Celebrating the End of an Incredible Year at KEYMC

As we close out another beautiful year at Kids Etc Youth Movement Company, my heart is feeling incredibly full. There is something really special about reaching the end of a dance season and looking back at everything our dancers, families, faculty, assistants, and volunteers have created together. The classes, the rehearsals, the hard work, the laughter, the growth, the costumes, the chaos, the backstage moments, the big stage moments — all of it comes together to remind me just how lucky we are to be part of this community. This year was filled with so many moments that made me proud. I watched dancers grow in confidence, strength, artistry, teamwork, and independence. I watched our faculty pour their hearts into their students week after week. I watched parents show up, support, encourage, volunteer, cheer, organize, and trust us with their children. I watched our assistants step into leadership roles with kindness and care. I watched our dancers support each other, celebrate each other, and create memories that will last far beyond this season. That is what KEYMC has always been about. Of course, we love great dancing. We love beautiful performances, exciting competitions, big recital moments, and seeing our dancers shine on stage. But more than anything, we love creating a place where kids feel seen, supported, challenged, and loved. A place where they can work hard, have fun, make mistakes, try again, and feel proud of who they are becoming. The community we have built at KEYMC is truly the one I have always dreamed of. It is a community built on heart. It is built on teamwork, trust, kindness, dedication, and a whole lot of Serious Fun. It is built by every dancer who walks through our doors, every parent who supports from the sidelines, every teacher who gives their whole heart, and every person who helps make this studio feel like home. To our dancers: thank you for sharing your energy, your personalities, your courage, and your joy with us. Watching you grow is one of the greatest privileges of my life. To our dance parents: thank you for your commitment, your support, your patience, and your belief in what we do. We know how much goes on behind the scenes to make dance happen, and we appreciate you more than you know. To our faculty and assistants: thank you for the love, creativity, passion, and care you bring into every class, rehearsal, and performance. You are such a huge part of what makes KEYMC feel like KEYMC. As we celebrate the end of this season, I hope every dancer and family feels proud of what they were part of. This year was not just about the dances we performed. It was about the community we strengthened, the memories we made, and the joy we shared along the way. Thank you for being part of another amazing year at KEYMC. We are so proud of our dancers, so grateful for our families, and so excited for everything still to come. With so much love,

Reflecting on a Remarkable 2025 Competition Season

As we wrapped up our final dance competition of the 2025 season, I found myself reflecting on just how successful our team has been. I don’t mean the trophies and awards—there is so much more to our journey than that. Our success lies in the passion behind every performance, the energy poured into every rehearsal, and the incredible artistry that shines on stage. This success also lies in everyone in our KEYMC community. A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful dance families who ensure their dancers receive the best experience possible. You help make your dancers’ dreams come true—cheering them on, ensuring they are stage-ready, and supporting them in every way imaginable so they can show up as the best dancers and humans possible. To all of our parents who generously volunteer their time to support the team, to those who go above and beyond to make sure their dancer is cared for—thank you for your involvement in your child’s success; it truly means the world to me. Additionally, I am so grateful for the caring and nurturing spirit of our teachers. Their creativity and dedication to working closely with each student to craft these beautiful, inspiring works of art are truly something special. I love that our teachers are always working to ensure dancers are getting the best training possible, coming to class with the right mindset, and helping to ensure that things run smoothly at the studio. And as we all know, the true stars of the show are our remarkable dancers. When it’s finally time to light up the stage, they fill me with so much excitement—their smiles, laughter, and team huddles before stepping into the spotlight, the powerful energy they bring to each performance, and the pride that radiates as they come off stage, knowing they gave it their all. These wondrous moments—where children, through guidance and experience, learn to be their own version of brave and embrace the stage with joy—are what truly matter. They are treasures we’re so lucky to share together. When our kids receive recognition beyond these special moments, of course it’s a wonderful bonus—a cherry on top. But honestly, that is not what brings us our pride. At KEYMC, I feel that our true validation comes from within: from every dancer, faculty member, parent and from me as a director, knowing that we are doing everything possible to create inspiring art, nurture emotionally strong and kind children, and touch the hearts of our audience. Our KEYMC family and community are incredibly special for all of the reasons mentioned above (not trying to be biased) and that warmth truly fills my heart. We don’t require trophies or medals to confirm our worth, and we always aim to instill those values within our students, so they know that passion comes from within themselves and their community, and that is where success begins. Knowing we’ve made an impact on judges, audience members, and perhaps even brightened someone’s day, simply adds to the magic, beauty, and power of what we do here at KEYMC. I’ve always believed in the value of creating without the need for external validation—making waves of positive energy simply because we can. I’m so grateful I get to live that truth every day through the art of my business and my life’s work. Thank you to everyone who can be a part of that and I hope that your cup is just as full as mine!

A Joyful Start to KEYMC’s 2025 Competition Season

What a beautiful way to begin 2025! Watching our dancers step onto the stage, radiating confidence, passion, and grace, fills my heart with pride and joy. At KEYMC, we’ve never believed that success is measured solely in medals or trophies. For us, true success lies in the growth of our dancers—not just as artists but as individuals shaped by love, kindness, and community. This season has already begun to reflect the heart of our philosophy. Each dancer carries the imprint of what we value most at KEYMC. Through every step, spin, and leap, you can see the positive influence of our incredible staff and faculty. They teach with such patience and care, building not only skill but also character. Every correction is given with intention, every encouragement genuinely heartfelt because we know how much love impacts success. It’s not about standing on stage with a top score or banner. While we celebrate those moments of achievement, what truly matters is watching our teams grow stronger together. Our dancers move as a collective, bonded by shared goals and mutual respect. The unity in our studio, the way everyone supports and uplifts each other—even on the challenging days—is what sets us apart. We’re more than a team; we’re a community that believes in one another and works as one. The energy this season has been electric. Seeing how our dancers push themselves to rise to new heights, inspired by their teachers and teammates, reminds me why we do what we do. It’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about creating a space where dancers feel supported, empowered, and loved. And when we see the results of that love reflected on stage, it’s nothing short of magical. Looking ahead, I cannot wait to watch our dancers continue to shine at their next competition. The joy they bring not only to the audiences but to their families, teammates, and coaches is indescribable. Every stage they walk onto is a celebration of their hard work and the bond we’ve built. Here’s to the next chapter of this incredible season, filled with passion, unity, and unwavering love. To our dancers, staff, and families, thank you for making KEYMC a place where success is measured by the heart. The best is yet to come! With love and excitement, Rheesa SchachterDirector, KEYMC

Group of dancers in uniform in the KEYMC Studio

Celebrating 45 Years of Dance, Kindness, and Community in Winnipeg

This year marks a significant milestone for the Winnipeg dance community—45 years since our innovate programs at KEYMC were created in 1978. In reflecting on each remarkable year, it becomes evident that the foundation of the success at our studio is built on two fundamental principles: kindness and integrity. These values have not only shaped our approach but have also encouraged our students to embody these traits, fostering an environment where lifelong skills and lessons thrive. The Importance of Kindness and Integrity Throughout the years, we’ve learned that at the heart of dance education is the cultivation of character. Leading with integrity and kindness motivates our students to adopt these values, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the dance studio. This belief in the power of positive influence underscores every lesson, ensuring that our dancers not only excel in their craft but also in their personal lives. Beyond Dance: Teaching Life Skills Dance is more than just an art form; it’s a tool for teaching important life skills. Learning to balance dance with school or other activities instills a sense of discipline and time management in our students. This balance is a crucial skill that benefits them not just in their academic pursuits but in all areas of life. At KEYMC, we challenge our dancers to strive beyond what they may view as their boundaries and limits. Dance is so much more than just mastering the next move; it’s about self-improvement, resilience, and expanding one’s potential. We believe that by encouraging our students to challenge themselves, we are preparing them for success in whatever path they choose. The Role of Dance Educators As dance educators, we always consider the impact we have on our students. Our role extends beyond teaching dance techniques; we are mentors who can positively influence and change lives. This vast responsibility inspires us to create a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and supported. Creating a Community of Support At the core of KEYMC is a strong sense of community. Surrounding yourself with people who support you, creating quality relationships, and celebrating each other’s achievements are principles that mean so much to us. This sense of belonging has been instrumental in our success, providing a foundation where our dancers not only thrive in their dance careers but also flourish as individuals. To Conclude… As we celebrate 45 years of KEYMC, and we reflect on the countless lessons learned and the many lives touched…Our commitment to fostering an environment of kindness, integrity, and community continues to be our guiding light. At KEYMC, we’re not just teaching dance; we’re building a legacy of empowered individuals who understand the importance of community, hard work, and, most importantly, supporting one another. Here’s to many more years of dancing, growing, and celebrating together. Read More: KEYMC 43rd Annual Dance Recital

KEYMC 43rd Annual Dance Recital

As you know this our 43rd Annual Recital. The last two years sure haven’t been quite this glamorous! I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to see our kids light up the big stage once again! I am beyond excited to hear the ‘5 minutes to curtain’ backstage! There has been so much to be grateful for over this season. First, when we were officially back in studio. In person dancing! Never will I ever take that for granted again. Then, being allowed to have a few more people in the building! It was so difficult seeing an empty lobby void of parents and dancers; truly without joy. Now, as I sit in my office, the last official Saturday of the season, I hear music, I hear chatter, I hear laughter and my heart is full. At Kids Etc YMC, we foster an environment that provides a backdrop for our dance families to create long lasting bonds. Being a KEYMC dancer is not just about the skills that are learned in class; it’s about the relationships that develop before, during, and after class. While planning for anything over the last couple of years has been a challenge, we have continued to offer excellence to our dancers. I am so thrilled to be planning our 44th season of dance, and carry on the legacy of Serious Fun! ‘Stay happy, unbothered, and loyal to your goals. You’re glowing.’ Stay Remarkable Dance Fam! With appreciation, Rheesa

A Note From The Director

*photo pre-covid* Hi Dance Fam… I wanted to start by thanking you all for your ongoing love and support for Kids Etc Youth Movement Company. As you know, we are a family owned dance studio. Much of our faculty is homegrown; teachers who used to be my students! Our entire faculty is made up of truly remarkable, dedicated and talented individuals. I am blessed to be working with my dream team. I know the pandemic has been hard on everyone. We are all constantly pivoting to create a sense of normal in what could be complete chaos. As dance teachers we are searching for innovative ways and new material to bring to our students. While I know dance on zoom isn’t our favourite, I am grateful that we have the opportunity to continue to connect with our dancers and provide an alternative to ‘doing nothing’. Through dance, students learn teamwork and focus. Dance can awaken new perceptions in children which help them think in new and creative ways. By expressing themselves in dance, children are given the opportunity to make creative decisions, even at a young age! By supporting your dancer’s journey, whether on zoom or in studio, you are guiding them to both a physical and mental healthy place. Dance builds resilience; dance on zoom teaches your dancer that, even in the face of adversity, they can adapt and learn from every obstacle. Hang in there my friends, and before you know it we will be back in studio again. Until then, encourage your dancer to attend every zoom class; don’t give up on them and don’t give up on us. Your KEYMC faculty needs you now more than ever. Have a wonderful day and I look forward to seeing you all at our Virtual Holiday Party! With much love and appreciation, Rheesa #dancefam #missyouall #lovemyjob #gratitude

The Fairy Godmother Fund

For so many children dance is their happy place. The place where they feel special and safe; this becomes their norm. Teaching dance is only a part of what we do at Kids Etc Youth Movement Company. As in life, I prefer to look at the big picture when it comes to my ‘kids’. How will dance impact a young life. Not just now but 5, 10 or even 20 years from now. Will the confidence our dancers learned in studio and on stage help them succeed in life? Will the love and support of our dance family provide comfort when needed most? Some of you may know that when it is needed I will do everything possible to allow everyone the chance to dance. However, sometimes the needs exceed what I can do personally. I started thinking about the old adage ‘it takes a village’… I have always thought this way about our dance family at Kids Etc Youth Movement Company; and I had a light bulb moment. In life, sometimes bad things happen to good people. Wouldn’t it be amazing if in those times, we had a Fairy Godmother who could make things possible? I have decided that this is exactly what our dance families need.. a Fairy Godmother fund. I am only in the initial planning stages, trying to figure out the best way to make this work, but to start, Kids Etc Youth Movement Company will commit to donating $5,000/per year towards the Fairy Godmother Fund. The concept is that some of our dance families may run into situations beyond their control and the last thing we want is for the ‘kids’ to have to stop doing what they love. For those families involved in competitions you know it’s not just the tuition, it’s the costumes, competition fees, shoes, travel etc. I am hoping to set this up though a foundation so anyone making a donation will be able to get a tax receipt; but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. At the start of the holiday season, I am just so excited that I wanted to share my idea with everyone! Hopefully the Fairy Godmother fund will be the start of helping those dancers facing adversity in their home lives to continue on with what they love; essentially what is normal for the children. ‘Sometimes in our lives, we all need somebody to lean on..’ Stay remarkable Winnipeg Rheesa

Serious Fun

‘What seems so hard now, will one day be your warm-up’ – anonymous These words are so true – and I don’t just mean at a dance school! This quote applies to just about anything we do in life – academics, learning the ropes of a new job, parenting a toddler, or maybe even more pertinent… parenting a teenager! Life is full of challenges. Putting it simply, perseverance will get you through the hard stuff to attain what you truly desire. At Kids Etc Youth Movement Company, we encourage our dancers to achieve their personal best. We create a dance environment that is nurturing, yet focused and disciplined. We call it ‘Serious Fun’ and it has been a mandate of our faculty since Kids Etc Youth Movement Company’s humble beginnings 38 years ago! There are few better feelings than overcoming an obstacle; whether it’s nailing a double pirouette, figuring out a tricky math problem, or simply getting your toddler down for a nap (or your teenager up from a nap)! At Kids Etc, we prioritize boosting our dancer’s confidence in themselves, their abilities to reach their goals, and their enjoyment of the hard work that is required to improve their skillset. We believe that the harder a dancer works, the more fun they should have, and the better they should feel about their mind, body, and soul! We encourage our dancers to celebrate every accomplishment, because every accomplishment regardless of size, means that a dancer has pushed themselves out of their comfort zone (which of course, is not easy). Getting through a 3 minute routine (aka a crazy high-endurance cardio workout) is not easy, getting a full split in a jete is not easy, and really, keeping your toes pointed all the time is.. not that easy! Each time a dancer’s stamina, flexibility, and toe pointing improves, regardless of how small the increments are, it should be celebrated. When our dancers, when anyone, pushes themselves out of their comfort zone, and they acknowledge it by celebrating their accomplishments, their comfort zone actually increases, and they build confidence to start the process all over, and grow even more! Pretty remarkable! Every time that Kids Etc has moved, expanded, and/or grown, I have pushed myself out of my personal comfort zone. This particular move, expansion, and growth has created the largest amount of work, risks, and of course, fun! I am thrilled to acknowledge this accomplishment alongside my amazing dance family who have helped make this all possible! I cannot wait to start a fantastic year, and continue developing our talented, loving, remarkable dance family with all of you!

Building a dance school, building a legacy

If you’ve been following our social media, you’ve seen the building go up; first the empty lot, then some steel, eventually exterior walls etc etc. Every day was like Christmas, driving by and seeing the progress, taking pics though the fence.. But nothing could really prepare me for the walk through. It’s big It’s really big. I stood in one corner and looked across from studio to studio. Wow Did I mention that it’s big? For the last number of weeks I have been choosing paint colours, carpeting, flooring. lighting and furniture. Standing inside I could see everything in its place. Better yet, I could see the dancers going across the floor in the biggest studio; I could see the 80 feet of barre space in the ballet studio; I could see the preschool dancers running and jumping ; I could see our dance parents watching through the HUGE viewing windows. This is a dream come true. It’s not just a dance school it’s Kids Etc YMC’s new home. A place filled with love and joy for dance and family. This is a legacy for my daughters and for all of the dancers who will grow up within those 4 walls..that are VERY far apart…did I mention how big it is? Stay Remarkable! xo Rheesa

Our 38th Season of Dance

With our 38th season drawing to a close I can’t help but pause to reflect on the highlights of this year. The growth and development of all of our dancers has been truly remarkable. …Remembering the 3 year olds in September coming in wide eyed and sometimes timid. Now, bursting into the building SO ready to dance and coming to tell me that they leaped, twirled, and galloped and “did a good job”! …Remembering all of the dancers in September, going in to class, not knowing anyone and now, seeing them together not just in the studio but hanging out in the lounge and chatting about their weekends, their families, about school…just relaxed and comfortable in the environment. …Remembering wayyy back when some of our seniors, our 19 year olds, performed their first solos at age 6 …and now watching them compete with their group for the last time. …Bringing tears to my eyes …Feeling so blessed. I often get told that the environment at Kids Etc Youth Movement Company is warm, loving, and very accepting. This isn’t by chance, it’s by choice…it’s by practice. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant At KEYMC we set out to create a space that is more than just a place where kids go to learn “how to dance”. The friendships that grow in this dance studio are filled with kindness and compassion. Between the dancers and between the dance families. We want our dancers, whether they are on our competitive team or part of our recreational classes, to embody our philosophy of encouraging each other to achieve their own personal best. Our dancers repeatedly do this. At every competition, we attend our competitive team either wins the Studio Spirit Award or the kids get an acknowledgement for their excellent sportsmanlike behaviour. This means that not only are they encouraging their team members, but they are encouraging all the dancers from other schools. I lost track of the number of times I heard our dancers say, “Good Job!” I love this. Having raised 2 daughters myself I can see the importance of having the unconditional love and support of your dance family…Especially through those teen years! On that note, I recently overheard some of the older girls talking about their dance friends and about how they wouldn’t let each other get away with doing anything bad… they would be the first ones to say, “that’s just stupid…don’t even!” Our dance fam truly has one another’s backs. I really love this! As a parent, I want my kids to be nice, I want my kids to be empathetic, I want my kids to love and respect themselves and others. I know that these basic traits will help them succeed in whatever they do. As the studio director, I want the same thing for all of my ‘Kids’. Wishing you all much joy as we watch our kids on stage for the final time this year, Stay remarkable Winnipeg, xo Rheesa

New Beginning Kids Etc Youth Movement Co.

A New Beginning

38 years ago I decided to share my passion for dance with children. I thought there could be no better job. The first class I ever taught was in a school gymnasium. The clock was on the other side of the gym…I had to bend down and lean to one side to see it because of the rafters on the ceiling. Every single student copied my exact movement… I WAS HOOKED! My parents were supportive. I was still in high school and as long as I went to University and eventually got a ‘real job’ they would be happy. and.. Kids Etc was born. My dad, ever the entrepreneur who owned an embroidery business, made crests for the dancers. The first year I had 12 kids, then 30, then 100. It was exciting. Classes were held in a church basement, or where ever I could find space. End of year parties were held in my parents basement, recitals at schools, and eventually the art gallery. I loved every minute of it! Honouring my parents wishes I was accepted into the faculty of Commerce. I graduated with honours and more than 1 job offer. Well, that was it for my teaching career. It was the 80’s..time to wear that blue suit.. with padded shoulders and pantyhose..EVERY day…SERIOUSLY what was I thinking! It was time for a ‘real job’. My dance moms (they didn’t know that’s what they were at the time) begged me to continue teaching. I thought… OK, one more year. I did it throughout high school and university… why not continue while I had that ‘real job’? A few months into the new job and early in the dance season, my dad got sick. It was a tough year, and it made me think about life..how we spend our time..what we do with our days. That’s when I decided that I wanted to focus my time and energy on teaching dance… full time. In 1986 I rented a 1500 sq ft space at 388 Academy Road, Academy and Ash. It used to be Gurvey’s drugstore in the 50’s and 60’s; now I think it’s a design store. I remember ripping out the carpet to lay down a sub floor for dance. I remember painting stripes on the wall. They were super cool! Two years later enrollment was increasing and I needed more teachers One of the first teachers I hired was one of my first 12 students. She’s is now living in Victoria and still teaching dance! In 1988, I needed more space, I moved down the street to 551 Academy Road. We renovated the top floor of this 2 story condo into a dance studio with a small basement studio space. My mom handled the reception desk on the main floor. A few years later, in 1992 with baby Taylor in tow, I relocated to this space in Charleswood. The beginning of a new chapter. Jess was born in 1994 and in 1995, we saw another expansion within the space at 3525 Roblin Blvd. In 2002 we expanded to the studios we have now. In 2002 I remember signing a 15 year lease and thinking how bizarre 2017 sounded… futuristic. Would there be hover boards? 😀 So here we are almost at the end of the lease, and it’s time for yet another chapter. Dance has evolved so much since I started teaching. Every year I watch our kids develop their skills as dancers, and more importantly as team members. I am equally amazed and thrilled with their progress. Our dance family is truly what I believe sets us apart from any other school, our sense of community. We are also blessed to have so many ‘home grown teachers’..teachers who love and care for our kids the same way their teachers loved and cared for them. They truly envelop our basic philosophies of serious fun and working to achieve your personal best. My dad always said that my mom was remarkable. As you all know , this has become our mantra…be remarkable..I know that both of my parents see that in our kids everyday… I know I do. So… Paul, Taylor, Jessica and I would like to introduce you to the next chapter for Kids Etc Youth Movement Company. In September of 2017 we will be moving to our own building on McCreary and McGillivary (across from SkyZone!). This new space is what our ‘kids’ deserve. Over 11,000 square feet of state of the art space with 4 LARGE studios. To put this into perspective, I can drop our existing studio A, into the smallest studio at the new space! There are huge viewing windows on all of the studios. One of my favourite features is that we will have actual audience seating inside the largest studio. Perfect for small shows and dance presentations. We will be able to offer our dancers more space, and more programs. We can expand out acro programs and we will also be introducing silks into our curriculum. This space is also what our dance families need. More community space, even a designated spot for our Keurig! I would like to thank Joe Leuzzi, of Boomdonenext, and a truly remarkable dance dad, who was instrumental in putting this deal together. I cannot wait to watch our kids grow in the phenomenal space. Stay remarkable Winnipeg, xo Rheesa

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