beaming Max Abonyi said, “When I was announced as Senior Mister, I felt an explosion of emotions running through my body, and almost lost complete control of my legs when receiving the title! This felt more deserving than my first title win, as I felt I had really improved over this past year and all my hard work and dedication had led to this moment. I cannot wait to spend another year with this amazing family!”

"I am so very proud of these dancers who push beyond their limits every day, but always remain so humble and kind,” said studio director Lisa Naves-Abonyi.