Osborne welcomes new dance studio and store
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/09/2018 (2609 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Chassé Dance Supply opened its doors in June. Jolene Wilson and her daughter Teah (Wilson) own and run the store, located at 390 Osborne St., adjacent to Chaeban Ice Cream.
“We like the traffic, the central location and that we are wheelchair-friendly — and Chaeban,” Jolene said.
“We saw a need for certified pointe shoe fitting to reduce injury to the dancers,” said Jolene. She and Teah took a course in Toronto to become certified pointe shoe fitters.
“We specialize in pointe shoes from Europe and New York,” said Jolene, who showed me how pointe shoes work. “The shoes suspend the dancer’s foot so she can pop up onto pointe.”
I am not going to attempt it.
Gaynor Minden, Grishko and Russian Pointe all make pointe shoes, tights and leotards for dancers. Wear Moi stockings plus various leggings, bodysuits, soft shoes and more are also available for sale.
A number of consignment dance items are for sale at prices reduced by as much as $50. A young dancer, like a young hockey player, will grow out of the apparel that once helped him or her move with agility.
Dance instructor Joelle has taught dance at various studios, including the Theatre Dance Centre for at least two years. She has also travelled to a few Canadian provinces and to the United States to obtain certifications in teaching dance.
One of these dances is kizomba. A Latin dance, kizomba originated in Angola. The music has a catchy beat and bass notes. Every Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Joelle teaches kizomba in Chassé Dance Supply’s studio and all levels of dancers are welcome to take classes. Five teachers often attend the class and they will help a newcomer learn the dance moves.
Once a month, friends, dance students, international and local dance teachers and DJs who contribute to workshops with dance teachers get together in Chassé on Osborne for a potluck dinner that celebrates their community.
If you walk by Chassé, look at the joyful picture of a dancer on its window. It was painted by Mural Real Life.
Can you guess what the winter mural will be?
Dianne Doney is a community correspondent for Fort Rouge. You can contact her at diannemary@hotmail.com