Dance, dance, dance

East Kildonan

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This article was published 23/05/2023 (1037 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dust off those dancing shoes, it’s showtime!

On Thursday, May 25, staff and students at Miles Macdonell Collegiate (757 Roch St.) will come together for the fifth annual Dancing with the Staff, a one-of-a-kind show in support of the school’s dance program.

“The last performance was in 2019, so we’re super excited for it to be back again,” explained Katherine Ybanez, dance teacher at Miles Mac. “I have 24 staff members participating this year. Math teachers, biology teachers, librarians, secretaries, they’re all in there. There are usually four or five staff members with four or five students. They come in every lunch hour and I teach them a dance.”

This year’s theme, Ybanez added, is one-hit-wonders from the 1980s and ‘90s.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “We always have tons of laughs, which is great for the soul.”

Each group performs one number, choreographed by Ybanez, before a panel of guest judges, with bragging rights on the line. This year’s adjudicators include: Tyler Magz from 103.1 Virgin Radio; Brendon Virtucio, a local hip hop teacher; Lisa Harris, a teacher at Miles Mac; and Su Li, a graduate of Miles Mac’s dance program.

“Groups are judged on performance quality, knowledge of choreography, and overall group energy,” Ybanez said. “But dance is so subjective. This is all about having fun.”

Preparing for the show allows both students and staff to see each other in a creative environment outside of the classroom.

“This is great for students to be able to teach teachers,” Ybanez said. “It’s also neat for students to be able to shine in a different light. They see them sitting in the classroom, but they might have no idea of their artistic talent.”

The show will also feature a performance from the Ace Dance Crew, the school’s audition dance group, along with a number of pieces choreographed by students. Currently, Miles Macdonell’s dance program includes three classes, with almost 100 students taking part. Funds raised from ticket sales from Dancing with the Staff go towards helping the program cover its costs, including costumes.

“It’s a great program,” Ybanez said. “I tip my hat to these teachers, they’re putting themselves out there doing something that’s outside of their comfort zone to support the program. It’s so great to see all these kids come together with the teachers with this common goal of positivity.”

Dancing with the Staff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 25. Tickets are $8 in advance and can be purchased at the school office, or $10 at the door.

“In the past, the show has sold out,” Ybanez added.