Her four solo dances at a recent Chilliwack dance festival have earned 16-year-old Lauren Tokiwa the right to compete at the provincials next week in Duncan.
Lauren, who dances with the Kick it Up a Notch studio in Aldergrove, did contemporary, lyrical, jazz and stage dance solos.
"To qualify for the provincials, dancers have to do regional festivals. There are three in the Lower Mainland you can qualify from, like Chilliwack, and if they get chosen, they continue on to the provincials which is the pinnacle of B.C.'S festival circuit," said Kelly Tokiwa, her mom.
But Lauren already has provicials experience under her belt, having also represented the Chilliwack Festival at last year's provincials, which were held in Prince Rupert.
She won the intermediate (13- to 15-year-olds) stage rep category, beating girls from around the province. This year she's competing in the tougher senior category.
"This year has been outstanding for Lauren," her mom explained. "She won top senior triple threat power soloist at Dance Power, top scoring senior soloist at Peak Dance competition, and highest scoring soloist in the advanced category at Shine Dance competition.
"She has also won many awards and bursaries this year."