Dancemakers’ troupe attends workshop

Dancers from Dancemakers Studio here had the chance to hone their skills last weekend at a workshop in Thunder Bay under the tutelage of Corrina (Corrie) Mae Rolf of Brooklyn Center, Mn.
Rolf, who comes with an extensive dance repertoire, directed the group in four different styles of dance: jazz, ballet, hip hop, and tap.
The workshop, which was put on by the Thunder Bay Society of Ballet and Dance, was held at the West Thunder Community Centre all day Saturday and Sunday.
Among some of Rolf’s dancing accomplishments, she choreographed production numbers for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, the 1996 Games in Atlanta, as well as the Audrey Hepburn Benefit in New York.
When not appearing in commercials, theatrical productions, or touring as a choreographer and teacher, Rolf teaches at her mother’s dance studio, “Northlands School of Dance,” in Champlin, Mn.
Chantelle Johnson, owner and instructor of Dancemakers here, was impressed with the Rolf’s dancing ability and the intensity of the workshop.
“Everything we learned was new,” she said. “We learned hip hop techniques which we had never done before. The girls really liked it a lot, and want to include some of those dance moves in their May recital.”
Participating in each session, Johnson and her students impressed the experienced instructor with their dancing skills and ability.
“I explained to Corrie that I have only had a dance studio for one year, and that these girls have been with me since I opened,” Johnson said.
“Corrie couldn’t believe these girls had danced for only one year,” she continued. “Her exact words were, ‘Wow, only one year. Wow, that’s great. Keep it up.’”
Overall Johnson and her students came away from the workshop with a greater knowledge of different dance techniques–and a desire to learn more.
“The girls really enjoyed themselves,” Johnson said. “Some of them came in the other day and they told me they wish they could go to another one right away.
“It was awesome.”