The BC Annual Dance Competition (BCADC) in Prince Rupert named Anika McGill, a dancer from Surrey, its Performer of the Year at the closing gala May 10 at the Lester Centre of the Arts.

McGill dances out of Affinity Dance Studio in Surrey, a new addition to the week-long festival this year. They sent four dancers to Prince Rupert.

The participants in the Performer of the Year competitions at junior, intermediate and senior levels are required to compete in minimum of four solos and three group performances, meaning they are well-rounded dancers in multiple disciplines.

The performers of the year in each age group receive a $1,000 cash prize. McGill's cash award was sponsored by Broadwater Industries.

Terrace dancers swept the other two categories with Hannah Hansen taking home the intermediate prize (sponsored by Sweat Rebel Fitness) and Ryah da Silva winning the junior category (sponsored by Larry Hope).

Adjudication for the week was provided by Jennifer Barton and Gdalit Neuman, both accredited dance teachers, adjudicators, and accomplished dancers in their own right.

In addition to the performers of the year awards, the BCADC handed out more than $75,000 in cash prizes and scholarships in more than 70 dance categories including two cultural-specific categories created for 2025.

Nearly 300 dancers from 10 studios, as well as two independents, from Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat, Hazelton, Stewart, Prince George, Quesnel, Massett and Vancouver participated, completing well over 900 performances over the seven days from May 4 - 10.

The gala on Saturday (May 10), was a swanky, sold-out affair featuring a champagne and appetizers reception in the Lester Centre Lobby followed by 35 performances selected from the best of week.