Sudbury Northern life Reporter Judy Koski
Forty students from the Chelmsford Let's Dance studio had fun
entertaining residents, staff and guests at Red Oak Villa
retirement residence this past weekend. This is the third year
they have performed for the residents at Christmas.
"We love to perform here because it is a great way to give
something back to the community. The show puts smiles on the
their faces and therefore puts smiles on our faces. Red Oak
Villa has always been so welcoming. The staff and the residents
are amazing and we hope to continue dancing for them in the
years to come," said Diana Smith-Sullivan, owner and instructor
with the dance troupe.
As well as shows like these, last year the troupe performed at
the Radisson Hotel for a Sudbury Theatre Centre charity event.
Several of the students also competed in the Kiwanis Dance
Festival and won platinum and gold awards for solos and duets.
Let's Dance also won an overall best choreography award.
"The kids also put on a huge production in June with fancy
costumes, sets and lighting, and always get rave reviews from
the audience about how entertaining it is. Everyone has a
blast. That is our studio goal - to teach children the art of
dance while teaching them to love it and grow a passion for it.
We want everyone involved to have fun. The kids love to perform
and have recently started competing. This year we are attending
the Kick It Up competition in Niagara Falls in April," she
said.
The teachers at Let's Dance have trained with Smith-Sullivan
and with Dance Master's of America, in Buffalo, NY. They also
continue their education in dance by attending various
workshops and summer teachers training programs. The
instructors include: Diana Smith-Sullivan, Holley Weitzel and
Danielle Bourdeau.
Let's Dance opened its doors 10 years ago with 23 students. It
has grown to more than 170 students. The studio offers lessons
in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theatre, and
tap. Students range in age from six to 21-years-old.
The Let's Dance studio is located at 100 Gaudette St.,
Chelmsford, in St. Alexander's Church. For more information
call 705-855-0912 or 705-855-7075.
