Backstage Dance Co

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About

Estalished 1966

backstage Dance Co.

Founded in 1966 by Doris Sitter as the Swift Current School of Dance, the Backstage Dance Co. has evolved from its humble beginnings in a recreational centre (how well the teachers and students remember those cement floors!) to an old bowling alley, to a dance hall, and finally finding a home in an old theater in downtown Swift Current. 

Doris Sitter was a pioneer of dance in Saskatchewan, instrumental in bringing the Royal Academy of Dance examiners and the Canadian Dance Teachers Association to the region. She also co-founded the Moose Jaw Festival of Dance.

Miss Renee, a long-time teacher at the Doris Sitter School of Dance, purchased the studio in 1988. Under her leadership, it became the Backstage Dance Co., and combined, has celebrated almost 60 seasons, with numerous expansions including satellite studios across Saskatchewan.

In 1996, the studio moved to the former Elks Dance Hall, known for its hardwood floors and dance-friendly space. In 2001, Miss Renee acquired the current location, the historic Eagle Theatre building, which dates back over 100 years.

Backstage Dance Co. is committed to fostering a love of dance, offering a welcoming environment where students can develop their skills to their fullest potential. The studio maintains a balance between a friendly atmosphere and a strong work ethic, emphasizing that everyone deserves the chance to dance.

Dance Instructors

Qualifications

Miss Renee is proud to lead Backstage Dance Co., a studio committed to delivering high-quality dance instruction. With over 45 years of teaching experience, she exemplifies the studio’s dedication to excellence. Backstage Dance Co. employs a team of highly skilled instructors, all of whom possess a ballet-centric background. This strong foundation in ballet enriches their teaching across all dance forms.

Our instructors are either fully certified or actively working towards their qualifications. They hold advanced certifications in R.A.D. Ballet, C.D.T.A. Tap, C.D.T.A. Jazz, I.S.T.D National, I.S.T.D. Modern, and are either certified R.A.D. teachers or associate members of the C.D.T.A. Sask. Branch.

Miss Renee, who has led Backstage Dance Co. for over 35 years, not only holds all the mentioned accreditations but is also an examiner for C.D.T.A. Sask. Branch in tap and jazz. Miss Shauna, a registered R.A.D. teacher and an associate of the C.D.T.A., has been an integral part of our team for over a decade. Miss Vicki, having completed her member exam for C.D.T.A., contributes significantly to our faculty’s expertise. 

Miss Elizabeth has her Associate Diploma in Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus as well as knowledge/skill in other disciplines, and is instrumental in keeping classes running when a sub is needed.

Miss Shaelynn is a Saskatchewan trained dancer as well as Early Childhood educator and brings expertise in Hip Hop, Tap, and Pre-school classes.

Together, we cherish our past and are excited about the future, as we continue to foster talent and passion for dance in our community.

Commitment

Practice, Competitions, and Recital

At our studio, we actively participate in 2-3 dance competitions annually, held in nearby cities such as Saskatoon, Medicine Hat, and Moose Jaw. These events typically span 3-5 days, although participants are not required to attend every day. In preparation for these competitions and our annual recital, we hold practices at least three times a week, with the possibility of additional sessions depending on the schedules and the number of disciplines each dancer is enrolled in. For weekend practices, we make it a point to contact everyone in the class to arrange a time that suits all members.

We also celebrate the end of each season with a recital open to the public at the Swift Current Comprehensive High School. This recital is a highlight of our year, allowing friends, family, and community members to enjoy the progress and performances of our talented dancers. Joining our studio means engaging in these enriching experiences, which contribute significantly to personal and artistic growth.