• Which class is my child in and when do they rehearse?

The class schedule varies each year depending on registration and availability of the instructors. We currently rehearse Mondays & Tuesdays. A tentative schedule is sent out in the spring with potential changes after registration. A yearly calendar is also sent out with all rehearsals and events outlined for the entire season.

• Do we have to fundraise?

Yes. The club typically runs a fall and a winter fundraising campaign. They are different every year, however in the past they have included gift card sales, Purdy's Chocolate, raffles and bottle drives. The club currently requires a minimum amount of $125 sold per campaign per family.

• Do we have to volunteer?

Yes.  We host two(2) major events - our Perogy Supper & our Festival - for which we require all families to lend a hand.  We also rely on bingos and casinos to help us cover costs and keep our fees down.

Perogy Supper - Each family is required to sign up for a volunteer duty related to this event. Duties vary each year but typically include collecting raffle items, admission table, raffle/liquor ticket sales, set up and clean up. The event coordinator will have a detailed list and sign-up sheet when tickets go on sale in December and will be able to answer questions regarding duties then.

Festival - This event’s commitment is twofold. Firstly, all of our groups perform at this event. Secondly, in order to host such an event, the club requires volunteers. Just like the perogy supper, the duties vary each year but typically include set up, door security, stage managers, adjudicator’s assistant, admissions table and clean up among others. Likewise, a sign up sheet will be open sometime in January/February which will provide further details.

Bingo and Casino – The club continues to take part in working bingos and casinos to help fund our activities. Families are required to sign up for one bingo duty per dancer to a maximum of three duties. Volunteering for casinos is not mandatory, however they are essential to the success of the club. The casino coordinator typically reaches out a couple months before a scheduled casino (currently one every 14 months or so) for anyone that wishes to volunteer. Any volunteers receive a credit on the following seasons’ registration fees.

• Do we have to buy costumes?

No. Costumes are owned by the club and rented to dancers for the season (the rental fee is included in the registration fees). A costume fitting with be scheduled by the costume coordinator in the fall. Once your dancer has been fitted with a costume, it is your responsibility to care for all the pieces, including making sure they are clean upon return. Costume return is scheduled once the season is complete.

• How many performances should we expect?

Perogy supper – This event is typically held the first weekend in February.  All groups are scheduled to perform and expected to attend.

Ticket sales for the event will be sold first a couple weeks before Christmas. Each family will be given the opportunity to purchase a certain number of tickets determined by the number of families and space in the hall. This information will be sent out prior to the sale date. 

The actual event is set for dinner time with a supper, performance and family dance to follow. 

Festivals – The club typically attends three (3) festivals over the course of the season. We host our own  local dance festival in March, while the other 2 vary from year to year. The 2 other selected other festivals are often in March/April and are held elsewhere (within Alberta). ie: Camrose, Edmonton, etc. These are selected before the start of the season and plenty of notice is given to families about dates and locations.

Year-end Concert – Some time in April, the club hosts its yearend concert. This is where the dancers get the show off all their hard work to friends and family. Mr Dave sends out a show order and costume parents coordinate getting the dancers backstage in time for their performance. Volunteer duties for this event are much lighter than the other events however they are still required for set up, clean up, and admission table.

Community Events - On occasion the club is asked to perform at various community events. The events are not mandatory and attendance is based on availability. It has also become an annual tradition for most of our groups perform for our local senior's centres.

• This sounds like a big commitment... Is it worth it?

YES!