Vehicles lined the streets surrounding McLurg High School March 24 as approximately 400 guests flocked into the school gym to watch the Wilkie School of Dance's 20th annual dance recital.
Local students donned their colourful dance outfits and performed group routines in different styles of dance. Students from ages three - Creative Dancers - to 18 - Amber Risling celebrated her 18th birthday at the dance recital - performed styles such as jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, lyrical and pointe.
Laddy Hemeon, a past dance instructor who was there when the Wilkie School of Dance began, was the master of ceremonies for the day. Phil Heilman was the sound technician in charge of the music and Ryan and Nicole Kobelsky videotaped the event. A raffle table was set up along with a table to purchase gifts for the dancers. "Milbanke Flowers & Home Decor provided us with some wonderful product. They generously donated the leftover flowers to our local nursing home," said executive member Lesley Sittler.
The Wilkie School of Dance has been in our community for 20 years, run by an executive of dance parents. Styles offered are: tap, jazz, and hip hop taught by Ms. Danielle Greening and ballet, lyrical, pointe and creative dance taught by Ms. Janelle Cave.
"Our club has grown over the years and we are presently sitting at an enrolment of about 60 dancers and four of which are boys" says executive member Melany Kowalchuk. Practices are held Thursdays and Fridays in Wilkie. The school will be taking part in three competitions: North Battleford, Aberdeen (Saskatoon) and Lloydminster.
The Wilkie School of Dance will also be having a showcase May 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the McLurg High School gym. The showcase will highlight the talent of the students who perform solos, duets and trios. For more information on the Wilkie School of Dance, please contact Melany Kowalchuk at 306-843-2191.
