A pair of instructors B次元官网网址� who forged a friendship over two decades of dancing B次元官网网址� now use their Saanich studio and leadership to inspire hundreds of like-minded teens each year.

March 12 marks the fourth youth dancers' meet at Saanich Fairgrounds for a one-day event Desiree Webb and Caleigh Hunter call the High School Dance Experience.

B次元官网网址淲e invite high school students in either a dance class, dance program or dance academy to come for a day of education and inspiration around the art,B次元官网网址� Hunter said.

The event allows young dancers from Greater Victoria to engage with the arts in a non-competitive and community-driven environment. The day features energetic workshops hosted by top Vancouver and Victoria choreographers in various dance styles including hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and bhangra. Classes are designed to unite students from various schools, fostering collaboration and building connections, highlighting the strong, positive spirit of our community.

The students are offered exceptional training and a chance to learn about ways to pursue the arts in their home communities.

B次元官网网址淲e grew up on the Peninsula and both of us had to leave to train and find opportunity,B次元官网网址� Webb said.

Webb, who lives in Central Saanich and Hunter, a recent transplant to Shirley, opened RNS Dance in 2016 B次元官网网址� specializing in programs for all ages to enjoy the art of dance B次元官网网址� and have offered different workshops, conventions and teams since.

B次元官网网址淲hat we noticed after COVID-19 was there was this disconnect, especially in the world of dance, especially in teens. We got very addicted to our phones,B次元官网网址� Hunter said.

TikTok exploded in popularity. Dance became exact, precise and performative.

The High School Dance Experience is more than the typical convention. 

B次元官网网址�(The teachers) understand the goal is to provide opportunities of connection,B次元官网网址� Hunter said. B次元官网网址淓ven though we donB次元官网网址檛 have a no phone rule, itB次元官网网址檚 very rare to see kids on their phones which is also so wonderful.B次元官网网址�

There are no mirrors, or invitations to record B次元官网网址� though it is allowed. The below-the-radar push is B次元官网网址渇or the entire purpose to be joy.B次元官网网址�

For the leaders, it combats the worrisome chatter about social media and dangers of the youth. It goes against the negative views of young people. They face hundreds of kids dancing and high-fiving while developing a keener sense of self-worth.

B次元官网网址淥ur teens have so much potential and if we can figure out ways to harness community and collaboration, they will run with that. ThereB次元官网网址檚 so much talent in the room, so much laughter and smiles and hugs. We donB次元官网网址檛 really get to talk about teens in a positive way,B次元官网网址� Hunter said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 hope for these teens, theyB次元官网网址檙e actually really rad we just have to give them opportunities to showcase that.B次元官网网址�

In its fourth year, the team expects its largest turnout yet, with nearly 500 students from eight schools and three districts.

The session isnB次元官网网址檛 open to the public but those with questions can visit  to contact RNS Dance.