Back on July 1, Barb Jackman handed the keys to Dance Images by BJ over to her close friend and long-time student Shauna Bzdel.
“I’ve been at Dance Images my whole life,” Bzdel said. “We’re going into our 34th season and I’ve been there for all 34 years. I started out as a dancer, then became a helper and an assistant, and then officially a teacher.” Bzdel is now the studio’s director.
Jackman founded and owned the studio for 33 years and has done an amazing job with it. For 24 of those years, Bzdel and Jackman worked together and developed a close friendship. “We’ve been together for almost a lifetime,” Bzdel said.
Now Jackman wants to limit her role at the studio. She continues to teach, but with a focus on mentorship.
“Barb was looking for a little bit of a change in her schedule, and a little bit more freedom and availability,” Bzdel said. “I was looking to take on a bigger role at the studio.” She said the transition went smoothly and it was in the works for quite some time.
“I’ve been teaching there for 24 years and was the assistant director for the past eight years. This was just the next step along the way,” she said.
After being handed the keys to the studio, Bzdel said she wouldn’t change a thing.
“Our families (of the students) aren’t going to notice any big changes. We’ve been operating successfully for the past 33 years… I think we’re just going to continue on as usual,” she affirmed.
Bzdel said the world of dance is always changing to address new trends, but Jackman set up a program that doesn’t need to be modified. “Really, everything I know I’ve learned from her,” Bzdel said. “When you’ve got an amazing studio and background, there isn’t a thing that needs to be changed.”
The studio’s preschool program is also going to be continued. Instructed by Chantal Leaman, the preschool operates closely with the standard school calendar and runs from September to early June each year. Classes are available from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The preschool has a unique approach that matches the required educational curriculum, but also introduces children to the fine arts. “It’s a one-of-a-kind program,” Bzdel said.
The studio has always believed in charitable outreach, and Bzdel wants to keep it that way. “It’s definitely something we’ll continue to be doing into the future,” she confirmed. “It has always been important to us.
“We strongly believe that as a local business, giving back to the community is so important,” Bzdel said, adding that their efforts make a strong impression on the youth, who then carry those lessons with them throughout their lives.
The studio hosts several fundraisers throughout the year, with one of their biggest being the Kids Helping Kids event. Combined, their efforts help support the Transition House, Salvation Army, Moose Jaw Food Bank, and a senior’s charity that brings seniors Christmas presents each year, among others.
In March, the studio sets up a stage at the Peacock Auditorium to host their annual Dance for Hunger event. Here, students showcase their best work and donations are accepted for the Food Bank. “That event happens at a really important time of the year… in March. The Food Bank is facing a shortage after Christmas,” explained Bzdel.
Dance Images by BJ is one of Moose Jaw’s finest dance studios and has a long-standing reputation in the community. The quality of their dance education and charitable outreach is unmatched.
“We work to not only provide really great quality dance education, but we do it with a strong sense of family and commitment,” said Bzdel. The studio’s eight certified dance instructors provide the highest quality dance instruction to their students and programming is available for all age groups.
“I’m excited that Barb is going to be continuing to work alongside us in a different role… and mentoring me as we transition into this next chapter of Dance Images,” said Bzdel. The two dance instructors continue to work together and Bzdel is excited for the opportunity to carry on the studio’s legacy.
Bzdel is recognized by the Canadian Dance Teacher's Association (CDTA), is a qualified ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers) instructor, and has trained extensively in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical dance. She also holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and has considerable experience working with special needs children.
Registration for fall classes will start on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and runs until Thursday, Aug. 31.
Dance Images by BJ is located at 177 Iroquois Street West and can be reached at 306-692-0515.
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