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A chance enrollment in a local summer camp six years ago set Emma Gale down an unexpected path in performing arts. Previous to that she’d been involved in music through school but hadn’t explored performing outside of that. Fast forward to 2022 and Gale has just received gold ranking at the Canadian National Dance Championships in Winnipeg, in both solo and group categories of stage dance with voice.

Gale says the experience was tremendous, with four days of dance competition in various disciplines from ballet and contemporary to Gale’s own theatre-based style.

Her trip to the championships was prompted by her participation in Mecca Productions, a theatre company and youth theatre program in the nearby city of Brandon - the same group that held the summer camp in Neepawa six years ago. It was there that she began studying dance alongside music and acting.

Opportunities to perform have been scarce for the past two years, but Gale hopes that the Neepawa school musical will return for her final year in high school next year. She loves being able to participate in Mecca Productions, but would love to be able to use her skills closer to home.
 
Gale’s advice to peers who want to follow in her footsteps is, “Don’t be afraid,” and she passes on the Mecca Productions mantra that she has taken to heart: “If you walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing.” There are roles for everyone, she says, whether they’re onstage or off, and she encourages everyone who is interested to give it a try and see where it goes.

While Gale has certainly shown the talent to carry on in the performing arts, she says her goal is to go into music education and continue performing as a hobby. She hopes to return to the championship again next year after such a successful debut performance.