INNISFAIL – It was a show-stopping performance for family and friends at the 2018 Disney Gala in Innisfail this month.
Dancers with Joy’s School of Dance presented a variety of routines at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion on Feb. 3, featuring dance numbers they will perform during an upcoming trip to Disneyland in California. A total of 31 dancers, 29 girls and 2 boys, will leave for California on Feb. 15.
"This is what we wanted to put on for family and friends who won’t be able to be there. It gives them a chance to show what they’ve been working on,” said Joy McIlwain, owner of Joy’s School of Dance. "They are doing their preview of the performance they’ll be doing in California. It’s about 25 to 30 minutes (in length). They’ve got six different routines varying from lyrical, tap, hip hop and jazz,” she added.
The event also included a silent auction to help raise funds for the trip.
Dancers presented an energy-filled, action-packed show on Saturday.
One performer was 12-year-old Kaylyn Bates.
"I feel really excited to show my family what we’re doing down there because not everybody in my family can go,” said Bates, noting the group’s work and preparation for the trip.
"We dance three days a week. We’re trying to learn the costume changes so that we can get used to how hot it is there.”
Eighteen-year-old Ryan Maschke, who now lives in Calgary, practises once a week with the dance studio to prepare for the Disney trip.
"They’re dances I’ve done before,” said Maschke. "I get to do new routines and I get to do the dances that I love from last year too.”
In addition to two shows at Disneyland resort, dancers will participate in a three-day competition as well.
"We’ll be competing with different studios from various locations around the United States,” said McIlwain. "They’ve all been working really hard and feel prepared to go.”
Joy McIlwain, owner, Joy's School of Dance
"They've all been working really hard and feel prepared to go."
