A group of 19 dancers from Joys Dance Factory in Lethbridge is excited to be performing with Canada’s best-selling music group for kids, the Mini Pop Kids. Owner and teacher, Joy Ackerman, explains that the music chosen for the production helps the students find joy in dancing, as the songs are all redone for younger children. This experience is different from their usual dance recitals and is a positive opportunity for the young dancers. High school student Ella Richards, one of the performers, also helped mentor the younger dancers and sees this as a unique opportunity. She believes that performing with the Mini Pop Kids could lead to bigger things for the dancers, especially for those interested in pursuing a career in dance.
The performers had auditions for this production back in January, followed by weekly rehearsals leading up to the performance. Richards mentions that there wasn’t much time to learn the choreography with the Mini Pops, but this experience has helped the dancers learn how to work under pressure. Richards, who is usually a student, has gained a new perspective by seeing things through the eyes of her teacher, Mrs. Joy. She appreciates the opportunity to understand the challenges of being a teacher and has found it to be a valuable learning experience. The performances are set to take place at the Yates Memorial Centre, with shows scheduled for both 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are still available but are limited, indicating the popularity and excitement surrounding the event.
The Mini Pop Kids production is a significant opportunity for the young dancers to showcase their talent on a larger stage than they are used to. The songs chosen for the performance are favorites that the kids love to sing, adding to the joy and excitement of the event. Richards believes that participating in a production of this scale can provide valuable experience for those looking to pursue a career in dance, as it demonstrates the ability to work under pressure and learn new choreography quickly. The process leading up to the performance has been lengthy, starting with auditions in January and continuing with weekly rehearsals to prepare for the shows. This experience has allowed the dancers to grow and learn, with Richards appreciating the chance to see things from a teacher’s perspective.
The opportunity to perform with the Mini Pop Kids is a unique experience that has brought joy and excitement to the dancers at Joys Dance Factory. For owner and teacher Joy Ackerman, the chance to participate in a production of this nature is a positive and enriching experience for her students. The performances at the Yates Memorial Centre offer the dancers a chance to shine on a larger stage and showcase their talent to a wider audience. The music chosen for the production has resonated with the young dancers, who are enthusiastic about performing their favorite songs in front of a live audience. With tickets still available but limited, the anticipation for the performances continues to grow as the dancers prepare to take the stage with the Mini Pop Kids.
