If you attended this year’s Santa Claus Parade in downtown Courtenay you will have noticed the group of brightly costumed elves dancing, in unison, down Fifth Street.
The team from Triple Heat Dance impressed the parade committee, taking home the awards for Mayor’s Choice and Best Overall Float.
“We were pleased and honoured to be recognized,” says Livea Gill Harding, who co-owns the performing arts studio with Tamara Ryan Telford and Michelle Henly. “It was a very nice surprise!”
What doesn’t surprise the trio is the students’ enthusiasm and dedication to their performances.
“Our students have such a passion for dance that we are constantly looking for opportunities to challenge and engage that spirit,” says Henly.
The holiday season has been full of those opportunities for THD dancers. Nine-year-old Sara Stephens and 10-year-old Abigail Garret had successful auditions for coveted roles in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s upcoming production of the Nutcracker at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo, Dec. 9 and 10.
Monique Collins will perform in Courtenay Little Theatre’s production of Narnia and Louisa Drewry is in Christmas on Harmston with Co Val.
Another such opportunity to catch some of these amazing young performers from THD is with the True Colours Dance Company.
The local semi-professional company produces an annual show at the Sid Williams Theatre. This year, ‘L’- Stories of Love and Loss is an eclectic mix of choreography that interprets these themes, celebrates life’s journey, and inspires us to ‘dance like there’s no one watching.’
Tickets are available at the Sid Williams Theatre for performances Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
“We have so many talented young dancers at THD who work extremely hard, and that hard work is very apparent in their performances. We really just want everyone to know how proud we are,” said Telford.
For more information on Triple Heat Dance, visit www.tripleheatdance.com.