Windsor Dance eXperience holds workshop series

by Sean Previl

If you want to learn how to dance or manage the backstage, then Windsor Dance eXperience is ready to help.

WDX has started a workshop series this month featuring both onstage and backstage sessions.

The onstage sessions will teach different dance styles including African dance and swing, while the backstage classes highlight script writing and stage managing.

“We have a really good group of kids who want to dance and go on stage and perform but we need that support team behind them,” said Julia Galli, founder of WDX. “So we figured we would be able to give our kids more, a variety of education, different kinds of styles, but also we’re alternating them with backstage experiences as well.”

Galli, who has taught dance since 2003, said the group tries to create an environment that is different from other studios.

“A lot of schools are more structured. They’re focused on learning the dance steps and perfecting them,” Galli said. “Our goal isn’t about having the steps perfected, it’s performing, so we just use dance as the medium for that performing.”

Tiffany Wentzell, artistic director of WDX, said she hopes the workshops will be good for the community.

“I think (the workshops) make for a well-rounded performer,” said Wentzell. “Knowing more about what goes on behind the scene and making yourself well rounded and keeping yourself as versatile as possible makes you a better performer.”

One of the members taking part in the workshops, Jessica Charron, said she is looking forward to what’s coming up because of how the studio works.

“It’s not like lessons like every other studio, and you get to act while you’re dancing, and you get to tell a story while you’re dancing,” said Charron.

Charron said she is enthusiastic to continue with the workshops.

“I knew people were coming and I think everyone should be able to dance, and show little girls what dancing’s all about,” said Charron.

The workshops will take over the course of the next two years and will feature dancers brought in to teach a variety of styles.  Members of WDX will be able to attend the workshops at no cost, while others can pay $5 to $12 depending on the workshop they choose. The next workshop will feature drama improvisation on Friday Nov. 2 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Visit www.wdxtheatre.ca for more information on the company.