Showcasing their talent

Manny Everett

Times Contributor

 

Pirouettes, popping and shuffle-ball-steps were just some of the moves on display at the Expressions the Dance Gallery (EDG) 2011 Showcase held at Strathmore’s High School March 12.

Forty-one energetic and talented dancers ranging in age from pre-school to teenagers performed in a variety of genres including ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip-hop to the two packed performances. Their high energy and elaborate presentations were proof of the hours and effort of practice.

The routines were designed by the dance company’s seven choreographers, four of whom are former students who have moved into the teaching roles. These choreographers put together 59 competition pieces and the dancers will start their competitions at the end of March through to May in Calgary, Red Deer and Banff.

In addition to the local dancers, the showcase featured guest performer Robin Szuch from High Strung in Calgary, who performed an aerial dance on a hoop hung from ropes in the theatre. In a style similar to Cirque du Soleil, Szuch’s performance demonstrated a combination of strength and grace, which she made look light and effortless in the air.

The youngest dancer of the day Lane Habing, who just recently celebrated her fifth birthday, performed two solos, a ballet solo in the afternoon and a more upbeat jazzy number in the evening where she sang and danced to the song “The Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” 

Habing has already been dancing with Expressions for two years. Habing had all the poise and charm beyond her years.

Heather Lawrence-Thomas, dance director and owner of the company, has been in the business for 28 seasons, originally in Calgary and then in Strathmore for the last eight seasons. EDG will be bringing in some exciting and new programs for pre-schoolers to teens in April. They will focus on short term programs like Tutus and Tiaras, Dancing Divas, Hip Hop, Dance Electric and Jazz Contemporary. These programs are designed for students to have the opportunity to try new styles and have a lower time commitment and schedule. For more information or to sign up for these specific programs contact the Dance Studio at 403-901-6392.