By paNOW

Local dancers return from Broadway experience

Aug 21, 2017 | 1:00 PM

For many aspiring dancers, taking the stage in a Broadway performance can be the pinnacle of success.

For a number of members of the Performing Arts Warehouse in Prince Albert, they had a chance to dip their toes into the New York City dance life in a recent excursion to the Empire State.

“We went to get some experience out in the field for what it is really like to be a professional dancer,” Jillian Klassen, a 13-year dancer said of the trip. “We go to competitions here but when we were in New York, we actually got to learn from the real Broadway teachers about what it is like down there.”

During the week long endeavour, the group took classes at the New York Broadway Dance Centre and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre. They learned the choreography for hit musicals like Wicked, Aladdin and the legendary Rockettes. The troupe also watched live performances.

Klassen said she and her colleagues learned plenty from the experience, especially as a dance instructor.

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“We can all take so much away from that as dancers and as performers,” the 15-year-old said. “The teachers were very professional. They were not too hard on us, but hard enough to know what it would be like in an audition situation for the actual dancers.”

The trip was in the works for a couple of years. Funds were raised through a company-wide showcase in January alongside other events. 

It was also not the first time the Performing Arts Warehouse treated the kids to real life professional opportunities. Last year the group travelled to Disney World in Orlando. 

Klassen, who is well trained in a variety of styles, said she hopes to pursue a dancing career. 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr