The dancers were ready, the costumes were fitted, the performances refined. Everything was set to go a week out from the Dance for Hunger Showcase in the spring of 2020.
And then, just like that, nothing.
To say the loss of the annual Moose Jaw and District Food Bank donation drive event was tough for Dance Images by BJ would be an understatement -- not only does the night of performances traditionally kick off their competitive season, it also brings a huge benefit to the community, drawing in tons of non-perishable food items every March.
So for two whole years, as the pandemic raged, Dance Images waited.
And Sunday night was once again their time to shine.
Hundreds of the local dance studio’s supporters and fans filled Centennial Auditorium at Peacock Collegiate to catch the first live performance since 2019, all while once again helping to fill the Food Bank’s shelves.
“We were always trying to look for different ways to keep it up during the last two years when there were all the restrictions, so we're excited to finally be back on stage and excited to be able to help out the community again,” said Tessa Gray with Dance Images.
“The kids love getting to give back to the community, too, and we always let them know how special it is that we get to have dance lessons, we get to come into the beautiful, like-new Peacock facility. It’s always good to be able to give back to those that don't always get to have the same opportunities they have.”
With the two years away from the event, there were some wrinkles to iron out, but as Barb Jackman with Dance Images said in the lead-up to the Showcase, it’s pretty much like getting back on a bicycle.
It showed on stage, too, as the dancers looked almost flawless rolling through their routines, products of months of practice and dedication to perfection.
“It’s been fantastic,” Gray said. “We’ve had our rehearsals here the last couple of days and it’s been great to see all the smiles that they have just for being on the stage. They’re over the moon getting to perform and show all the hard work they put into dancing.”
Now that everything is a go for the competition season, Dance Images is getting right into the fire -- they’ll host the largest competition of its kind in the city since 2019 with the 36th annual Invitational Dance Carnival, which will feature dozens of studios from throughout Saskatchewan and over 600 dancers taking part.
Action gets underway on Friday, Mar. 25 at Peacock, running all day Saturday before wrapping up Sunday afternoon.
For more on Dance Images by BJ and what they’re up to, check out www.danceimagesbybj.com.
