Pumpkins, a fairy godmother, evil stepsisters, magic and more - Still Dancing's version of Cinderella has all the original gems with a touch of the company's own special flourishes.
"We've used the original as an outline, but we've added our own twist and flavour," said Still Dancing instructor Debbie Vidas.
"You'll see things like pumpkins and shoes and magic and desire, but the ball scene is not your typical waltz - it's the cha cha."
The local company is dedicated to including anyone and everyone - no matter what age -with a passion for dance in their recitals. They've been performing and entertaining audiences in this manner for 12 years.
After rehearsing for nine months, the talent will be on display at their Cinderella performance, Saturday (June 11) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
Presenting scenes of ballet and jazz, tap and street jazz, students as young as three years old and the eldest being 70 will showcase what they've learned with a fairy tale-inspired production.
"They've learnt their dancing, they're very excited and ready to perform this for an audience," Vidas said.
"I'm excited for the children as they've worked very, very hard on this performance."
With more than 135 dancers performing, Vidas and instructor Jane Runnels had to come up with ways to incorporate everyone. The youngest dancers are bluebirds and even the bubbles that come from Cinderella's long hours of cleaning have been turned into dancing roles.
"We've taken the story a little out of context, but it's going to be fun and it's going to be a wonderful show," said Vidas.
The Still Dancing program, which started 12 years ago with only a few students, has grown rapidly, with instructors Runnals and Vidas teaching 24 classes per week.
The year-end recital is the studio's main production, although several classes perform smaller dance shows throughout the year at events like the Seniors Centre Christmas celebration.
Vidas moved to Squamish 32 years ago. She grew up dancing, and considers herself lucky to spend her days teaching others about her love and passion.
"For me, this is not a job, this is the joy of going to work every day. It's not very often that people find something they truly love and they can do every day."
Many of her students have gone on to make dance their career of choice as well, whether it's in teaching or performing. This year two students who have danced with her for years are graduating from high school.
"I've had them as part of my class since they were little," she said. "It's a wonderful moment because both want to come back and work in the studio next year."
She encourages anyone of any age to come out and try dancing, even if they've never done it before.
"You do not need any dancing experience," Vidas said. "It's about coming and learning the joy of dance and sharing that. There's no experience necessary, only desire.
"We even have a few adults who are dancing for the first time in their lives."
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. They can be purchased at the Adventure Centre, Nature's Nest and at the door on the day of the performances.
