Jean-Philippe Milot & Laurence
| Jean-Philippe Milot |
Laurence |
Born: Montreal Canada Started dancing: Age 6 Teaching experience: 4 years
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Born: Montreal Canada Started dancing: Age 2 Teaching experience: 1 year
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Jean-Philippe began ballroom dancing at the age of six in Montreal, Canada. Unlike how others may have begun their dance careers Jean-Philippe's career started because his parents made him despite his protests. Today we can be certain that he certainly thanks his parents as his career to date has certainly been rewarding. Through his hard work with coaches such as Manon Grenier and Jean-Marc Generaux Jean-Philippe attended numerous World Championships and became the Youth Ten-dance and Latin Champion of Canada.
At just two years old Laurence began tap and jazz dancing. She continued with jazz and tap until she was twelve. At this time she was on summer break and saw a movie about ballroom. Attracted by the dancing and pretty dances she wanted to give it a try. Since immediately fell in love with ballroom and has been at it ever since. Training with renowned coaches Vibeke Toft and Rufus Dustin Laurence became the American National Junior Latin and Standard Pro-Am champion. She also won the title of Canadian 10-dance Pro-Am champion.
The pairing of Jean-Philippe and Laurence is another parent inspired story. Coincidentally their parents happened to work together. At one point while discussing their families they discussed how their children were ballroom dancers, without current partners and around the same ages. The parents decided that their children should try out together. The rest is history and once again proves that parents know best!
As a couple Jean-Philippe and Laurence have had tremendous success.
Here are some of their competitive results:
- 3rd place. Quebec Championships - January 2007
- 4th place. Canadian Championships - April 2007
- Semi-finalists. Ohio Star Ball - November 2006
- Quarter-finalists. Embassy Ball - August 2007 (An IDSF event and part of the Grand Slam attracting the best couples from around the world)
- Top 96 (84th). The Blackpool Dance Festival - May 2007 in the Adult Latin Category (The category started with over 400 couples)
Jean-Philippe and Laurence have also appeared on National TV having been invited to dance on the Quebec version of Dancing With The Stars. They also performed at the Olympic Stadium of Montreal before 40,000 people in the summer of 2006 as part of the opening ceremony for the Outgames. The ceremony was broadcast live on National TV. They also appeared on a music and dance show on the Bravo! Channel in December 2007. One of their highlights was to be able to compete in front of all their families and friends at the LaClassic competition in Montreal. The atmosphere, memories and camaraderie of competitions are feelings that will be with them forever.
With all their accomplishments so far Jean-Philippe and Laurence strive for more. As competitors they work diligently and strive to be champions. They love to compete at the largest and most prestigious of events such as Blackpool and the other major events of Canada, the United States and Great Britain. To be recognized as a great couple is their dream.
They feel that what they bring to the dance floor is a great interpretation of the music and the ability to express without talking.
As teachers they love to teach all levels but especially enjoy starting students right from the beginning. They strive for each student to achieve their goals and be happy and proud of their dancing. They feel that success is when a student leaves better than when they came in.
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