Submitted by Tammy Bhimji
The Dance Zone successfully finishes another great year of dance in Carlyle on May 4th 2011 at the Carlyle Elementary School. A Moment To Shine 2011 will begin @ 7:00 showcasing award winning talent and choreography from over 50 dancers from Carlyle and area. Tammy & Jenni travelled every week to teach in Carlyle with many thanks the Carlyle Legion Hutt and the Carlyle Store Front School for the facilities.
Tickets for A Moment To Shine 2011 are available through local businesses such as Pharmasave, Arcola Agencies, and Shelly Sargent at the elementary school. Tickets are $5 per person with $1 from every ticket sale being donated to Kids Sport.
On February 13th, dancers travelled to Weyburn to participate in Adapt ~ Brian Foley Jazz & Tap exams. Ms. Sandy (Calgary) and Ms Gwen (Toronto) travelled to adjudicate. All dancers were very successful and Mr Foley personally commended the dancers and instructors and a job well done. All dancers received a mark of Commended Plus (85%) and up. Miss Jenni and Miss Tammy will be traveling to Toronto this summer to advance in their teaching and choreography through the ADAPT Teacher Program with Brian & Faye Foley.
A Special Award was received by two local 6 year olds, Rylee Himmelspeck and Presley Wilcox for their performance in in the Pre-Junior ADAPT Tap program. This program is brand new and they were they first set of children to be tested in this level, in Saskatchewan, this spring both received Commended Plus.
In March, local students travelled to Weyburn for RAD Ballet exams. Mrs Valentine (South Africa) adjudicated and was very pleased with the quality of instruction being delivered to Carlyle. Local students: Emma Lees, Cassidy Weber, Torri Chapman, Kendra Schultz successfully completed Pre-Primary Ballet. Jorja Bendsten, Madisson Riddell, Hailey Barta, Jenna Mcauley successfully passed Grade 1 Ballet. Taylor Sargent, Hailey Hislop, and Vanessa Bendtsen excelled in Grade 2 Ballet as did Marina Tait and Jayde Wallin in Grade 4 Ballet. Miss Jenni will be attending the RAD Ballet Refresher this summer in Calgary.
Competition was equally exciting and successful for all students. The Dance Zone travelled to 3 competitions over the regular season. Dancers travelled to Ogema, Weyburn and Yorkton. The Dance Zone brought home 43 major awards, trophies, and scholarships for their performance and abilities including Miss Jenni, who was awarded Best Overall Choreography / Teacher Award.
Highlight of the competition season was our very own "Dance Nation Charity Dance Festival" held April 2nd in Weyburn. Dancers travelled from all over Southern Saskatchewan to help raise awareness and funds for the much needed Saskatchewan Children's Hospital Foundation. Families , dancers, and community members all helped make the day a huge success .
Following our annual dance recital, local senior and intermediate students will be traveling to Minneapolis for a 4 day dance trip. "I Love Dance Competition" is being held at the Crown Plaza Riverfront with dancers competing in tap, jazz, ballet and lyrical. Best of luck to all dancers.
