WILKIE – The Wilkie School of Dance celebrated 30 years with a jaw-dropping show-stopping afternoon on May 5.
With close to 60 students ranging from ages three to 18, the annual recital brought in a large crowd of family, friends and dance lovers. The school also had an adult tap group with six dancers perform for the audience. Like most recitals, this event signifies the end of competitions and the dance season.
Kathy Irwin, one of the dance executive members, said many of the junior, intermediate and senior students attended competitions in Saskatoon, Lloydminster and Camrose, Alta. With the adult tap group joining the Infusion competition in Lloydminster, the beginners also had the opportunity to join in the fun at the border city and Saskatoon.
The school received the second top overall studio award at Infusion.
“This is something we are very proud of as all marks from our studio go into a final average,” said Irwin.
The Camrose, Alta. competition, Sizzle, also proved to be successful for the studio. Five dances qualified for the dance-off, including a jazz, tap, acro and two hip hop numbers. The senior tap group performance of “Halo” was recognized at all three competitions. They received a 97 mark at MEET in Saskatoon and three awards at Infusion, including a choreography award, highest overall tap group mark and overall adjudicators choice award.
The school will see four students graduating this year, Emily Hango, Kiri Myszczyszyn, Brooke Bannerman and Lara Suter. Hango and Myszczyszyn were junior teachers, helping with the creative, beginner and junior dance groups, but Irwin said the presence of all four ladies will be missed.
Staff of the studio were also honoured at the afternoon event. Teachers Miss Melany Sander, Miss Ashton Herle, Miss Lynsey Stephen and Miss Justine Gerein all have their specialties and work with all age groups. Additional junior teachers Tayla Skinner, Ira Canong and Avery Strus and helpers Tyra Myszczyszyn, Mila Irwin and Joelle Love were also honoured.
At the end of the show, audience members who had previously danced, taught or been a part of the executive team with the Wilkie School of Dance were invited to join current students for a large group photo.
“It was a heartwarming moment and a great way to celebrate 30 years of dance in our community,” said Irwin.
