Albertville Dance School Spreads Christmas Spirit

The music was seasonal. The dance moves were intricate. And the performances were, without a doubt, uplifting. 

But it's what the young women and men of Kay Marie and Carol's did afterward that left the crowd in awe. 

Each year, the dancers of , based in the historic St. Albert Church in downtown Albertville, take time during the holidays to bring a Christmas program to holiday seniors. 

There is the usual signing, dancing and smiling. But it's the extra mile taken by the students who go and mingle with the seniors after the performances are done that makes this performance unique. 

"We have girls that come back for it," said Christine Cliff, instructor and operator of the Albertville location. "Some of the older dancers who have school or other jobs always take the day off so they can join us. They tell us they wouldn't miss it." 

For the newcomers, there is one message. 

"I tell them the people like to see you dance, they like your smile–but they'd really love to talk to you," Cliff said. 

The dancers say it's a chance to grow, and to meet new friends. Each of the four Kay Marie and Carol's locations do the holiday shows, and each school visits a few locations, making the holiday, they hope, a bit brighter. 

"I've been with the shool for 18 years in Albertville, and it's a huge hit every time," Cliff said. 

This year, the group hit Gaurdian Angels in Elk River, St. Benedict's and New River senior centers in Monticello, and the Legacy at St. Michael here in their own backyard. 

It was a cold, actually snow day on Dec. 3.

"I think it's the one day it has really felt like winter," Cliff said. 

But the slippery roads couldn't stop the caravan. The show must go on, as they say. 

"It's a different learning experience," Cliff said, saying the 68 girls and two boys in the Albertville school are given pointers before heading into the shows. The new students tend to be a bit shy. That's where the seniors step into help. 

"We know they look forward to it as much as we do," she said.

The performances also are a chance for everyone to collect items for Toys for Tots.