Nomination of Dance Impressions by Ryan for the 2007 Spirit of Vermilion Award
As parents and dancers, we would like to nominate Dance Impressions by Ryan for the 2007 Spirit of Vermilion Award. Ryan Wilson, owner of Dance Impressions is in a very unique position. She has taken her passion for dance, combined it with her education and made it into her business. Dance Impressions by Ryan is directly involved in the provision of dance activities for youth. Through Dance Impressions, youth in Vermilion and are provided with a positive outlet to explore their strengths and capabilities. They receive focused high quality dance instruction in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, pointe, modern, mom’s and tots class, preschool, combination and accelerated classes.
Dance Impressions by Ryan has brought youth in the Vermilion area opportunities not previously available in Vermilion. This has removed many barriers to the participation in competitive dance by Dance Impressions dancers. Ryan herself trained to receive international certification as an instructor in ADAPT Jazz and Tap. In doing this, her students have the opportunity to participate in internationally recognized dance exams. Examiners from the Toronto area come to Vermilion yearly to conduct exams and workshops for Dance Impressions students. As well, Ryan models life-long learning and continues her dance education in the exclusive Professional Teacher’s Training Program at the Edmonton School of Ballet (ESB) striving towards her I.S.T.D Associate (Cecchetti Branch). Her involvement at ESB allows our children to participate in Junior Exams where an examiner comes to Vermilion each year, as well as the internationally recognized exams in Ballet Cecchetti.
Other opportunities that Dance Impression has brought to the Vermilion area include the STEPS Dance Festival, and the Summer’s End Dance Camp. Both of these events are non profit and organized by Dance Impressions by Ryan to offer the experience for all interested dancers ( dancers from other schools, areas and disciplines are always welcome). At STEPS dancers in the surrounding areas come to Vermilion to showcase and celebrate their own school’s choreography. They also receive adjudications on their dances. The Summer’s End Dance Camp allowed dancers from Vermilion and surrounding areas to enjoy the instruction of dance professionals from Vancouver and Edmonton. This week long dance camp is either a day camp or a sleepover camp with catered meals and accommodations provided for those who wanted an overnight experience. Without Dance Impressions by Ryan, our children would have missed out on these two outstanding opportunities.
Dance Impressions has worked with other groups to support their shared interested in arts & culture. In the past, Dance Impressions has had a group from the Vermilion Theatre Productions (VTP) work the STEPS festival as a fundraiser. As well, Dance Impressions has had a recycled bottle container to collect bottles to change into funds for VTP for several years.
While creating and bringing opportunities for our youth to Vermilion, Ryan also has her competitive dancers travel to other areas for festivals and workshops. Part of the training received through classes at Dance Impressions teaches our children to represent Vermilion well. Ryan is proud of her Vermilion heritage and teaches her students to be proud of themselves and where they come from. Dance Impressions teaches the youth involved to represent Vermilion at a high standard while traveling. As they travel, Dance Impressions dancers have an excellent reputation for being friendly, polite respectful, disciplined and responsible.
Dance Impressions by Ryan also enjoys being involved in the Vermilion Parade at fair time. The dancers and parents work together to decorate a float and enjoy the energy of the coming fair. Dancers are enthusiastic and happy to be involved and enjoy Vermilion at this time. As well, Dance Impressions hosts a trip to the World Waterpark and a Holiday Sleepover at the dance studio for all of the dancers.
While providing opportunities for extra curricular involvement, Dance Impressions by Ryan considers the unique gifts of each individual. A students’ ability is a small part of what Ryan sees in each of the youth she works with. As the owner of dance Impressions, Ryan cares for each of her dancers as if they were her own. She cares for each dancer’s emotional, social, spiritual, and physical needs by going above and beyond for each student. Ryan recognizes the potential in each child – even when they may not see it themselves. Ryan’s dedication to her dancer’s success is reflected back to her through the love and dedication of each student to “Miss Ryan” and Dance Impressions.
In teaching our children dance, they have learned much more than excellent choreography. From Ryan and Dance Impressions our youth have learned to strive for their goals , to always try to improve, and to learn for the joy of learning and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it. “Miss Ryan” teaches her dancers about intrinsic success; dancing because you love it. Dance Impressions brings out the best in our youth and is very deserving of the 2007 Spirit of Vermilion Award. She is influencing dancers to become positive people who will spread the spirit of Vermilion through everything they do.
Sincerely,
Parents and Dancers
Involved at Dance Impressions by Ryan
