WESTLOCK – Westlock-area dancers dazzled crowds in their return to the stage at the 2022 Just Dance Festival.
More than 1,000 spectators attended the annual festival, which took place April 9 and 10 at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre. The event included 140 dancers from Silhouette Dance Productions in Westlock, ranging in age from six to 18.
“This is an event that we usually attend in Westlock but in the planning phases of this festival, the Westlock theatre was closed to dance, so the event was moved to Morinville because their theatre could take on these large dance events,” said Silhouette Dance Productions owner Leslie Critchley.
While several dance studios were impacted by COVID-19 over the past two years, Critchley said they “were very fortunate” to have stayed open for the most part, while adhering to all restrictions and social distancing protocols. Silhouette moved to online classes from Dec. 1, 2019, until Feb. 8, 2020, with all dancers taking classes through Zoom during that time.
“Although our kids have been in class, this is the first time they’ve been on stage since the spring of 2019,” said Critchley. “What they haven’t been able to do is perform. They are so over the moon — excited and nervous.”
About 400 children from across the region including those from Edson, Mayerthorpe, High Prairie, Calihoo and Westlock, participated in the festival that showcased a variety of dance genres and different styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary and variety. Critchley noted the excitement and anticipation amongst dancers for the annual festival.
“It is a joyous event where we all get to be together, because we haven’t done that in almost three years,” she said.
Each dancer in the festival received a mark and a medal for participating. There was a “Just Dance Off” on the afternoon of April 10, which was a display of the adjudicator’s favourite routines from the weekend. Trophies were awarded for first and second place as well as for top choreography.
Critchley said dancers spend much time practicing and working to fine tune their routines and having the opportunity to showcase their work and talent in such a festival is a highlight for many young dancers.
“When you finally get to the stage, there is this indescribable feeling about performing that comes over you,” said Critchley. “Our students haven’t had that in so long ... this is really an opportunity to share the love of dance with each other and with the audience.”
