YORKTON — The Gallagher Centre in Yorkton is buzzing with energy as nearly 600 dance entries take the stage for the first-ever Vibe Dance Competition.
Organized by sisters Kristin Weber and Lindsay Magnusson, the new competition aims to give dancers a fresh opportunity to showcase their talents.
"We were just looking for another opportunity for local dancers to showcase their talents," said Weber in an interview with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca
Unlike traditional competitions held at the Anne Portnuff Theatre, Weber and Magnusson opted for the Gallagher Centre to create a different atmosphere for dancers.
"We've got nine different studios here. Most are from Â鶹ÊÓƵ-East Saskatchewan," said Weber.
Nine dance schools are participating in the inaugural event, including A-List Dance & Acrobatics from Humboldt, Cupar Dance Club, Highway 22 Dance out of Melville, Leaps and Bounds from Langenburg, Marley's Dance Effex in Weyburn, SaskExpress out of Regina, Wadena School of Dance, the Wynyard School of Dance and Yorkton's own Extravadance.
In addition to providing a competitive platform for dancers, The Vibe Dance Competition is one of five qualifying events leading up to the first-ever Sask Dance Provincials, set to take place in Yorkton in 2026.
"The very first Sask Dance Provincials will be happening here," said Weber, expressing excitement about the future of the event.
Adjudicators for the competition include Faye Rauw, a seasoned dance judge, instructor and choreographer, as well as Sheri Drewitz-Kanten, an award-winning teacher and choreographer. Both originally from Saskatchewan, Rauw and Drewitz-Kanten bring decades of expertise and prestige to the competition.
"We're lucky to have them," said Weber.
The competition runs until April 26 and is open to the public, with day passes available for purchase. Children can attend for free, and a livestream of the event is accessible on the .
Weber also expressed gratitude to sponsors and over 20 volunteers who helped bring the event to life.
As dancers take the stage throughout the week, the inaugural competition marks the beginning of a new tradition in Saskatchewan's dance scene—one that organizers hope will continue to grow.
