If you have a middle schooler that loves to move then Dunsmuir may just have an academy program that will keep those little feet tapping.
The Colwood-based middle school is home to the Sooke School DistrictB次元官网网址檚 dance academy program and theyB次元官网网址檙e looking for a few more students to fill out the fall roster.
Led by instructor Danica Anderson the program features one group at each grade level that encompasses all ranges of ability. She noted thereB次元官网网址檚 often a misconception around the program and that students need to have years of experience in a studio to be able to join. B次元官网网址淥ur philosophy is completely the opposite of that B次元官网网址� We take kids with all levels of dance training, including those that have never danced before.B次元官网网址�
All they look for in students, Anderson said, is a passion about dance and a keen desire to learn while working hard.
With students at all levels, exercises and routines are modified to challenge every dancer. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a huge range but thatB次元官网网址檚 what makes this program unique,B次元官网网址� Anderson said. Students are trained in a number of styles but mainly focus on tap, jazz, contemporary and ballet.
While the Grade 7 group is full with a wait list, there are still a few spaces open at the Grade 6 and 8 levels.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a fun program and they work hard,B次元官网网址� Anderson noted. In the fall, students will be dancing three times a week and will earn a physical education credit for the course as well.
Students are also given the opportunity to expand their skills with guest instructors that focus on a specific style. The Grade 6s were taught a Bollywood dance this year, while the Grade 7s have been working on a belly dancing routine.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been an amazing transformation,B次元官网网址� Anderson said, noting the confidence needed for that style is something students at this age can struggle with.
But building that confidence and support network is also what this academy is about. With a number of students carrying on straight through to Grade 12 and the sister program at Royal Bay secondary, Anderson said they develop a team mentality that has helped a number of students get through difficult times in their teenage years.
B次元官网网址淲e have a strong connection with the Royal Bay dance academy B次元官网网址� our philosophy is the same,B次元官网网址� she explained. B次元官网网址淭hat sometimes is the one thing that holds it all together for them.B次元官网网址�
A former Dunsmuir student herself, she has alumni from the program that keep coming back to help with rehearsals or instruction.
But getting students dancing isnB次元官网网址檛 just limited to those in the program. All students at Dunsmuir have the opportunity to take a hip hop class after school. ItB次元官网网址檚 run in partnership with The Beat Dance Studio and is led by a world-class instructor.
B次元官网网址淲e specifically targeted hip hop to encourage both boys and girls,B次元官网网址� Anderson said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 nice for the other kids in the school to see that dance isnB次元官网网址檛 just for girls.B次元官网网址�
The extra class is offered free of charge to all students and is funded by the PAC.
If youB次元官网网址檙e interested in the program, DunsmuirB次元官网网址檚 academy students will be performing this Monday and Tuesday (June 19 and 20) at 7 p.m. it the Teechamitsa Theatre at Royal Bay secondary in Colwood. Tickets are $5 and students in the Royal Bay dance academy will also be featured in the performances, which should run for about an hour.
The academy fee for the 2017/18 school year is approximately $940.00 with an $84 deposit due at the time of registration. The fee includes everything from uniforms, to choreographers, festival entrance fees, transportation costs and all costumes for the year, among other things. For more information go to .
