By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — Close to 300 people filled the gymnasium at Davidson School on May 1 for the annual spring recital hosted by the Davidson Optimist Dance Club.

“We’re very excited and very impressed with what they have achieved this year,” said Kelly Allan, who emceed the program with Richelle Palmer.

The two-hour program featured dozens of dancers, presenting more than 30 routines in the ballet, tap, creative movement, lyrical, jazz and hip hop categories.

Also featured was the Grease production, which included several songs from the classic musical.

The 13-minute production received gold in Lanigan and Warman and also earned instructor Aundrea Mueller a choreography award in Warman.

The club had 95 dancers this year. They took part in competitions in Lanigan, Warman and Prince Albert. Teachers were Irene Williams, Aundrea Mueller, Shantell Hoehn, Kallie Nadeau and Tessa Gray. Student teachers included Emily Read, Tiara Shaw, Kasie Boyd and Sarah Allan, along with teacher-helper Chase Lyn Dean.

Allan said in her introduction that it had been another successful season for the club. The emcees highlighted the accomplishments of dancer Rhett Gust, who received the Youth Ambassador award in Lanigan, along with full scholarships to attend both a summer worskhop in Warman and a summer dance camp in Lanigan.

A silent auction held during the afternoon event raised $1,317.

The club also hosted its spring showcase on the evening of April 30, featuring solo and duet performances.

For the full list of performances, please see the May 9 edition of The Davidson Leader.