One of Slave Lake’s largest dance studios is back, and better than ever. Dance Creations has reopened its doors in a new, larger space, giving local dancers more room to learn, practise and perform.
The studio held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, attended by Slave Lake Mayor Francesca “Frankie” Ward, marking the official reopening of the relocated studio.
The move was prompted by the growth of the studio, according to Registration Director Veronica Ching.
The new facility consists of two bays, each with a ground-floor-level dance studio. That is a significant change from the previous space, which included basement areas for some classes.
Ching said the ground-floor studios are particularly beneficial for younger dancers, some of whom were uncomfortable going downstairs into the basement at the former location.
The new studios also feature improved flooring, which has been noticed by dancers who have tried out the new space.
“Everyone who has come in to try it out has commented on how much better they feel after a session,” Ching said, noting that dancers have reported being less sore after classes.
The new space was made possible through donations and a substantial amount of community assistance.
Fathers of dancers and other community members helped with construction and other work needed to get the studios ready.
A long list of local businesses, organizations and individuals also contributed to the project, including Home Hardware, NuFloors, ATCO, The Brick, Sobeys, Grizzly Ridge Powersports, Snap-On Tools, Alimo’s Pizzeria, Steelhaus Tryton, Neal Deas, First Windshield and Glass, Layla Plett, parent volunteers, the Rotary Club of Slave Lake, Kingston Midstream, MSB Construction, Eben Construction Ltd., Rydan Disposal, Bill and Ellen Criss, Girl Get’er Done Custom Walls, Trim-Line and Access Locks.
Ching said the studio is distinctive in Slave Lake and the surrounding region because of the professional choreographers it brings in to work with local dancers.
Dance Creations regularly brings in veteran choreographers from Edmonton and other cities for specialized instruction, giving dancers opportunities they might otherwise have to travel outside the region to access.
The studio’s own rules and regulations identify guest choreographers among the instructors and describe the studio as offering classes from young children through adults, with a range of dance styles and opportunities for performances, workshops and examinations.
The impact of those visiting instructors was highlighted recently when a hip-hop choreographer travelled from Edmonton to work with Dance Creations dancers.
Ching said the choreographer was immediately impressed by the local dancers and became “enamored” by them, particularly their passion and enthusiasm for dance.
That enthusiasm has also translated into competitive success for the studio.
In 2024, Dance Creations took first place in the studio performance division at the Shy Ann Dance Festival in Edmonton, with several local dancers also receiving scholarships and other awards.
The studio has been part of the Slave Lake community for many years. In September 2021, it transitioned from a privately owned studio to the non-profit Slave Lake Dance Creations Society, with parents and volunteers taking on a greater role in operating the organization.
Dance Creations offers classes ranging from age three to adults. Registration remains open for the upcoming season. Classes cost $44 for a 30-minute session or $77 for a one-hour session, with a seasonal rate of $400 also available. Dancewear is an additional cost.
Those interested in registering can contact Ching directly at registrations@dancecreations.ca before Oct. 1.
William Hetherington
Lakeside Leader
