A pair of instructors – who forged a friendship over two decades of dancing – now use their Saanich studio and leadership to inspire hundreds of like-minded teens each year.
March 12 marks the fourth youth dancers' meet at Saanich Fairgrounds for a one-day event Desiree Webb and Caleigh Hunter call the High School Dance Experience.
“We invite high school students in either a dance class, dance program or dance academy to come for a day of education and inspiration around the art,” Hunter said.
The event allows young dancers from Greater Victoria to engage with the arts in a non-competitive and community-driven environment. The day features energetic workshops hosted by top Vancouver and Victoria choreographers in various dance styles including hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and bhangra. Classes are designed to unite students from various schools, fostering collaboration and building connections, highlighting the strong, positive spirit of our community.
The students are offered exceptional training and a chance to learn about ways to pursue the arts in their home communities.
“We grew up on the Peninsula and both of us had to leave to train and find opportunity,” Webb said.
Webb, who lives in Central Saanich and Hunter, a recent transplant to Shirley, opened RNS Dance in 2016 – specializing in programs for all ages to enjoy the art of dance – and have offered different workshops, conventions and teams since.
“What we noticed after COVID-19 was there was this disconnect, especially in the world of dance, especially in teens. We got very addicted to our phones,” Hunter said.
TikTok exploded in popularity. Dance became exact, precise and performative.
The High School Dance Experience is more than the typical convention.
“(The teachers) understand the goal is to provide opportunities of connection,” Hunter said. “Even though we don’t have a no phone rule, it’s very rare to see kids on their phones which is also so wonderful.”
There are no mirrors, or invitations to record – though it is allowed. The below-the-radar push is “for the entire purpose to be joy.”
For the leaders, it combats the worrisome chatter about social media and dangers of the youth. It goes against the negative views of young people. They face hundreds of kids dancing and high-fiving while developing a keener sense of self-worth.
“Our teens have so much potential and if we can figure out ways to harness community and collaboration, they will run with that. There’s so much talent in the room, so much laughter and smiles and hugs. We don’t really get to talk about teens in a positive way,” Hunter said. “There’s hope for these teens, they’re actually really rad we just have to give them opportunities to showcase that.”
In its fourth year, the team expects its largest turnout yet, with nearly 500 students from eight schools and three districts.
The session isn’t open to the public but those with questions can visit rhythmandsouldance.ca to contact RNS Dance.
