Students at Dance Oasis Studios take a break from rehearsing to pose for a group photo. The students have won honours at dance competitions in Kelowna and Penticton and this week they’re off to another competition in Mission on the Lower Mainland. (Richard McGuire photo)
Dance Oasis Studios is on a roll, picking up numerous top awards at recent Kiwanis music and dance festivals in Penticton and Kelowna.
This week they head to the Shine Dance Festival in Mission.
That will be followed by participation in the Vibe Dance Competition in Winfield in May.
Studio owner Chrissie Serry said most of her students, about 50, are involved in competitions this year.
Most of the students are girls, but this year there are two boys.
“They did incredibly well,” said Serry. “We got so many first places it’s crazy. The competition was very high and the kids are dancing at a very high level.”
The Penticton festival ran last week and it followed a successful competition at the Kelowna Kiwanis Dance Festival in late March.
Serry said her students competed in a range of categories including solos, duos, trios and groups covering styles ranging from ballet to musical theatre, variety, jazz, tap and others.
The studio has recently moved to a new location on the west side of Highway 97 south of 74th Avenue.
“It’s super exciting,” said Serry. “It’s a way larger facility and there’s way more space for the kids to do everything they need to do. We’re hoping they’re going to be able to grow so much more.”
Dance Oasis placed first for Junior Jazz Large Group, Intermediate Jazz Large Group and All-Age Large Production Group.
They also took first for Small Variety Group and Small Musical Theatre Group.
The school picked up seconds for Senior Jazz Large Group and Senior Lyrical Group.
Students placing first or receiving medallions for top scores were Tatum Brugman (first and honourable mention) and Liane Shiels (first and a medallion).
In Kelowna, sisters Paige and Sydney Hanson picked up second-place in their age categories of Junior Stage.
While the Kelowna and Penticton competitions were known quantities, this week’s competition at the Shine Dance Competition in Mission is a new experience.
“We’re used to competing, but we see the same kids every year and all the dance teachers know each other,” said Serry. “This is going to be something completely different so we really have no idea what we’re walking into.”
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
