A springtime staple in Humboldt returns on Thursday.
The Onstage Dance Festival returns with its 27th edition at Jubilee Hall.
President Krissi Barnes says this year’s event will be the biggest one for the festival since the COVID pandemic as 700 dancers from different dance studios will be participating.
Competition begins each day at 9:00am and will continue until 9:00pm, except for the final day on Sunday (April 13) with the competition beginning at 9:00 am and the festival ending around 6:00 pm with the Star Dévoiler.
Dance categories during the festival include Acro, Breakin’, Character Ballet, Classical Ballet, Classical Pointe, Contemporary, Demi Character, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, Production, Song & Dance and Tap.
Some of the dance studios participating A-List Dance & Acrobatics and Impact Dance Company from Humboldt, some of the other dance studios from the area include Annaheim School of Dance, Lake Lenore School of Dance, and Leroy School of Dance.
Barnes noted that the Melfort Dance Centre will be returning this year after being absent for the last few years along with a new studio from Saskatoon.
A few other dance studios inquired about participating in the festival but were unable to attend due to a lack of hotel space. Barnes said the organizing committee attempted to accommodate them with other arrangements, but they were unable to find a suitable solution.
With the proceeds from the festival, Barnes says they hope to have a new theatre to host the event.
“So, we have dressing rooms as well so we can accommodate the dancers while they’re attending our festival.”
Since there is limited space at Jubilee Hall, Barnes points out a new theatre would allow for more spectators.
“With only 350 seats at Jubilee Hall, we do end up turning people away especially on Saturdays and Sundays which are our busier days.”
There is a viewing area inside of the lobby and registration area with seating to ensure spectators can get a glimpse of the festival if they are unable to make it into the audience.
Along with the dancers, Barnes says that volunteers are the backbone for the dance festival and is appreciative of everyone who commits to help out during the weekend.
“We need volunteers for this event to run. People are busy and we get that, and it’s hard when you’re working as well, but we did have a lot of people that step up and we’re super grateful for them.”
Along with the Dance Festival, there will be a tradeshow and concession inside Jubilee Hall throughout the weekend.