Family Channel’s hit series The Next Step stars are touring Canada including two sold out shows at the Memorial Centre on March 7th and Red Deer’s Strive Dance Academy was selected by the Toronto producers to choreograph and perform the Hurricane song from the show for the local performances.

The Academy’s Hannah Peacock (artistic director) and Jaimie Bingham have choreographed the piece to be performed by students Brooklyn Wiggins, Jillian Jobs and Izel Pienaar.

The show is a popular ‘tween dramedy’ about competitive dancers and the stars from the show are accomplished dancers with many having performed on So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

According to The Next Step web site, the show follows the lives of an elite group of young dancers who train at The Next Step Dance Studio.

The dancers chosen from Strive Dance Academy are thrilled to be involved and have been practicing for the shows said Donna Purcell, chair of the board for Strive Dance Academy Society.

“For the youngsters it’s very exciting for them because these dancers are stars for them,” she said. “I think (being part of the show) will really grow their confidence and it speaks to the work that they put in – many of these dancers dance five or six days a week and they are very passionate about it. They see that hard work paying off and their friends are really supportive.”

For more information about the show, check out www.blackknightinn.ca or call 403-755-6626.

efawcett@reddeerexpress.com