CANORA - Dancers from the Extravadance Studio in Preeceville and Canora showcased their talents and hard work from the past season through their annual dance recital held in Yorkton on May 20. The recital theme was The Sweet Life, and featured performances from the local dancers and concluded with presentations of awards.
Kristin Weber, instructor, welcomed everyone to the recital.
“This is the 15th Anniversary of Extravadance Studio this year and I am so excited that we have been able to share our love for dance with so many students over that time,” said Weber.
“Over 15 years a lot can change. I opened in 2008 in Canora and since then I’ve met and married my husband Garrett, had two children; Keegan and Kamdyn. We branched out into a dance wear store in 2015 and opened Yorkton’s first location in 2015, and then in 2017 moved to our current location where we also opened our dance wear store in Yorkton.
“In 2018 we started our Summer Kids camp program and started Extravadance Preeceville in fall 2021. It went from just me teaching and taking care of all the things, to now where we currently employ a fulltime office manager, a bookkeeper, five teachers, four junior teachers and three assistants.
“I am so proud of how my studio has grown and become a second home for so many dancers. All I truly ever want is to share how much I love dance with them and for each dancer to have a fun, safe and rewarding dance career; no matter how short or long it is.
“So thank you to my family and friends for helping me get where we are today. To my staff and teachers, thank you for helping me create and build the studio and culture I’m so proud of. And to all of the dance parents and dancers that have been and are currently a part of our Extravadance family, thank you for being on this journey with me,” she said.
Weber acknowledged assistants and teachers at each location; Luca Propp, Canora assistant; junior teachers, Emerson Strykowski in Preeceville, Lila Wilson in Canora, Aleesha Jasper, and Kendall Veer.
“Kendall will not be returning to our staff in the fall as she has been accepted into the intensive training program in Vancouver at Harbour Dance Centre. This is a fabulous opportunity for her and will open so many doors. Thank you for sharing your talent, and genuine love for dance with each of your students,” said Weber.
Weber also acknowledged her office manager Jodi Bjornerud.
The awards presentation followed with many awards presented to dancers.
Dylan Descalchuk received a five-year award.
Aspen Zilch and Sophia Storoschuk received Miss Manners awards. The criteria required is to be polite to their teacher and classmates and always respectful and well behaved in class. These recipients will also receive a $25 scholarship sponsored by Simple Shots by Jackie.
Kaleigh Meberg and Eva Romanchuk received leadership awards. These dancers are leaders in class and also in the studio, they can be found participating in spirit days and helping at any event needed. They go above and beyond to help their classmates and studio family members. These recipients will also receive a $40 scholarship sponsored by Langenburg Motors, The Wellness Room and Imagine Events.
Atlin Godhe received the Shining Star award. She shares her bubbly personality and smile with everyone, the class is happier and in better spirits because of her. This dancer excels in class and is a great learner and listener and received a $50 scholarship sponsored by KM Auto and Vacations Yorkton, and Melissa Johnson.
Emily Friesen received a dedication award. She always shows up, never want to miss a class and if needed, makes sure she is caught up before the next one. This dancer that is always there, making the most of their class. This recipient will also receive a $30 scholarship sponsored by DD Landscaping and Adeola Oloka from Cogent Law.
Courtney Pozniak received a most improved award. She has shown personal improvement this year, and will receive a $50 scholarship sponsored by Simple Shots by Jackie and Dale at PK Trucking.
Jinny Schapansky and Latifah Severight received Dance Spirit awards. These dancers love coming to dance, and you can tell every week that they have a passion for what they are doing and truly want to be there. These recipients will also receive a $50 scholarship sponsored by Culligan Water and Shop Easy Foods
Positive Vibes awards were presented to Emily Mentanko, Rhyan Descalchuk and Emerson Strykowski, who have kept a positive attitude and adapted along everyone else through all of the ups and downs. These students are a great advocate for Extravadance. They are happy to be in the studio and share their positive energy with their classmates. These recipients will receive a $25 scholarship sponsored by Laureen Weber.
Luca Propp received the Miss Congeniality award that was voted on by the senior dancers, based on who they believe has been the kindest, most generous and gracious team member. This person embodies the spirit of Extravadance studio both while away at competition as well as during each and every class. This recipient will also receive a $25 Starbucks gift card sponsored by Extravadance.
Dance discipline excellence awards went to outstanding student who excel in each genre of dance. These recipients will also receive a $100 scholarship sponsored by Extravadance. Award winners were: Luca Propp (ballet) Kaleigh Meberg (tap) Sophia Storoschuk (jazz) Charlie Newton (lyrical) Macy Balawyder (hip hop) and Emerson Strykowski (hip hop).
