It seems like children become gifted dancers at much younger ages these days and dance competitions around the world have categories for kids as young as 3 and 4 years old!
There are a few YouTube channels that share the performances from these competitions, particularly if the dancer places in the top 3 in their division – CarmoDance is one of those channels.
Because dance can sometimes mean revealing costumes and moves that look a bit scandalous to some, most of the channels that showcase young talent have had their comments disabled, which is probably for the best.
But even if the comments were open, there’s no doubt a performance earlier this year by 8-year-old Piper Perusse would have gotten kudos from those who watched it.
Perusse competed in the 2020 NUVO Dance Convention in Bellvue, Washington. Her age put her in the “Mini” category and her solo dance was in the Contemporary genre. She placed 3rd overall in that category with a routine choreographed by her teacher, Emily Shock, from The Surge Dance Center where she takes her classes.
Dancing to the song “Daughter,” by the band Sleeping at Last, Perusse walks onto the dimly lit stage.
As the lights go up, the audience can see she’s dressed in a white leotard with a see-through “dress” over the top, her shiny blonde hair braided into a crown.
Her routine starts off with a smile and wave to the crowd.
Contemporary dance is an expressive style that borrows elements from genres like modern, jazz, lyrical dance, and classical ballet. Fluid movements and a story-telling element make it even more unique and entertaining.
While she shows off both her grace and flexibility, the choreography doesn’t seem quite in line with the music at first and some of her moves are more angular and robotic than soft and flowing as one might expect – but that’s what makes it such a unique routine!
It’s often hard to choose emotional songs for competitive dance routines because performers are typically required to keep a big smile on their face, which doesn’t always match the tone and lyrics. Then again, body movement is what matters most.
Perusse is not only a talented dancer but she’s got an almost gymnastic quality and is able to show off leg lifts and backbends that require plenty of skill.
The lyrics “this is your kingdom, this is your story” do add a sweet touch to the performance as the elementary schooler gives all she’s got during her moment in the spotlight.
As the performance comes to a close – though not before a few flips and other impressive maneuvers – Perusse ends just as she began, with a wave.
Despite being only 8, the young dancer has an Instagram page full of her other performances and tales of the prizes she’s won including Seattle Dancer of the Year at the Rainbow Dance Competition in 2019.
She’s already been participating in dance competitions for years and in addition to Contemporary dance, she also competes in the Jazz and Lyrical categories.
Even at the recent NUVO competition, she did more than just a solo dance – she also danced with a partner. Talk about a driven dancer!
Be sure to scroll down below to see the young girl’s modern dance performance.
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