USask Rec has made the difficult decision to cancel dance programming. This change comes in response to the university-wide need to create financial sustainability and for USask Rec to have the ability to continue to offer a range of programming with sufficient demand.
In January 2020, USask Rec began a review of its current programs and the results showed that most programs are in high demand, but dance programming has seen an increase in expenses and declining revenues the past two years. While disappointing for our dance patrons and the USask Rec community as a whole, this was a necessary strategic decision made by USask Rec with the support of the College of Kinesiology.
Our top priority, even during these challenging circumstances, remains to ensure USask Rec is able to offer and meet the program demands and needs of our patrons.
Posted on June 18, 2020.
Dance programming FAQ's:
Why was the decision made to discontinue operations of the University School of Dance?
While disappointing for our dance patrons and the USask Rec community as a whole, the University School of Dance program has seen a decline in revenues and registration numbers and an increase in expenses in recent years. USask Rec will continue to offer programs, potentially including some dance, that remain in demand and reduce the programs that consistently have had low registration numbers.
Will you offer any dance opportunities moving forward?
USask Rec will look for potential opportunities to provide dance in the future should it be feasible and safe. We will continue to offer special needs opportunities through our PAAL program, which may include dance. It is our hope to offer this programming when we can develop a plan that is safe for all users.
What happens to the children and youth with disabilities and their families who participated in the Spirit Flyers dance program and what is the future of PAAL? Are you cancelling all programming for children with disabilities?
We are not cancelling all programming for children and youth with disabilities. PAAL programming will resume when it is safe to do so, and could potentially include a dance component. Children with disabilities who utilized the University School of Dance will still have opportunities to continue with our programming when we are safely able to provide it through our PAAL program.
The current dance season was cut short due to the pandemic, what are you doing for those dancers and the post-poned dance recital?
We have offered refunds to our dance patrons based on classes remaining for the winter dance program. The winter dance recital had announced it would be postponed to a possible future date. Unfortunately, at this time we have made the difficult decision to cancel this event. While costumes are non-refundable, we are looking at opportunities to minimize the impact of these purchases, likely through providing USask Rec account credits for future programming.
Will the University re-consider its decision to offer the University School of Dance program?
The University will not re-consider its decision to offer the University School of Dance program.
Posted on June 19, 2020.