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Inspiring Stettler dancers over three decades

Every day as September rolls in, dance instructor Rhonda Gillrie makes the one-hour drive from Red Deer to Stettler.
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Rhonda Gillrie lauds her younger students as they take part in Dancing from the Heart at Stettler’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday

Every day as September rolls in, dance instructor Rhonda Gillrie makes the one-hour drive from Red Deer to Stettler.

It has been over three decades that Gillrie has been running her dance school, Rhonda McCulloch Danceology, from the heart of Stettler, tucked away on a quiet street.

"As an instructor for the past 30 years, I've enjoyed so many highlights of student successes," said Gillrie. "Each and every year, I marvel at the accomplishments, the talent and the improvement both technically and artistically in my students."

Gillrie was introduced to dance at the age of two.

"I was fortunate enough to attend a dance recital that my neighbourhood friend was in," recalled Gillrie, looking back on how she got into the art form in the first place. "Each day throughout the summer I asked if it was my turn to go to dancing," added Gillrie. "Thankfully my parents were kind enough to start me in dance classes."

The young Gillrie attended classes in Mrs. Percy's basement, where she was able to participate in ballet, tap and acrobatics.

"My mother sat and took notes at each class so that I could practice at home," added Gillrie. "When I look back and read those notes now, I giggle – many swirls and interesting descriptions of what we were doing."

Gillrie's mother had never been able to take formal training in dance, so she did her best for her daughter, said Gillrie.

"Mrs. Percy provided us with wonderful training and it was an amazing start."

"It is so very important to get valuable information and have attention to the details of your training right from the very beginning," explained Gillrie. "No need to then try to break bad habits that way."

When Gillrie's instructor retired at 70, Gillrie was able to train with Liz Bennett.

"She offered the humanistic side of dance," said Gillrie. "She was the one who developed my heart and passion for this art form, how lucky am I."

Gillrie feels fortunate to have inspired her students.

"I'm proud of them, as some have gone on to perform professionally, while others have chosen to train at a college or a university, receiving Bachelor and Masters degrees," said Gillrie. "I now have moms and dads who I've known and taught in the past bringing their children to me."

All the recitals that Gillrie hosts reacquaints her with her former students.

"They are either a mom now or a grandma," added Gillrie. "I look around Stettler and see many of my students now teaching and inspiring their own students and that is rewarding."

According to Gillrie, dancers wishing to pursue a career in dance must be resilient.

"Many will face many rejections before they receive a positive reaction, but our training must always continue," added Gillrie. "We must always push ourselves to be better and better each time we perform or take a class."

Dance and its spin off careers are ever changing, with dancers making amazing stage managers, company producers and organizers, said Gillrie.

"Choreography and professional dancing are not the only choices in today's generation," said Gillrie. "Those who have trained in dance have great time management skills, they are able to prioritize what is important at any given time, they are self-motivated and strong, both mentally and physically."

These personal attributes lend themselves to many varied career options, according to Gillrie.

"Dancers from a small centre like Stettler, must always take opportunities to view cultural events, for instance attend Alberta Ballet, see a Broadway Across Canada show, take in Heartland Arts Troupe Society, participate in the high school band and drama productions and hear the local bands and artists," advised Gillrie. "Listen to many kinds of music, our local Jazz Guys and Domino, and up and coming artists."

Gillrie has also taught her students to give back to the community and her students have participated in many fundraising events, including Relay for Life, and the Princess Ball.

"These events give my dancers an opportunity to give back to the community we live in," explained Gillrie. "There are so many valuable lessons being learned."

Gillrie's dance institution hosts a fundraising dance festival every year and last year with the support of local businesses and dance families from Stettler and surrounding area she was able to raise just under $16,000 for charities.

Gillrie was recognized this past season for her outstanding contribution to the dance community and received an 'Award of Excellence' from Alberta Music Festival Association.

"Every student deserves the right to feel wanted, admired, and know just how clever they are," said Gillrie. "My motto is learning for a lifetime, dance for always."