Over a dozen local dance students are heading to Broadway to hone their skills.
Alexandria’s Dance Studio in Chatham has been given the opportunity to take part in a trip to New York City next summer, performing in Times Square, taking part in workshops run by Broadway professionals, and taking in the sights.
Studio founder and head director, Alexandria Depuydt says the trip in July, 2025 coincides with the studio’s 25th anniversary.
“It’s a milestone, but I’ve had a lot of these dancers grow up at the studio from the age of three and I have a lot of them graduating this year,” Depuydt says. “We have about 17 dancers that are going to be experiencing this event.”
Depuydt says it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her students, who range in age from 7 to 18.
“Having the chance to dance at Times Square, that is going to be such an opportunity for them. On top of Times Square and dancing on a Broadway stage, they’re going to be doing many master classes. The dancers are over the moon about this.”
Depuydt says at a time when mental health and participation in recreational activities is at a critical low for youth, providing local Chatham-Kent youth with an opportunity that will solidify their confidence, give them a reason to continue persevering, and provide them with the idea that anything is possible, is undoubtedly a noteworthy cause
The dance studio is hosting a number of fundraisers over the next few months to help reduce the cost for students. A silent auction (32auctions.com) will begin at 9am on December 2. A bingo night is planned for December 12 at the Riverview Gaming Centre in Chatham.
Anyone who would like to support the troupe is asked to contact Depuydt at 519-365-2539 or email alextdance@hotmail.com.