Star Bound Dance Company (SBDC) in Airdrie is hosting a golf tournament on Sept. 11 to raise funds, as the company prepares to get back on its feet now that COVID-19 health restrictions have been lifted.
Lynne Navratil, SBDC’s fundraising lead and a parent of two girls who have danced with the club for most of their lives, said the golf tournament will be held at the Collicutt Sidings Golf Course in Crossfield. She said the tournament aims to “revive” the SBDC community as it prepares for the 2021-22 dance season, which kicks off in September.
“It was a rough year,” she said. “They haven’t been able to do what they love, for the most part, and have been coping with bits of dance on Zoom in their living rooms.
“We’re just really looking to use this as an opportunity to revive the spirit of the dance family – to get together, have a great event and raise some funds to help out for next year, to ensure all the dancers will be able to participate in the opportunities that come up.”
SBDC was formed 23 years ago, according to Navratil, and the company’s director, Kendra Masters, was awarded the Legacy Award in the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Business Awards. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Navratil said more than 300 local dancers trained and competed with the studio.
The club is competitive, offering members the opportunity to dance at competitions throughout Alberta, Canada and even internationally. SBDC’s travel team trains in multiple forms of dance, according to Navratil, including jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop and acrobatic arts.
“Travelling internationally is obviously more periodic, but we travel quite a bit throughout Alberta and sometimes to other provinces to take part in competitions and performances,” she said.
She added her two daughters have danced with the club since they were three years old – her oldest daughter is 19 and recently graduated from the program. Considering the positive impact SBDC had on her daughters, Navratil said she hopes other Airdrie parents consider putting their kids in dance.
“She didn’t choose dance as a career but it definitely shaped who she was,” Navratil said of her oldest daughter. “It gave her confidence, a lot of amazing experiences and taught her dedication and commitment to a level that was very high. Dance did a lot for her. My younger one will be starting her last year with SBDC in the fall.”
The deadline to register for the golf tournament is Sept. 4, according to Navratil, who added proceeds from the tournament will help SBDC ensure all the dancers can participate in performance and competitions next season.
In addition to tournament participants, Navratil said SBDC is also looking for hole sponsors, as well as companies to donate items to the auction component. The club will provide letters of receipt for sponsors, who Navratil said will also be highlighted at their selected hole, as well as in registration and dinner areas.
“Our parents will certainly appreciate any support you can provide,” she said.
To sign up for the golf tournament or be a sponsor, Navratil said to email [email protected]
For more information on SBDC, visit stardancecompany.com
