A Chance To Dance: Spring Showcase 2026
Where passion meets performance, our dancers are ready to shine. Join us for an unforgettable showcase and witness the talent, dedication, and heart behind every move.
Saturday, April 18th – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Al Whittle Theatre
Don’t miss our dancers as they take the stage and showcase their passion.
Get your tickets now - seats are limited!


Director’s Report 2026
I am honored to welcome you all to Cadance Academy’s fourth annual Spring Showcase, “A Chance to Dance.” This event celebrates our dancers’ talent, creativity, and passion—perfectly timed as we approach World Art Day and International Dance Day.
I continue to be inspired by the innovation our dancers bring to their choreography. At Cadance, we encourage self-expression through movement, as dance is truly the language of the soul—powerful, expressive, and deeply therapeutic.
Tonight, you’ll experience a diverse range of performances, from seasoned choreographers to those presenting their work for the very first time. Each piece reflects courage, dedication, and artistry.
We are also excited to once again feature our Daddy/Daughter/Son dance—a heartfelt tradition that celebrates the special bond between families.
Above all, this showcase reflects the supportive community we’ve built, where dancers uplift and inspire one another.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy a journey that will leave you inspired and moved.
Gaea Jess


Gaea Jess | Artistic Director
Welcome to Our 4th Annual


SHOW ORDER
HAPPY
Mixed Style Group
Choreographed by: Gaea Jess
Danced by: Daddy/Daughter/ Son Class
Music by Pharrell Williams
Last year’s dance was a huge success, and the daddies are back again! “Happy” is a celebration of pure joy — a reminder to pause, enjoy the little things, and never forget to dance and celebrate life. It’s about making time for the things that bring you happiness, and for me, nothing brings more joy than dancing with my loved ones. Dancing releases dopamine, a hormone that lifts your mood, and sharing that experience with others only adds to the magic. I hope this dance fills you with happiness and inspires you to get up and move. It’s pure fun, and you won’t want to miss these incredible dancers!


Heather on the Hill
Ballet Duo
Choreographed by: Lucy Richard and Heidi Imlay-Price
Danced by: Lucy Richard and Heidi Imlay-Price
Music by Alex Evans
Epically haunting and magically alive, this ballet-inspired piece blends delicate highland influences with a sense of wonder and rediscovery. Choreographed and costumed by Heidi and Lucy, it follows two reawakened dancers finding their way in the mystical town of Brigadoon—a place that emerges from the Scottish Highlands once every 200 years. Inspired by the 1954 musical, the piece weaves romance, magic, and timeless beauty under shadowed skies..


Time
Choreographed and dancer by: Gaea Jess, Raiden, Meryk and Odin Jess-Wegleitner
Music by Nathan Lanier
My three sons—Raiden, 8; Meryk, 12; and Odin, 16—are each at very different stages of growing up. This year feels like the perfect moment to create a dance with them that captures the journey of their transition through time. The piece, titled “Time,” reflects on how precious time is, even though we often take it for granted. I’m deeply aware that one day they will all grow up and leave the nest. That moment will be one of my greatest sources of pride, but also my most profound heartbreak. Though they may leave my arms, they will always hold my heart.


The Devil and Me
Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Ella Crowell
Danced by: Ella Crowell
Music by Robert Johnson
"The Devil and Me" was originally a 1930s Blues song by Robert Johnson. He wrote it to play into the myth that his talent came from selling his soul to the Devil. This modern version replaces the Blues genre with an ominous and unsettling tone, perfect for my Contemporary choreography. To me, the idea of walking with the "Devil" is a metaphor about choices and cross roads, giving in to temptations or living a life of principle.


Sip
Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Jaiana Sharpe
Danced by: Jaiana Sharpe
Music by Jeoboy
This piece holds a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first works I choreographed in Canada. I created it at the very beginning of my university journey, the summer before my first semester. Now, this showcase comes right after my final exams, at a moment when I will have completed all the requirements for my Bachelor of Science degree. It feels like the perfect time to share this piece, as it allows me to reflect on how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown and changed throughout my university experience.


All of Me
Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Ryleigh Cross
Danced by: Ryleigh Cross
Music by John Legend
I chose “All of Me” for its beautiful, emotional feel. It naturally inspires contemporary movement, and bringing the lyrics to life through dance is truly special. Dancing to this piece is calming, it clears my mind and lets me fully connect with every movement.


Watching the Apples Grow
Modern, Folk Duo
Choreographed by: Lucy Risser-Milne
Danced by: Lucy Risser-Milne & Jessica Risser-Milne
Music by Stan Rogers
Lucy and Jessica take the stage with “Watching the Apples Grow” in a lighthearted, comedic piece that celebrates their playful mother-daughter bond. Inspired by past performances, they created a dance full of joy and connection. Choreographed by Lucy, the piece brings together two very different skill levels, making it both a fun challenge and a special return to dance for Jessica after 30 years.


Elizabeth Taylor
Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Axton & Sydney
Danced by: Axton Sharpe
Music by Taylor Swift
I wanted to create a dramatic contemporary piece, so I chose a song that matched that vision. The music guided the mood and movement, allowing me to explore strong emotions and dynamic contrasts throughout the dance.


You Say
Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Heidi McFarlane
Danced by: Heidi McFarlane
Music by Lauren Diagel
Dancing to “You Say” by Lauren Daigle, this contemporary piece reflects strength, courage, and self-belief. Inspired by the song’s message of rising above others’ opinions, it has pushed me to grow and explore new techniques. A meaningful and personal performance—I hope you enjoy it!


Wings
Contemporary Duo
Choreographed by: Sophia Cudmore and Eliza Godfrey
Danced by: Sophia Cudmore and Eliza Godfrey
Music by Birdy
This piece tells the story of two close friends who have spent so much of their lives side by side. As they grow older, they begin to realize they are being pulled in different directions. Before parting ways, they share one final dance, a moment to hold on to their bond before setting off on their separate paths.


Rain
Ballet, Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Taryn McLachlan
Danced by: Taryn McLachlan
Music by Ben Platt
When I started at Cadance just over a year ago, I wanted to create a piece inspired by the movements I was learning in beginner ballet and what felt true when I danced to this song alone in my room. I chose this song because it immediately spoke to me and felt like the perfect way to express my new dance journey.
With Sydney’s guidance and collaboration, I would share my feelings or freestyle, and she helped shape those moments into movement. Together, we created this piece as a reflection of the beginning of my dance journey.


Ordinary
Contemporary Ballet Solo
Choreographed by: Claire Jennings
Danced by: Claire Jennings
Music by Alex Warren
My dance is a contemporary ballet piece featuring turns, rolls, and jumps. I chose this song because its character makes it easy to connect with and choreograph. It’s mostly upbeat and fast-paced, while still having moments of softness and emotion.


Never be Far
Contemporary Duo
Choreographed by: Mylah Jewell & Sadie Corkum
Danced by: Mylah Jewell & Sadie Corkum
Music by Alex Warrens
Mylah and Sadie chose this song because of their shared love for Alex Warren’s music. As they explored different artists together, this was the one song they both instantly connected with and agreed on right away.


Ramalama (Bang Bang)
Contemporary Solo
Choreographed by: Lily Zimmermann
Danced by: Lily Zimmermannan
Music by Róisín Murphy
“Ramalama (Bang Bang)” has been a meaningful choice for me since first discovering it in Grade 9 Advanced Contemporary. Its eerie, unsettling vibe perfectly complements my “Broken Doll” concept, tying back to my first Showcase performance and bringing everything full circle. While I focus more on expressing the lyrics than their deeper meaning, this piece allows me to continue exploring and growing within the haunting style I’ve developed over time.


Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake
Ballet
Choreographed by: Ella Crowell & Bianca Phillips
Danced by: Ella Crowell & Bianca Phillips
Music by André Previn
This piece is inspired by Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake ballet. We took our own spin on it and danced as if the black swan gave part of herself to the white swan. For the rest of the dance, they almost always move in unison. The message is to be your own person and not let others control you. (The name of the piece is “Two Swans.”).


Gee, Officer Krupke
Mixed Style Group
Choreographed by: Heidi Imlay-Price and the Pas de Sis
Danced by: Pas de Sis: Odin Jess-Wegleitner, Riah Imlay-Price, Vahn Imlay-Price, Meryk Jess-Wegleitner, Sam Linton, Everett Imlay-Price
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Inspired by Gee, Officer Krupke, this piece explores how society labels misunderstood youth—something that still resonates today. The boys were drawn to its humor, honesty, and rebellious spirit, bringing it to life through a mix of ballet, jazz, and Broadway storytelling. They also helped shape the choreography, adding their own ideas and energy, making it a fun, raw, and heartfelt celebration of friendship, creativity, and simply being free to dance.


Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to our Spring Showcase. Your dedication to the arts and our community means so much, and your support helped bring this event to life. We are truly grateful to have you as part of our journey.
AL Whittle Theatre


Al Whittle Theatre has been the home of Cadance’s performances, providing a stage where our dancers can shine. Its continued partnership helps bring our shows to life and supports the growth of the arts in our community.
46TH ANNUAL YEAR END PERFORMANCE - CADANCE WARS
We’re gearing up to take over the galaxy, Cadance Wars is coming, and our dancers are ready to shine across the stars!


JOIN OUR SUMMER DANCE CAMPS
Looking for a fun and active summer? Our Summer Dance Camps 2026 offer the perfect mix of dance, arts and crafts, swimming, and more! Kids will build skills, make new friends, and enjoy an exciting, creative environment every day.






Give the Gift of Dance This Spring!
Dance is a gift that keeps on giving, joy, confidence, and creativity all wrapped into one!
This season, treat someone special to a Cadance class gift card. It can be used toward the cost of a single class, monthly tuition, or any payment or denomination you choose.
Purchase in-studio or email info@cadanceacademy.ca to grab yours today!








Noggins Corner






Little Foot Yurts
The Green Oven
Thank You for Being Part of Our 19-Year Journey
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has graced us with your presence over the past 19 enchanting years. Your unwavering support and presence have allowed us to carry on this cherished holiday tradition, which has been lovingly built upon the foundations of the stories and experiences that hold a special place in your hearts. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.


Classes


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