CAROLYN GRANT
The Kimberley Dance Academy is in the process of changing its name to the Kootenay Dance Academy, and is set to expand into Cranbrook.
Director Leslie Lindberg has been teaching students for many years, and sticking with them from the time they can barely tie their dance shoes through high school.
The year-end show, produced by the Academy and performed at Key City Theatre, is a must see for dance fans. This year's show is May 30 and May 31.
Lindberg is hoping Cranbrook dance fans come to the show as well, not only to enjoy a great evening of dance, but also to see what the Academy can produce because it's expanding into Cranbrook.
"Come to the show and see what we're all about," Lindberg said. "It's a perfect opportunity to see what we offer."
Initially, what Lindberg will be offering are classes two days a week at the Royal Stewart Highland Dance studio on 8th Avenue South. She says the class type will depend on demand but she will definitely be offering tap and jazz.
"Hopefully what we offer is something kids will be excited about. This is a trial, two days a week," she said. "Any classes we don't offer in Cranbrook will be available in Kimberley. We've had a great response so far."
Lindberg says that in previous years she did it all herself so expansion was impossible.
"But I've added a couple of fantastic teachers so I think the time is right."
The Kimberley studio will continue to offer a wide range of classes and will continue to nurture the new competitive dance team.
This is a travelling team which competes at various dance competitions. It is put together through an audition process, which Cranbrook dancers can try as well.
"It's a great experience for the kids. These are kids who are really serious about pursuing dance. We picked eight dancers. They did a fantastic job last year. We're going to open it to the East Kootenay this year. These dancers are very focused on competition, very dedicated."
Any Cranbrook parent interested in learning more about the Kootenay Dance Academy can email kdadance@shaw.ca or check out the website at www.kimberleydance.com. A new website, www.kootenaydance.com goes live soon.
Tickets for the May 30 and 31 dance show are available at the Key City Theatre box office or call 250-426-7006.