The KIN dancers were among the show stealers. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Festive season

KIN dancers get footloose for Christmas

Dec 16, 2024 | 4:03 PM

A new initiative this year involving KIN Enterprises and the Performing Arts Warehouse (PAW) has helped spread some holiday spirit through dance.

Over a dozen KIN participants were on stage Sunday afternoon for PAW’s annual Christmas Show and their performance to Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic All I Want For Christmas Is You had the entire audience cheering and clapping along.

Jenna Trawin, the dance studio’s co-owner was invited this year to teach classes at KIN and she noted the program has really taken off.

“The joy that they radiate just gives me so much joy to be sharing dance with them. It’s just so special,” she said.

While the goal of the program is to get everybody moving, Trawin noted she’s also been introducing various dance styles including ballet, jazz, hip-hop and even a little disco. Fast forward to Sunday’s performance, Trawin noted how excited everyone was to get on stage, many even bringing special outfits.

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“It all just kind of came full circle,” she said, adding one woman was already asking when they could get back on stage.

“So I think for sure we will see them again in the future.”

Rochelle McClean loves hip-hop and had never been on stage before.

“It felt fantastic,” she told paNOW while beaming from ear to ear. “I would do it again.”

That sentiment was shared by Michelle Medinsky, who was center stage for most of the performance.

“It’s awesome and I was excited to dance,” she said.

Hillary Brahniuk is the Director of Programs and Services at KIN and noted the participants have been rehearsing for just a few weeks.

“It was so amazing and I was so proud of them all. We really didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “And I teared up a little bit.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell