Pearl Lorentzen
Lakeside Leader

Dance Creations is nearing the end of its first year as a non-profit.

The dance studio has been in Slave Lake for many years.

In September 2021, it “shifted from a privately owned and operated studio to a non-profit volunteer run studio,” says Slave Lake Dance Creations Society President Julia Hunt. “We have endured a lot of struggles and hiccups especially doing this during a pandemic, but our parents and dance families have been so awesome and patient, and we are all looking forward to the many benefits and positive changes that can be made running the Slave Lake Dance Creations Studio this way.”

Jennifer Hansen, the previous owner of the business, is still involved, adds Hunt. “We are hoping her involvement will continue in the years to come.”

Miss Jodi and Miss Brooklyn are still teaching at the studio. There are also some new dance teachers. These include Miss Maddy from High Prairie, and a virtual tap class with an instructor from Toronto.

Dance Creations has a recital in Slave Lake on May 6 and 7 in the Legacy Centre.

“Our dancers are all very excited to finally be back on the stage performing again in front of a live audience,” says Hunt. “It’s been very hard on them. They have worked so hard these past two years and many of their routines never even got a chance to make it to the stage.”

Also, Dance Creations is gearing up for competitions in April and May. April 6 to 10, 39 dancers will compete in Fort Saskatchewan. The adult group are within the 45 dancers going to a competition in St. Albert on April 21 to 23. The last festival is in Red Deer May 24 to 26.

Some Dance Creations soloists and groups will also be part of an event in Slave Lake on March 27. This is organized by Reanna Maitland.

Maitland grew up in Slave Lake. She lives in Edmonton. Among other things, she owns a dance studio called Live to Dance.

Last year, Maitland held a similar event in Revelstoke, BC, she says. Then she thought, why not bring it to her hometown. Growing up, she often traveled for master classes and workshops. “I can bring something to those dancers who are basically just like me,” she adds.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dancers will be in classes with adjudicators who will teach them tricks and tell them what they are looking for when judging dancers.

From 4 (or 4:30) to 7 p.m., there will be a public show which includes judging. For the show, tickets are $10. They are available on Eventbrite.

“This is a wonderful program, and we are so pleased she has brought it to Slave Lake,” says Hunt.