ARTIST PROFILE
Northern Lights Dancefest
Over 500 young dancers converge in Sault Ste Marie to take part in the annual Northern Lights Dancefest. The Northern Lights Dancefest began in 1993, created by Miss Trixie Hardy, and it has continued to grow each year. Miss Hardy saw the need to foster the growth of the Dance Arts in Sault Ste Marie so she proceeded to develop Northern Lights Dancefest. Many young and talented dancers from around the area needed to develop their skills without traveling to other destinations. Hence, the competition was formed.
Dancers from ages 5 years to adult compete every year in the Sault. The dance competition takes place each April at the Kiwanis Community Theatre Centre. The three-day event brings students in from such places across Ontario as Toronto, Sudbury, Iroquois Falls, and Elliot Lake, as well as local Sault studios.
Students at Northern Lights Dancefest compete for medals, 54 trophies, and over $3,000 in cash scholarships. Talented young performers strut their stuff – from tap to acrobatic, and from ballet to hip-hop – before the public and the dance adjudicator.
All Northern Lights staff work strictly on a volunteer basis, with several studio parents participating in helping this festival to grow. Proceeds from the festival are then directed to helping the dancers and the community theatre centre. Over $8,000 is donated back to the theatre each year to use for upgrades and additions.
The Northern Lights Dancefest is open to the public with three sessions running daily. The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy the fine calibre of these talented performers.
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