Tiny tots group performs at dance recital on Friday night (Angie Rolheiser/northeastNOW)

By Angie Rolheiser

Just dance!

25 years and counting for Melfort Dance Centre

May 11, 2019 | 10:19 AM

The Melfort Dance Centre will put a cap on it’s 25th year with their annual recital this weekend.

Owner Paulette Puetz opened the doors of her business in September 1994 where she provided instruction to around 60 students in the region.

Back then, the lessons took place in the old Elks hall in town and then moved over to Saskatchewan Ave. The current location on Bemister Ave. has been open for about 10 years now.

Puetz told northeastNOW it has been a very rewarding 25 years in the community of Melfort which has brought her to today.

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“I’m now providing instruction for some former student’s children but it seems like just yesterday that I opened my own studio,” Puetz said.

The Muenster native took her own dance lessons in Humboldt, where she went onto to teach in that community as well as numerous others.

“It takes the cooperation and support and commitment of the parents and the family and the whole community to have a successful business and I’m truly appreciative of that,” Puetz said.

Puetz doesn’t make it all happen on her own, she commends her staff on making each year go over smoothly.

“We guide and mentor the children in not only dance technique but in many skills that will be beneficial in their life after dance,” Puetz said.

Puetz is a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers association, she is an honorary member and examiner in ballet, tap and jazz and has served on the national board.

Next year, there will be around seven graduating students but this year there is only one, which is quite unique according to Puetz.

There are three instructors along with one senior and a few junior teachers who are senior students, six class assistants and six class helpers.

Some highlights over the years for Puetz has been taking students to Las Angeles and New York, and being able to see a former student perform on a cruise ship. She has also had a student move onto the performing arts school in Victoria.

“Just seeing them succeed, whether it be in dance or not dance, I just treasure the friendships and we truly are a family,” Puetz said.

The three recital performances over the weekend will include a different ending than usual with a short slideshow to play.

The three shows which are nearly sold out take place Friday, May. 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser