By Andrea Nicholl
A Lloydminster youth is chasing her dreams this summer, mile by mile and note by note.
Danielle Morin will take her vocal talent and dreams to an international stage this summer, travelling to Hollywood, California to compete in the 14th annual World Championship of Performing Arts.
The 14-year-old Holy Rosary high school student is one of 75,000 international competitors and says she’s anxious to meet the others and to learn more about herself and the industry.
“I hope I learn that there is a side of me that’s not afraid,” said Morin. “I’ve always wanted to be a singer and I’ve always wanted to hear one of my songs- that I’ve sung and written on the radio. “
Morin will work around the clock, rehearsing, competing and performing between 15 and 17 hours a day, for eight consecutive days. In addition to competing in pop, musical theatre and Disney vocals, Morin will also participate in the modelling and acting component of the competition.
“No matter what, she will come back with the tools that she needs to start her career because she’ll get a lot of the training that she needs ,” said Danielle’s mother, Christiane Morin.
“She always had that talent- even before vocal lessons - she was always a singer. I wish I had a video camera when she was little because at two years old she was in the living room, on the coffee table, with a hairbrush singing Barbie Girl.”
The young singer came across the opportunity to travel abroad with her talent during a local performance at the Singing Waitress Cafe, where a talent scout was unknowingly seeking a fresh face. After a lengthy conversation and a pile of paperwork, Danielle had agreed to attend the Championship auditions in Edmonton.
After waiting hours for her turn, Danielle finally stepped into the room for her fourth major vocal audition, singing Leona Lewis’ I Will Be. The judges were pleased with her performance and after a few weeks, officially invited her to Hollywood.
“When my mom told me that I was going to Hollywood I was really surprised. If you never try to do anything to get yourself out there, your dreams will never come true. You can’t just dream about it, you have to get out there and show people your talent,” said the vocalist, who can sing in English, French, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
“I always, always, always supported her,” said Christiane. “I keep encouraging her and just tell her ‘go and make your dream come true, just do it, don’t let anything, anybody, stop you.’
“I always tell her, in this life there will be people who will love you and there will be people who don’t, but you can’t give up, keep going because sooner or later somebody will see you for what you really are.”
While Danielle began participating in musical festivals three years ago and vocal competitions a year ago, the World Championship of Performing Arts will be her largest event to date and will be her first time competing outside of the country.
Contestants from Canada and 50 other countries will compete in dancing, singing, modelling, acting and instrumentals. Over 100 entertainment industry reps (agents, managers, producers, casting directors and record label reps) will judge, conduct educational seminars and cast during the week long championship. The week of activities will commence on July 17 with an opening ceremony, welcoming competitors by invitation only and will conclude on July 25.
– Anyone interested in sponsoring Morin can call 875-0946 for details.