Minto Dance Academy (MDA) is preparing for its 2014-15 season of dance, which will mark the academy’s 37th year of operation.
“As an academy operated by parent volunteers, we are unique in the dance community. Our desire has been to offer quality dance programs that both promote an appreciation of the arts and also encourage physical activity for children,” MDA officials state in a press release.
MDA offers a wide selection of disciplines. Dancers can choose from graded ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, highland and musical theatre. To further enhance the creative experience dancers participate in a Christmas demo and spring recital, “which are well received by the community.”
MDA has “an enthusiastic and professional faculty,” officials note.
“We have long-standing instructors who have been with us for many years,” the release states.
The highland program has been under the direction of Jennifer Memmott for 14 years.
Teaching various diciplines, Maggie McLaughlin, a graduating student of the MDA will be returning for her fourth year and Jody Wightman will be starting her third year in the fall.
New to MDA this past year was Ashley Magwood, who will continue teaching a variety of Saturday classes for the upcoming season.
Ballet program
Joining the staff for the 2014-15 season is Samantha Selihar, a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet instructor, who plans to bring MDA’s ballet program up to international standards with accompanying testing for dancers who wish to pursue ballet professionally.
Selihar has recently completed RAD certification and states she is excited to begin working with MDA.
“She brings a solid dance background and enthusiasm for dance,” MDA officials state.
For further information contact the organization at mintodanceacademy@hotmail.com.
