(RDP Athletics/Supplied)

By RDP Athletics

Season preview

Red Deer Polytechnic dance team showcases spirit across campus and communities

Nov 24, 2025 | 4:45 PM

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens dance team is stepping into the 2025-26 season with five returning student-athletes, eight new faces and a renewed commitment to excellence both on the floor and in communities.

“It was challenging to narrow the team down to just 13 members,” said Trina Carroll, Student Life and Dance Team Coordinator, Red Deer Polytechnic. “Throughout the audition process, the dancers demonstrated remarkable talent and passion, and the final roster is a true reflection of dedication and artistry.”

This year, the Queens have proudly welcomed Elise Arens (Business Diploma), Skye Barnes (Open Studies), Aunika Heise (Bachelor of Education), Olivia Nelli (Kinesiology Health and Fitness Diploma), Balli Royston (Bachelor of Kinesiology), Maecyn Whalen (Bachelor of Education), Nevaeh Wright (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology) and Christina Darby (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) to the roster.

They have joined returning members Makenna Evans (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Shayla Gratrix (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), Katarina Spiridakis (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), Siena Wald (Business Diploma) and Meaghan Walker (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences), forming a dynamic group of student-athletes.

Notably, six of the dancers—Arens, Darby, Nelli, Royston, Walker and Wright—hail from Red Deer, underscoring the team’s strong local roots.

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Since the season began, the Queens have been training with intensity and focus.

“The team practices every Tuesday and Thursday with extra sessions on Wednesday for solos, duets, trios and special choreography. We also have alternating workouts in both the gym and studio,” explained Carroll. “These sessions include conditioning, technique, choreography and full run-through rehearsals, which have helped the team bond quickly and sharpen their precision early in the season.”

With guidance from Macy Obara, RDP dance choreography coach of the Queens dance team, has been actively showcasing their spirit and talent across campus and communities.

They have performed at, and supported, multiple athletic and institutional events including soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball and RDP’s Fall Open House, while also contributing to athletics fundraising.

Before the first formal competition in February, the team will continue to showcase their skill at events such as the Lip Sync Battle for the Outreach Centre, a guest performance at Drop It Studios Winter Festival and the RDP Employee Holiday Party.

“As we prepare for our first intercollegiate dance competition, we want to focus on consistency in technique and performance quality, teamwork and trust both on and off the floor,” noted Carroll. “We want to continue developing our choreography, communication and mental reliance to thrive under pressure.”

The Queens’ ability to learn choreography quickly, support one another and embrace a culture of discipline and enthusiasm sets the tone for an exciting year.

The Queens will host an intercollegiate dance competition on Saturday, February 28, a showcase of talent and teamwork that will bring together post-secondary dancers from across Alberta.

For more information about RDP Dance, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.