Dancing through life
Spotlight School introducing new dance programs to curriculum
Instructors at Spotlight School of Arts are hoping to show that dance is more than what it seems with a series of new and returning programs to the community arts school.
“We launched a series of dance classes last year when we hired Sam Lasher. She’s a trained dancer in a variety of styles. It went really well, and demand for it grew pretty quickly. Now we’re hoping to continue that this year,” said Reasha Walsh, executive director of Spotlight.
This dance season the school is introducing an acro dance class.
“Acrobatics is more than doing flips and cool tricks. I often have people think that an acro class is gymnastics, but it’s not. It’s about contorting your body and moving it physically – flowing from one move to another,” explained Lasher.
Lasher recently graduated from the Holland College School of Performing Arts dance and theatre program. Prior to attending post-secondary for dance, she competed and danced froma young age.
“To me, acro is not about hitting ‘x’ many moves or sticking a landing, rather about the process of piecing it together and customizing a routine.”
Lasher, the school’s full-time dance instructor, teaches introductory classes for children and adults as well as other levels.
“My favourite class would have to be my baby class. It’s really for three- to four-yearolds, but I call them my babies.
The kids are so interested in learning but were also really shy, so it was great to see them develop new skills and come out of their shells.”
Through developing the program Lasher and Walsh plan to develop a competing dance team.
“It’s completely optional. We’re not going to make someone go to the competitive level. But if they want to try it out we will support them,” Lasher said.
Among acrobatic dance the school also offers classes in jazz, tap, hip hop and ballet.
“We’re in out ninth year and we’re excited to have taken what we offer to another level. I’m excited to see what everyone’s starting point will be and have them dance with Sam,” said Walsh.
For more information, go to www.spotlightschoolofarts.com.