Dancers around Cochrane kicked up their heels last weekend to prepare for this spring’s upcoming competitive season.
“Dance is my therapy,” said 16-year-old Chelsea Luft, while taking a breather between rehearsals. “Whenever I go … I can just focus on dance, and that’s it.”
“I really love performing,” echoed fellow dancer Jordyn Dowling. “It’s just a chance to step outside everything else and do something you love.”
About five dozen students from Snap Dance Studios took to the stage at the Cochrane RancheHouse on Saturday evening to display their solos, duets and more in front of a crowd of family, friends and fans.
Snap director Courtney Sproule said each dancer auditioned in September for a spot in the show. Snap’s 14 instructors then awarded routines based on the skills and talents of each dancer.
“These are the dancers that dance five to seven times a week,” said Sproule, adding while the students learn choreography and technique, the lessons go far beyond steps. “The things we really encourage are hard work and being great human beings; having a great attitude … It’s really all back to that.”
The showcase – put on by the Snap Parents’ Association – was an opportunity for Snap’s dancers to practise ahead of the group’s upcoming competition at RockPointe Church in Bearspaw from April 5 to 8.
There, students from Snap, along with Cochrane’s Eurhythmics Dance Studio and several other clubs around the region, will face off at the 2017 Dance Invasion event.
Teenagers Luft, Dowling and friend Jill Sanborn have been dancing and competing together for years – and all agreed it is both an artform and a sport, because of the rigors of the regimen and the athleticism required to succeed.
“We practise more than most people do,” said Dowling.
“You can’t just do the moves. You have to have emotion behind it and purpose,” added Luft.
“It’s expressive,” continued 15-year-old Jill Sanborn, “but it also keeps us in shape.”
Sproule said she’s impressed by both the physical command and passionate dedication her students have for all their performances.
“They’re just so amazing,” she said. “I’m so proud.”
