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The Backstage Dance Co. was originally established in 1966 as The Swift Current School of Dance by Doris Sitter, also owner of the Doris Sitter School of Dance in Moose Jaw. The studio originally ran out of the Swift Current Recreational Centre (how well the teachers & students remember those cement floors!) and in l987 moved downtown to 1st Ave. N.E (the old bowling alley.)
Photography © Artistic Expressions
Mrs. Sitter was a pioneer of dance in Saskatchewan, and was responsible for the first ever Royal Academy of Dance examiner to come to southern Saskatchewan; she was the organizer behind bringing the Canadian Dance Teachers Association to Saskatchewan; and she was one of the founders for the Moose Jaw Festival of Dance. Miss Renee can never say enough about the dignity, grace, self-discipline, confidence, tenacity and caring that Mrs. Sitter passed on to all her students through her love of dance.
Miss Renee taught for many years for the Doris Sitter School of Dance, and many of them included the Swift Current School. In l988, Renee purchased the studio from Mrs. Sitter and is now in the 27th season of operating as The Backstage Dance Co. but the legacy of the Swift Current School of Dance/Backstage Dance Co. is actually in its 49th SEASON!!
There have been many metamorphoses to the Backstage Dance Co. There was a satellite studio in Abbey for a few years…a Backstage Dance Co. Prince Albert from l990 to 2009, as well as satellite studios in Vanguard, Val Marie, Maple Creek, Fox Valley, and Gull Lake. As of the 27th season, only the satellite studio in Gull Lake is still run by Backstage.
In l996, The Backstage Dance Co. and The Training Zone opened together at the old Elks Dance Hall (also known as Fanny’s Fabrics as well.) Miss Renee loved her hardwood floor and beautiful dance space. But within five years the two businesses needed much more space so Miss Renee bought the current building that Backstage Dance Co. resides in. It had GOOD VIBES….it was originally the Eagle Theatre and started out with live theatre and dance as well. The building is over 100 years old!!! There has to be some great ghosts there!
The studio prides itself in giving everyone a chance to dance; in cultivating a love of dance as well as the chance to hone technique and skill to each student’s maximum potential. We work to establish a warm, friendly atmosphere that is down to earth but still encourages a strong work ethic. We just love to dance!
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Never forget the JOY that dance is. Enjoy the journey!
-Rhee Gold
Dance Instruction Qualifications
Miss Renee prides the studio in offering quality instruction. All of the instructors at Backstage Dance Co have a ballet-based background, which is a strong base for all dance forms. All of the instructors are qualified teachers or working to complete their qualifications. Each holds certifications in a variety of the advanced levels of R.A.D. Ballet, C.D.T.A. Tap, C.D.T.A. Jazz, I.S.T.D National, I.S.T.D. Modern, R.A.D. Teachers certifications, or Member/associate member of C.D.T.A. Sask. Branch.
This is Miss Renee’s 30+ year of teaching. She has all of the above accredations as well is an Examiner for the C.D.T.A. Sask. Branch for tap and jazz. Miss Shauna is a registered teacher of the R.A.D., an associate member of the C.D.T.A. and has been teaching at Backstage for at least 10 years. Miss Vicki has done her member exam for C.D.T.A. Miss Renee has had Backstage Co. for over 25 years and looks forward to many more.
Staff Members
- Ms. Shauna Cuthbert
- Ms. Renee Skeoch
- Ms. Vicki Wilson
- Mr. Tynan
- Mr. Sterling
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