(RDP Athletics)

By RDP Athletics

Much To Celebrate

Red Deer Polytechnic Dance team continues to impact communities on and off the stage

Apr 9, 2025 | 3:26 PM

The Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Dance program has evolved during the past 15 years, providing student-athletes with competitive dance experiences while also fostering meaningful engagement within the community.

“The RDP Dance team started to form in Fall 2009 under the choreography of Jillian Walls, RDP Kinesiology instructor. I joined three months later,” recalls Trina Carroll, Student Life and Dance team Coordinator, Red Deer Polytechnic. “At that time, we wanted to provide a recreational dance opportunity for students. The team, which was originally known as the Rec Royals, performed at its first Queens Basketball game in Winter 2010.”

The RDP Dance team quickly gained recognition, performing at events such as Red Deer’s Festival of Trees, which supports health care initiatives at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

In August 2024, the Royals Dance and Rodeo teams joined Red Deer Polytechnic’s nationally recognized Athletics program, rebranding as Kings and Queens. This integration has boosted the team’s visibility.

“Twenty-seven students auditioned in early September to form the lyrical, hip-hop and jazz teams,” says Carroll. “We focused on practicing hip hop and jazz early in the year because those groups performed during half-time at RDP’s Kings and Queens Basketball games in late October. Then, we introduced lyrical dance near the end of November.”

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This year’s team has showcased a mix of seasoned members and talented newcomers. Returning student athletes, Kiersten Brittain (Bachelor of Education), Reese Carriere (Pharmacy Technician Diploma), Alexis DenHollander (Pharmacy Technician Diploma), Chloe Dobson (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), Makenna Evans (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Becca Maron (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and Brynley Peters (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences) have provided leadership and experience to the 2024/2025 RDP Queens Dance team.

Newcomers, Shayla Gratrix (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), Shiloh Semeniuk (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences), Katarina Spiridakis (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Siena Wald (Open Studies), Meghan Walker (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences) and Hailey Warren (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) have brought additional energy to the Queens this season.

Collectively, the Queens have devoted extensive time to developing their craft through rigorous training.

“In collaboration with RDP’s Fitness and Sport Services, we have an effective program set up for the student-athletes,” says Carroll. “The Queens typically practice Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. They are also expected to train two days a week in the gym.”

During Winter 2025 Term, the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Dance team has participated in the Mount Royal University Cubs/True West Competition, Showtime Competition and Central Alberta Dance Festival/Danceworks Competition. Most notably, the Queens hosted Crown Quest, marking the first time they have hosted an intercollegiate competition.

With guidance from Macy Obara, RDP Dance Choreography Coach, the team’s accomplishments have been impressive. Throughout the season, the Queens have collectively earned platinum plus, platinum and high gold medals, as well as being awarded first and second place in their overall categories. They have also achieved Stage Presence and Standout Awards and the Overall Crown Award in their host competition. Many Queens have also received individual awards.

This season, the highest achievement was earned by Red Deer’s Peters, who received a diamond award and a scholarship.

“The student-athletes are very skilled and professional,” notes Carroll. “Many of the Queens have extensive dance backgrounds, so I’m not surprised that they have been successful this season.”

Brynley Peters (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences) (RDP Athletics)

Beyond their on-stage success, the Queens have also made an impact in the community.

As one example, members of the RDP Queens Dance team have taught dance choreography to students at Father Henri Voisin School in Red Deer.

“I’m really excited to see what next year brings, now that we have a full year under our belt as a member of RDP Athletics,” says Carroll.

More information about the RDP Kings and Queens, including dance, is available at: rdpolytechathletics.ca.

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