Hanna Dance breaks barriers
By Gwen Snell
Freelance Journalist
Hanna Dance has a history of blazing its own trail. Their dance studio walls and trophy cabinet are full of awards and trophies from competitions across the province.
They have provided a varied and broad range of dance to the area for all ages. They have adapted and changed to meet the community's needs since their formation in the early 1990's.
This season, Hanna Dance undertook a new venture and offered a non-competitive class for those young dancers not interested in travelling for competitions. Eight young dancers ranging in age from three to eight years enrolled with "Miss Jory" for their weekly dance class. Three months into the class, Hanna Dance is successfully breaking barriers and promoting excellence in the non-competitive dance class arena as well.
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Natalia Laughlin was pleased to see the class offered. Growing up, Natalia enjoyed dance and had hoped that her little girl would one day dance. Previously, with a strong focus on a competitive program, there was little opportunity in the local dance program. But the non-competitive dance class opened a new world for Natalia's daughter, Brooklyn.
When describing her daughter's experience, Laughlin is heavy on praise for the program. Miss Jory is described as a "Wonderful, kind and inclusive woman." While Miss Jory is cultivating an appreciation of dance and encouraging young dancers to move and feel the music through dance – she is also providing a very welcoming and positive experience for all.
Laughlin stated that, "Brooklyn comes from dance class, telling her family about her dance friends and how much fun it is – it's a great introduction for her to be part of a team." And based on the smiling faces at the studio before and during class, Brooklyn's feelings are not unique. There were plenty of smiles and chatter as they greeted each other.
Jory Pahl (Miss Jory) decided to take some additional training this past summer so that she could assist with teaching the non-competitive class. It's been a rewarding experience for her and her dancers. She works hard to provide a class that is fun but challenging. Her reward is "Seeing the improvement for every week and the smiles and how excited that they are to learn more each week." When asked where she would like to see this class in three to five years, Miss Jory indicated she would like to see more join dance.
Hanna Dance Association currently operates two studios within Hanna's Centennial Place. President Teri Quaschnick indicated that they have a diverse program offering ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, Tap, lyrical, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, Adult Classes and an occasional line/Production class. While their numbers were down in the past few years, they currently have over 100 dancers in their program.
Dance teachers for the 2023/2024 program include Miss Katie, Miss Robin, Miss Kirsten, Miss Rebekka and Miss Jory.
Hanna Dance Association is well-known for promoting excellence in dance, which often translates into top awards at various competitions. The benefits for the competitive program are well documented and promoted within Hanna Dance. These benefits can include (but are not limited to) skill development, goal setting, sportsmanship, teamwork, time management/discipline, increased confidence/self-esteem, and social/life skills.
But competition is not for everyone, nor for all ages. Recognizing the need, responding to that need, and putting a solution into action are what set Hanna Dance Association apart from other similar programs.
Embracing a wonderful life and understanding that people can do things differently is acceptance and inclusion. It fosters a greater sense of community and sense of belonging.
It breaks barriers. Kudos to Hanna Dance Association for offering the non-competitive class and opening up the world of dance to more young dancers.