Westlock’s Silhouette Dance Productions celebrated its 25th anniversary in style by taking 66 dancers to join in the Disneyland “Dance the Magic” parade in Anaheim, Calif. July 6-9.
With locals joining 640 other performers from across the world, studio owner Leslie Critchley said it was an experience like no other.
“It was awesome,” she said. “It was hot too, like 40 degrees Celsius in the shade, ‘shoes melting on the asphalt’ kind of hot, but it was awesome. The kids had the greatest time. So many families came together. It was a very neat trip for everyone. I’m so proud of them.”
Despite of the scorching California sun, the dancers held their own through the multiple parades in full costume, showing their skills to parade-watchers, friends and family.
Critchley said that over 240 people made the trek from Westlock to Anaheim.
To prepare for the grueling 30-minute routine, the dancers practiced outside, twice a week for seven weeks to build up their stamina.
“We were very fortunate that the local peace officer Randy Burgess helped me make some arrangements with the town for a temporary road closure so we could practice on the street for three of our rehearsals.”
Disney provided a dance camp for the kids, teaching them some new moves. The trip was also an excellent networking opportunity for the kids as the seeds for a lot of new friendships were planted during the four days.
“The kids had the opportunity to meet lots of other dancers from other places,” she said.
“Ironically, there were a lot of Canadians from there, from both Alberta and Saskatchewan. It’s funny how you all feel that you’re connected just because you’re Canadian.”
Critchley initially heard of the opportunity from some of her peers on the dancing circuit a few years back. Last spring, she broached the idea to some of her dancers and it took off like a rocket.
Before long, they were practicing, promoting and fundraising to get themselves to Disneyland. Over 700 volunteer hours were needed to make the trip happen.
“We started last spring. The kids did a lot of fundraising and our non-profit group raised about $40,000 in a year. They were a very active fundraising group and that gave a lot of kids an opportunity to go that they might not have otherwise had.”
Still recovering from the trip, Critchley said she wasn’t sure what was next for Silhouette, but she was sure it would be a good time.
“Who knows, it is a mystery what will come next,” she said. “I do have some ideas brewing, but you’ll have to wait and see.”
Registration for next year’s dance season is the first week of September.
