THUNDER BAY -- The joyful spirit of dance was on display in front of a sizable crowd Fort William Gardens on Wednesday.
The Lakehead Public Schools Creative Movement Jamboree was held - an annual event celebrating movement and music among youth.
Twenty schools performed dance routines that they have been practicing for months. The theme, Canada 150, saw the kids dressed in red and white dancing only to Canadian music.
The event gave children from kindergarten to Grade 5 the opportunity to be active, and dance in a non-competitive environment.
“I think everybody’s pretty nervous,” said Jolene Wilhelm, a teacher from Kakabeka Falls High School. “There’s a lot of people here, a lot of kids dancing… but it’s mostly a lot of fun.”
Abby Tymchyshen, a Grade 5 student, has attended the event for two years.
“My favorite part was the jazz hands, and using the [Canada] flags,” said Tymchyshen. “It was scary to see all the people who came to watch… But now I’m relieved I did it.”
Most schools had been practicing routines during lunch and nutrition breaks. The Lakehead Public School Board also held workshops for teachers to come in and learn choreography to teach their students.
“I hope the kids get a sense of joy from dancing,” said Melanie Henry who has been convening at the Jamboree for 20 years. She says the purpose of the night is to celebrate the arts and get kids dancing in a non-competitive environment.
“When you have hundreds of kids dancing together, you can just feel the energy. It’s absolutely incredible.”
Alongside the dancing, donations were made to the Shelter House, and the Lakehead Learning Foundation to cap off a successful night.
