At Fusion Dance & Wellness we have celebrated the power of movement and mental and emotional wellness through the study of ballroom dance. Students range in age from four years into their 7th decade. All share the joy of dance. As part of this celebration, we hold an annual student and staff showcase to the theme of the Oscars.
Entering the ballroom, attendees were greeted by stars on our walls inscribed with the names of the dancers. They turned a corner to find a red carpet and a picture wall leading to the dance floor. Throughout the evening they enjoyed a variety of Ballroom and Latin dances from the more familiar styes of Tango, Viennese Waltz, Samba, Quickstep, Jive, Cha Cha, Waltz, and Foxtrot to less known such as Argentine Tango and Bollywood.
Participating students ranged from a couple with two months of lessons to those dancing in competitions at the Championship level. Playing to a full house, we celebrate the successes and achievements of each student. This annual event allows us to see how much each student has grown in their dance as well as to come together in celebration.
At the core of this studio is the belief that participating in dance is part of a person’s overall wellness. By its nature, partner dancing requires physical and mental awareness as you develop your ability to lead and/or follow another person. Despite the belief of many that you must have a certain level of physical fitness to dance, ballroom classes can be adapted to the individual. We offer classes to those who have Parkinson’s or mobility challenges encouraging them to experience performance opportunities as well. It is a studio that encourages students to become part of a larger dance community. We also offer a Dance Retreat with social activities as well as dance classes. In the spring we hold a Student Showcase with a panel of experienced dancers offering suggestions for ways the performers can improve their dancing. In the fall, the studio hosts the Dance Atlantic Gala which brings together dancers from across the country to compete. As part of the events, there will be another student showcase with opportunities for other studios to have some of their dancers perform in a noncompetitive atmosphere. This event takes place at Cedar Events Centre October 20 to 21 with workshops open to the public on the 22nd.
As we enter the fall, we are moving into a new stage in our development of the studio. As of September 1, the studio is joining the Arthur Murray family. This is a very prominent dance organization that has been around since 1912. It is a huge honour to be accepted by such a remarkable organization and to become part of the oldest and largest dance community the world. We will continue to support, collaborate and be inclusive. The change will be the additional opportunities we can offer to our students and our amazing administrative and instructor team will all remain.
The studio will be hosting a Grand Opening Party Saturday September 9th from 7 to 10pm. Please email cheryl@fusiondancewellness.ca for further details.
