Photos: ERDC marks milestone season with biggest show to date

ESTEVAN — The Estevan Recreational Dance Club (ERDC) hosted its largest recital yet this weekend, with approximately 300 dancers of all ages performing for two sold-out audiences at the Estevan Comprehensive School’s cafetorium.

“We had completely sold-out shows,” said ERDC owner and lead instructor Brooke Wilson. “Performances sold out in advance.”

Ticket demand was high, with reserved family seats quickly claimed and general admission selling out shortly after being released.

The annual recitals featured dancers ranging in age from toddlers to adults.

“From the littlest, three- and four-year-olds — we had one child who was two-and-a-half and she rocked that stage — up until my high schoolers and my seniors,” Wilson said. “I was so proud of all of our dancers, all of our routines. They performed beautifully on stage.”

Among the standout performances were solos and trios by the club’s four graduating students, Axel Jumbe, Hanna Carter, Emmalee Ursu and Nevaeh Whitebull.

“Axel performed a tap solo and Emmalee, Hanna and Nevaeh performed a contemporary trio in the show,” said Wilson. “They were just amazing at capturing who they are as dancers and as people.”

The show also featured ERDC’s first-ever adult tap group, made up of eight dancers and Wilson herself.

“We put a routine together and we went on stage, and it was so amazing for myself as a teacher to just be in a routine as well,” she said. “To hear so many of the students backstage cheering for us, to hear the audience cheering us on, it was so amazing to be on stage with those ladies.”

Wilson described recital day as “busy” and emotionally charged.

“The day always feels like it goes by so slow but so fast at the same time,” she said. “I just wanted to try to soak in as much of it as I could because I knew it would be over before I knew it.”

Planning for the show began months earlier.

“We do quite a few months at the beginning of the year, working on our steps, learning combinations, stringing different moves together,” she said. “Then probably closer to ... the beginning of December, we started to think about putting these pieces together.”

The ERDC team also managed a competition program this year — another first for the club.

“Yes, it was our first year,” Wilson said. “I had 30 students on the team that I had worked with for many years.”

The team participated in a dance competition in Weyburn, performing multiple group pieces along with solos and duets.

“I competed in dance when I was a child as well and I remember really enjoying it and making so many great memories,” she said. “I wanted to share that with my students ... And it was an absolute blast.”

While next season’s details are still being finalized, Wilson said the competition team will return.

Despite having wrapped up the season, ERDC’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing.

“There’s always room for growth, in my opinion,” said Wilson. “We’re always looking to grow, improve and to open the doors for anyone who would like to join us.”

That growth isn’t limited to numbers, but also includes maintaining a close-knit environment.

“It really is a special community that we have fostered,” she said. “All of the kids just love and support each other. It doesn’t matter how old they are. It is a team effort and everyone supports each other backstage.”

While the club is currently on a short break, Wilson said preparations for the next season will begin soon, with returning students receiving updates and additional information posted on the ERDC’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Community appearances may also be in the cards.

“If there’s any events, definitely don’t hesitate to reach out and we can make something work with our dancers,” Wilson said.

In past years, ERDC dancers have participated in events such as the United Way Estevan Telethon, local parades and the Midale’s Got Talent show.

Looking back on the season, Wilson expressed deep gratitude to all involved.

“Just another huge thank you to all of the dancers and their families for an incredible year,” she said. “It was just an incredible season.”