June 18, 2025

Year End Recital Recap

300+ Dancers, Endless Memories

On June 8, Dance Discovery held two recital shows featuring over 300 dancers. From young beginners to advanced company members, every group had the chance to perform and share their progress from the season.

Dance Discovery students performing group routine on stage during year-end recital.

 

A Full Range of Dancers and Styles

The recital included a wide range of dance styles and levels. Dancers performed in ballet, jazz, hip hop, and acro. The shows included students from recreational programs, performance teams, and company teams. Each group presented what they had worked on during the year.

Dance Discovery dancers and teachers on stage during year-end recital awards and acknowledgments.

 

Support Behind the Curtain

Behind the scenes, many older dancers helped the younger ones. While waiting for their turn, the younger dancers spent time colouring, watching movies, and listening to encouraging words from older students. It was a shared effort to help the day run smoothly and create a positive space for everyone involved.

 

Engaged and Supportive Audience

The crowd’s response was strong throughout both shows. Family and friends filled the venue with cheers and applause. At the end of each performance, dancers gathered for photos in the 360 photo booth and received rose and candy bouquets to mark the occasion.

Graduating Dance Discovery students in formal gowns at year-end recital red carpet.

 

Recognizing Our Graduates

We also said goodbye to four graduates who have danced at the studio for more than 10 years: Lauren Truong, Ella Kosciolek, Samira Kasmo, and Tia Peart. Their final performances were a meaningful way to close this chapter and reflect on their time at Dance Discovery.

Dance Discovery graduates on stage in matching sweatshirts and grad caps after year-end recital.

 

Award Highlights

Several dancers were recognized for their effort, growth, and character this season:

Passion for Performance Awards
 Presented to members of the performance team in each style:

  • Jazz: Angelyn Lam

  • Ballet: Dinali Higgal

  • Acro: Ella Bennet

  • Hip Hop: Everly Golamco

Dance Discovery dancers awarded Passion for Performance at year-end recital.

 

Michelle Smith Scholarship
Each year, the Michelle Smith Scholarship is awarded in memory of a former Dance Discovery student who left a lasting impression on the studio. Michelle Smith was a student here for over a decade. She was known for her strong work ethic and the way she carried herself both on and off the dance floor. 

To honour her memory, the Smith family, along with Dance Discovery, created this scholarship to support a current dancer who demonstrates many of the same qualities.

Awarded to Bianca Rubin in memory of a former student who showed consistent focus and determination.

Bianca Rubin receives Michelle Smith Scholarship at Dance Discovery recital.

 

Dancer of the Year

  • 11 years and under: Bijou DO

  • 12 years and up: Olivia Covelli

These dancers stood out for their commitment in class and at events, as well as for their support of their peers.

 

Looking Ahead

This recital marked the end of another season and the beginning of a new milestone. As we prepare to enter Dance Discovery’s 20th year, we look forward to continuing to build community, develop skills, and share the experience of dance with even more students.

Thank you to everyone who was part of this year’s recital. We’ll see you next season! There is still time to register for full-year programs at the primary, recreational, performance, and company levels!