ESTEVAN — Estevan's dance community had an exciting experience last week as Brian and Faye Foley, founders of the Associate Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) syllabus, travelled from Toronto to assess local dancers at the Drewitz School of Dance.
Known for their decades-long contributions to the Canadian dance scene, the Foleys have been instrumental in shaping dance education across the country and beyond since establishing ADAPT in 1979.
"This is our first visit back to Estevan since the pandemic," Brian Foley said, noting that while there were other examiners assessing local students, it was important for them to return to southern Saskatchewan themselves, as the community holds a special place in ADAPT's history.
Estevan, home to the Drewitz School of Dance, was one of the pioneers in introducing ADAPT to Saskatchewan's rural areas. Lorie-Gay Drewitz-Gallaway, owner and instructor, was the first teacher in the province to implement ADAPT exams.
Reflecting on this legacy, Brian Foley noted, "Lorie-Gay has been with us from the beginning—almost 45 years. Her dedication has helped make Saskatchewan one of the largest ADAPT provinces in Canada."
Saskatchewan is currently the second largest province for ADAPT participation "because so many of the studios in the rural areas are realizing the wealth of the success of teaching the work and bringing that success into their dance studios," Brian noted.
The Foleys highlighted the unique challenges rural dancers face.
"In rural areas, the children don't have the opportunity to have as much dance class time, nor are they exposed to the arts or dance as you would be in a larger community," Brian Foley explained. "Our purpose with our ADAPT syllabus is to bring some of that art into the community because the children don't have the opportunity of being exposed in a bigger picture.
"And what we're seeing for the majority of teachers who do our work is the results they get on limited training is excellent."
Adaptability is central to ADAPT's success. Brian noted that they built the syllabus on a progressive structure, in which every technique builds on the last, ensuring students develop a strong foundation.
"Our system follows a strategy that helps every student achieve their own personal potential," Brian said.
He noted that dance education gives children much more, as "It teaches musicality, it teaches the importance of hard work, dedication, discipline, consistency, all the things [for] you to move forward in your career or [life]," Brian said.
The Foleys also discussed ADAPT's international reach, particularly in Asia. Despite cultural differences, the syllabus remains consistent, and the Foleys noted that it's rewarding to see students overseas performing ADAPT routines just like those in Canada.
"The magic is in the teacher, not in the words of the syllabus. The syllabus is a guideline. But I would say that the majority of teachers who follow the ADAPT program take pride in making the students do the work as intended, which is great."
As ADAPT approaches its 45th anniversary, the Foleys remain committed to evolving the program.
"We're updating our syllabus all the time. One of the things that I'm proud to say is the ADAPT program is a very current program. It has stayed current. It will remain staying current, and it will grow," Brian said.
While in Estevan, the Foleys examined Drweitz School of Dance students of different ages, providing them with recommendations and inspiration for future success and growth.
