ASSINIBOIA - “Out of the ‘Ashes we Rise Up’. I chose this saying because of the last two years of not being able to run a year-end show. When something pushes you down, you can always rise up when the time comes.” said Giselle Wilson, dance instructor and owner of ShowTyme Dance Studio in Assiniboia.
Wilson continued teaching her dance students throughout the past two years of COVID-19 restrictions, but the students were not able to demonstrate their dance training. “Even some of the parents haven’t seen their children dance on stage for two years.”
Two sold-out performances of the Rise Up Dance recital were held at the Prince of Wales Auditorium on May 7. “We were at full capacity with 518 in attendance,” said Wilson. “We had 94 dancers perform in our show with an age range of two-and-a-half to 17 years old. The dancers were so very excited to be able to do what they love, which is to perform.”
Several dancers received Most Improved awards at the recital, including Harper Berner, Carina Stevenson, Addison Nagel, Kaelyn Nelson, and Ava Salaba.
“I definitely need to thank my family,” said Wilson. “My mom and dad, Ann and Mike Benoit, are always there to help out at the studio. I also want to thank Miss Jenna. She has grown so much in her teaching and choreography in the students she’s shown at competition this season.
“My dance families and dancers – they are a great group of parents and children. Without them I wouldn’t be able to continue doing what I love. Thank you also to my Auntie Goretti, cousin Curtis, his son Jackson, and Miss Jenna’s Mom, Deb, for their help throughout the year end show. Thank you to my husband for his continued support through my many years of teaching,” added Wilson.
Giselle is a Certified Ballet Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, ADAPT Jazz and Tap Fully Certified Teacher, CDTA Associate Tap Teacher, ADTA AcroDance Junior Verified (Intermediate in progress); Aliza Sutton Flexibility Expert Level 1, and Gravity Yoga Certified Teacher. The ShowTyme Dance Studio will be taking registrations for fall classes on June 1 through the website. Classes will begin in September.
“We also have a great recreational program for dancers who would like to dance without having the extra cost of competitions. This program is affordable but still offers children a chance to dance. Our new website being launched this month will have lots of details pertaining to our recreational program.”
Residents can watch for the Summer Intensive to be offered from August 25-27. Registration is now open through the parent portal on the website.
For more information, go online to www.gstdancestudio.com, or to register for dance lessons.
