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Dance academy in Powell River has something for everyone

Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy prepares for upcoming season
Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy Powell River

Entering her fifth season as owner and artistic director of Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy, Paige Anderson is proud of the company’s growth and accomplishments, and excited about the coming season.

“We start our regular classes again in September,” says Paige. “There are so many age groups and genres to pick from, and there is something for everyone.”

Genres include ballet, jazz, modern contemporary, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, Acro, stretch and strength, and musical theatre. Registration is currently open for all classes. Age range at the academy is from two and up to adult.

“We have 75 different classes of all ages happening every week,” adds Paige, who coaches the competitive program.

A team of 14 faculty members with 200 years of combined experience teach the classes, several of which have increased in numbers due to popularity.

Paige says the academy works because of the wonderful team of teachers who are passionate about their specific genres.

“We have amazing teachers who bring so many different experiences to the table,” she adds. “They love dance and are giving back to the kids and the adults.

The company has six performance teams that stick together, learn choreography and perform and compete together.

“These kids are super dedicated,” says Paige. “They are at the academy all the time dancing in different genres and want to perform and compete more.”

Last season, the theatre company performed excerpts from Oliver!. This year, the group will prepare for a production of Aladdin.

“They are going to be performing some excerpts of it in February, then compete with it and put on the production here in May,” says Paige.

Many dancers of all ages attend for fitness reasons, to learn, or just to have fun.

“Beginners can be put into a step-up program to help get them to a higher level if that is what they choose, and we have a ton of kids and teenagers who just love to dance with their friends; some of them do one, two or three classes a week in different genres,” adds Paige. “Adults do not perform; they take the classes for a different sort of exercise and because they enjoy dancing, and they have a blast doing it.”

Earlier this summer, LTDA dancers participated in PRISMA on the Beach, performing a Hungarian ballet number to the live music. This season, in addition to shows, competitions and festivals, the academy will be part of the opening ceremony for International Choral Kathaumixw.

“We love doing Kathaumixw,” says Paige. “The dancers think it’s inspirational when they see all the choirs from all over the world marching in with the flags. It’s good for them to see and be a part of.”

LTDA dancers will also perform at the Fall Fair at Paradise Exhibition Park on Sunday, September 8, and a team of 39 dancers is preparing for a trip to Disneyland in November, where they will take part in the Dance the Magic parade.

“They also get to do a production number on the Disney stage,” says Paige. “We have been fundraising all year for this event.”

Hip-hop and lyrical jazz workshops for different age groups take place on Saturday, September 7, before the academy officially kicks off the season on September 9.

“Registration is open now,” says Paige. “People can email to save a spot.”

For more information, go to laszlodanceacademy.com, call 604.414.8650, or email info@laszlodanceacademy.com.