Two sisters have found their passion for Highland dancing thanks to Creative Kids. Dance has provided them an encouraging, enjoyable and challenging environment and community to grow their talents.

The two young dancers, Ester (11) and Holly (13) Larsen, who live in the small town of Rouleau, SK, have been taking classes at the Moose Jaw Highland Dancers studio for two years, thanks to Creative Kids support. Their mother, Rachel Larsen, says having the opportunity to dance has enhanced the sisters’ self-esteem and confidence in new situations.

“I have seen their confidence grow in trying things that they perceive as difficult and scary,” Rachel says. “I have also seen their willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.”

Through their participation in dance, both girls have developed a good sense of confidence and camaraderie. “They have both learned to be more encouraging to each other and to others. The entire community is very supportive of each other,” Rachel says.

For Ester, being part of this supportive community has helped her in many other areas of her life. “I got more confident in doing things that I thought were hard or scary before,” Ester explains, “like signing up to volunteer at our church’s kids’ ministry and taking the babysitting course.

“It’s an adrenaline rush, it’s really fun, and everyone is really supportive,” Holly adds.

As their dance teacher, Adriane Good, owner of Moose Jaw Highland Dancers, has seen the sisters’ amazing progress and growth in the past two years.

“Both dancers have grown just incredibly in their skill. This year, they are even going to start competing and doing exams,” she says.

“Dance and the arts are just so important for kids’ well-being, whether that be physical or mental. As a service provider, I’ve seen students gain the ability to focus and learn how to do new things, all while developing flexibility and mobility, thanks to dance.”

Both girls feel that dance has helped them overcome obstacles such as stage fright and dancing in front of others. Now, Holly and Ester both hope to continue growing as much as possible in their dance classes. Holly shares that she wants “to be as good as the older dancers that I’ve seen,” while Ester wants “to learn every type of Highland dance and to win a trophy at a competition.”

For both sisters, dance has been the gift that keeps on giving. Their experience shows how important it is that every kid gets the opportunity to explore their creativity, regardless of financial barriers, Adriane says.

“Just seeing their passion for dance and how much they love it… It shows that it is really good that they have the support to access it, thanks to [Creative Kids],” she says.

Rachel is grateful that “without Creative Kids, my kids would not have the opportunity to be a part of such a great dance community.”