Alberta-based acro dancers and dogs get golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent

It was a performance for the ages. A team of dazzling acro dancers and dogs from Alberta put on a show like no other on America’s Got Talent, packed with puppy parkour and captivating choreography worthy of the golden buzzer and a guaranteed trip to the quarterfinals.

“I just couldn’t believe it because this is like a dream. I still don’t believe it because it’s so surreal,” said Kate Ly, an 11-year-old dancer with Acro Canine Crew.

The moment was unforgettable for Ly and her fellow dancer, Zoe Gervais, who could be seen practicing at their southside Edmonton dance studio for an interview with CityNews on Thursday.

“When Terry came out, I think all of us just were like, so in shock, like we were not expecting that at all. We were kind of just excited to be on the show and get to perform on that big of a stage in the first place,” said Gervais.

The bond between these girls is tight-knit; most of the dancers related to at least one other member in the group, but what really helped tie the act together was the dogs and their owner, Jennifer Fraser.

“Every single time I trained my dog has led up to this moment,” said Fraser.

She’s been training dogs almost all her life and can be found around Calgary where she does community shows. She’s already impressed crowds internationally and holds multiple Guinness World Records with one of her dogs, Daquiri.

“I love getting out there with the crowds, the dogs love showing off, I love showing people what dogs are capable of. I love inspiring people to go do more with their dogs, because dogs are not just couch potatoes and one walk a day type of animals,” said Fraser.

Now that they’ve locked in their tickets to the quarterfinals, live shows where America will decide who advances and ultimately takes home the million-dollar grand prize.

These girls need to win over the hearts of the audience and secure their votes. To do that, they’re practicing four to five times a week to make sure they’ve got their routine perfected for the big stage.

“It’ll be a busy, busy summer for us,” said Jill Ford, the owner and director of Supernova Acro Studio.

Ford says the satisfaction from this milestone goes beyond the golden buzzer. She’s never had to choreograph a routine with animals before, but it’s a gamble that paid off, seeing a lot of new followers, mentions, and engagement on social media. What’s most rewarding for her, the recognition of her dancers.

“It’s really developing strong muscle, good control of their bodies, and I think it’s exciting for all the acro dancers in the world,” said Ford.

Winning the grand prize will be a tough challenge, and these girls are aware of the pressure.

“I mean, I think it’s definitely a lot, but I think we’re such a close team and family that we have each other’s back and we’re willing to work through all of the challenges and all the excitement together, so I think we’re ready for it,” said Gervais.

But they’re ready to show the world they’ve got no shortage of talent.

“I hope that people see how much dedication and work it takes to have all these practices at 6 a.m., and then go on stage and perform,” said Ly.

The Acro Canine Crew’s next appearance on America’s Got Talent will be in August for the live show quarterfinals.