SARAH WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Recently, the County School of Dance returned from a competition in Brockville with an impressive array of medals.
“This is our best show yet,” enthused artistic director Brenda Cunningham when speaking about the recent competition in Brockville.
A total of 22 students aged 7-12 participated in this event.
(Submitted Photo)
“The students received 36 platinum medals and also one diamond. This is the first time they’ve gotten a diamond which is very difficult to do,” added Cunningham.
The school of dance has operated in Prince Edward County for the past decade with events and classes running from September to June.
This past year they specialized in lyrical jazz, contemporary dance, modern dance, ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre.
Having trained with the National Ballet School, Brenda Cunningham, or “Miss Brenda” as she is known by the students of the dance school, operated a dance studio in Huntsville for 20 years.
When a friend introduced her to the County, she saw a need for more youth focused activities here and opened up a dance school.
It wasn’t long before Cunningham decided to close up shop in Huntsville and open up a full-time studio on Main St. in Picton.
Apart from their Nutcracker production each year and a scholarship charity event each fall, much of what the County School of Dance does is volunteer work, often visiting various nursing homes throughout the area to perform for residents.
The County School of Dance does, however, have a showcase performance each year two weeks after their final competition.
“If anyone wants to see these award winning numbers, we do a showcase performance every year about two weeks after the competition. This year, our showcase is on June 9th and is called The Art of Dance.”
Tickets can be purchased at the Regent Theatre Box Office and are $20 for adults or $12 for children.