UNITY - Stand Out Dance Collective launched their recital and competition season with Showcase, featuring solo and duet performances of many types: tap, lyrical, hip hop, jazz, ballet and contemporary dance. The performances took place in the senior gym at Unity Composite High School, March 19, in front of an appreciative audience.
Along with a special ballet performance by Linda Bloem, choreographed by Margaret Stephen, 16 students performed a total of 25 dances. Some dancers appeared in only one number while others showed off their talents in several different genres.
This was SODC’s first major public event. Afterwards, founder and director Courtney Smith said she had had full confidence in her dancers performing as expected but she had been a little nervous about the technical logistics of music and lights running smoothly. Although the spotlight was lost momentarily a couple of times, there were no glitches with the music and each dancer heard the tune she, or he, was expecting once they were ready on stage.
The sole male to perform, Zander Hennings, had a hip hop solo to Zander Time, choreographed by Cori Udell.
Thirteen solos and duets – tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, contemporary and ballet – were choreographed by Smith herself. Madison Gilbert showed off her choreography talents with four hip hop solos, a lyrical solo and a lyrical duet. Other choreographers involved in the afternoon’s performances were Shelby Martin and Brianna Bakken.
Along with roses, bottled water and candy bags, SODC was selling raffle tickets at the event. A small Christmas tree was set up and adorned with gift certificates from virtually every restaurant in town, including the fast food franchises. SODC called the package, “Dine about on Stand Out!” and the collection of certificates was raffled off.
As a new small business in Unity, Smith wanted to support other local businesses and services, not asking for donations but rather purchasing all the “dine out” certificates “to make a win-win for everyone.”
Many of the afternoon’s performers had no time to rest on their laurels, heading to Saskatoon two days later to take part in the Spring Stars competition in Saskatoon. SODC will also be competing at Abstract Movement Dance Festival in Medicine Hat, Alta., and at the Infusion Dance Festival in Lloydminster. They will wind up their season with their first annual recital, at UCHS May 26 and 27.
