From the graceful grand jetés of ballerinas to the co-ordinated thunder of tap shoes, summer dance camp at The Dance Connection in North Battleford is bustling with activity.
The camp, which has been offered for around 10 years, attracts dance students from all over British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. There are three age groups offered for the dance camp: ages nine to 11 in junior, 12 to 14 in intermediate and advanced for age 15 and over.
This will be the sixth year Daryl Iverson, 16, has attended the summer camp. Iverson also takes dance classes throughout the school year, dancing five days per week.
"It's a lot of work and you have to be really committed," said Iverson, who started dancing when she was four.
The young woman will be taking her Advanced 2 ballet exam next spring, and looks as though she will be the latest addition to the dozen or so Dance Connection graduates who have gone on to dance professionally.
The accomplished dancer, who lives in Meota and attends John Paul II Collegiate, said she would like to dance for the Rockettes, a New York-based dance company. One of Iverson's favourite experiences with the Dance Connection was their trip to New York in 2007, where a trip to Radio City Music Hall allowed Iverson to see the place where her dream company dances.
One of Iverson's dance instructors, Margaret Stephen, described the Rockettes: "They're just like Daryl, they're tall and they have legs to die for."
Stephen is one of five regular instructors at the Dance Connection, and teaches ballet and lyrical dance. The other four teachers are Sarah Rasmussen, Daylan Sabin, Dianne Gryba, who teaches musical theatre, and Virginia Winterholt, who owns Dance Connection, having founded the company 23 years ago.
Winterholt, a North Battleford native, spent time dancing on cruise ships and in New York before returning to her hometown to open her dance school.
"I love the teaching aspect," said Winterholt.
She said she enjoys seeing her students succeed in the highly competitive industry, pointing to her "wall of fame," where the pictures of former students who have gone on to dance professionally serve as inspiration to current students.
"It's especially rewarding if they can go on and have a career from what they've learned here," said Winterholt.
For the summer camps, Winterholt likes to have former students come back to teach. This year, Devin Jamieson is one of those students. Jamieson has danced for a number of singers, including Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, and perhaps most notably, Michael Jackson. Jamieson was set to take part in Michael Jackson's tour before the pop singer's untimely demise.
Another former student instructor this year is Sasha Kozak, who people may remember from the popular TV show, So You Think You Can Dance. Unfortunately, Kozak tore a groin muscle and was unable to compete on the show, but he will be back next season, as the judges have decided to invite Kozak back without an audition.
Although it may sound highly competitive, one of the reasons Winterholt said the summer dance camp is enjoyable for students, is it enables them to meet fellow dancers in a non-competitive atmosphere.
"Usually the only time they get to meet other dancers is at competitions," said Winterholt, adding that many summer camp attendees form lasting friendships.
The Dance Connection offers classes year-round in tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and musical theatre for people aged three and up. There are classes in tap, jazz and hip hop for those looking just for a recreational activity as well.
