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Local dancers picked for some high-level events

Several dancers from the RSS Dance Academy and Kootenay DanceWorks have been nominated to attend the prestigious B.C. Provincial Festival to be held in Kamloops on June 4 to 9, and three dancers have auditioned and been accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Alberta Ballet for summer training.

Several dancers from the RSS Dance Academy and Kootenay DanceWorks have been nominated to attend the prestigious B.C. Provincial Festival to be held in Kamloops on June 4 to 9, and three dancers have auditioned and been accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Alberta Ballet for summer training.

The latter opportunity could, in the fall, lead to the dancers’ acceptance into these professional ballets’ 2011-2012 season programs.

Directed by Renee Salsiccioli, the dancers recently attended Kiwanis Music Festivals in Kamloops, Penticton, and Trail, and the Just Dance festival held earlier this month in Castlegar. Their excellent training afforded them high standings in all categories — jazz, modern, and ballet.

“Dance is a very specific fine art which requires careful, safe, and technical training,” Salsiccioli said.

“[These students] are part of a fine arts program which is reflected in the beautiful performances of each student,” she continued, “a program that instills

grace within the dancer, love of oneself, and the opportunity to work with a professional who is able to help them attain their goals and passions.”

Following the area festivals, Sally Turnbull received two nominations to attend the B.C. Provincial Festival. Her dance in Kamloops earned her a nomination for Intermediate Ballet and her performance in Trail earned her one for Intermediate Modern, which she has accepted.

Anna Cooper received a nomination to attend the Provinials as an observer for Junior Ballet, Jill Amantea received the nomination as an alternate for Senior

Modern, and Cyndey Streadwich received a nomination as an observer for Senior Modern as well.

Sally Turnbull, Anna Cooper and Michaela Skuce all auditioned for and were accepted into summer programs by the Royal WInnipeg Ballet and the Alberta Ballet.

The dancers are very excited by the honours, reported Salsiccioli who was also very pleased by the excellent performances and the recognition her dancers have achieved.