The Sarnia School of Irish Dance is preparing for the 2026 edition of “A Celtic Evening”.
It will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at the Imperial Theatre.
Administrator Mairin Ring said students will be showcasing what they've been working on in dance classes since September.
"Our youngest dancer this year, when she started in September, she was three," said Ring. "She has turned four. She's very cute. Her older sister dances with us already and she's done really well. She's performed with us a few times when we've danced at seniors homes. So, she's not shy at all, which is great."
About 30 dancers, of all ages, are participating in the show this year.
"We also invite guests with a Celtic flavour to join us," Ring said. "So, we have highland dancers, we have some singers, musicians, we've got a recitation, and we also have a group that plays for a block of time and this year it's Shane Cook and The Woodchippers."
Ring said they've kept tickets, which are available at the Imperial Theater Box Office, affordable for another year.
"Our costs are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and you can also buy a four pack [of tickets] for $80," said Ring. "We are trying to make it reachable, especially if there's a large group of family members."
Usually, she said they have a good turnout.
"We sold it out a couple of times and most times we almost fill the theater. So, we do quite well," Ring said.
The school formed in 1997 and focuses on non-competitive traditional Irish dance in traditional costumes.
"We're coming up to our 30th anniversary next year," Ring said. "We're already thinking about maybe bringing back some of the dancers that danced with us early on and redoing some of our favourite pieces. It's quite a milestone, so we're looking forward to that."
Classes are held on Saturdays from September to June at the Bluewater Dance Academy on Exmouth Street.
