Written by Caroline Blueheel. Original article on Blueheel’s website.
Blueheel Dance Studio Celebrates Mississauga’s 50th Anniversary at the Historic WWll Small Arms Inspection Building with a unique era time-span performance.
Nov 1, 2024: The Mississauga’s 50th Anniversary Celebration organized by CreativeHub1352 at the Small Arms Inspection Building, was a dramatic revelry of arts and culture featuring talented Mississauga artists: music by Jazz Plazma, dance performances by Blueheel Dance Studio, the “Mississauga Now and Then” photography exhibit, storytelling by Laura Lee Therrien and the premiere screening of “Stories of Lakeview and the Small Arms Ltd” by Gabriella Bank and Patti Jannetta. This unique venue, a heritage site from World War II, provided the perfect backdrop for Blueheel Dance Studio to choreograph and perform a unique dance through time that drew together staff, students, and community volunteers in a show of artistry, teamwork, and local pride. The event not only celebrated the city’s rich history but also reinforced the studio’s role in building community, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing placemaking in Mississauga.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Blueheel Dance Studio’s team poured their creativity into every part of the event—from the choreography to music selection, costumes, and lighting. Organizing this performance was a collective effort, a labor of love that involved countless hours of preparation to transform ideas into a live dance showcase. Blueheel choreographers Monique Raczka and Caroline Augustin, assisted by Phil Rolo collaborated with dancers of varying skill levels, ensuring that everyone—from beginners to advanced students—could contribute to and participate in the performance. This inclusivity fostered a shared sense of purpose, bridging gaps in skill and experience and showcasing the studio’s commitment to uniting the community through dance.
The Historic Small Arms Inspection Building: A Perfect Venue for Placemaking
The Small Arms Inspection Building, once a hub of munitions manufacturing during the WWII war effort, now serves as a cultural and artistic space, connecting Mississauga’s past with its present. By transforming the Small Arms Inspection Building into a vibrant gathering space, CreativeHub1352 played a vital role in placemaking—a concept focused on creating environments where people can come together, feel a sense of belonging, and connect with their community’s unique culture and identity. Performing in this storied location added depth and meaning to the event, honoring the city’s heritage while spotlighting the vibrancy of its current arts community. Blueheel’s performance was an example of placemaking in action—transforming a space rich with history into a stage for contemporary celebration, connection, and expression.
Creating Choreography That Resonates
The choreography for the event sought to take the audience back to 1945 to honor the historic place and the men and women who worked here, transitioning to 1974, the year the City of Mississauga was incorporated. It aimed to embody the city’s dynamic spirit, highlighting styles ranging from a 1940s swing number to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy to 1974 contemporary dance featuring the iconic YMCA by the Village People. Each piece told a story of resilience, unity, and pride, themes that resonated with both performers and the audience. Blueheel’s instructors crafted routines that were accessible yet artistically compelling, inviting both seasoned dancers and newcomers to participate. Dancers were encouraged to express themselves fully, contributing to a sense of collective identity that transcended individual roles.
The result was a performance that was both impressive and emotionally resonant, leaving audiences with a lasting impression of the power of dance to celebrate, unify, and uplift.
The Power of Community Engagement
One of the most rewarding aspects of organizing this event was the level of community involvement. Students and instructors were joined by volunteers from across Mississauga, each offering their unique talents—from costume design and backstage support to event coordination and promotional efforts. By inviting the community to take part, Blueheel Dance Studio created a shared ownership of the event, making it a true community celebration. This collaborative approach exemplified the value of collective effort, showing how much can be accomplished when a community works together toward a common goal.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging Through Placemaking and Cohesion
Dance, with its ability to transcend words, is a powerful tool for building connection and fostering a sense of belonging. Blueheel’s performance at the Mississauga 50th Anniversary celebration brought together people from all walks of life, providing them with a shared experience that united them in a spirit of celebration.
Lasting Impact on Mississauga’s Cultural Fabric
Blueheel Dance Studio’s performance served as a reminder of Mississauga’s rich cultural landscape and showcased the arts’ role in strengthening community bonds. In bringing people together through dance, Blueheel contributed to a growing sense of cohesion and pride that will continue to inspire and engage residents. Through this event, Blueheel demonstrated that dance is more than just movement—it’s a powerful form of placemaking that fosters community spirit, creates lasting memories, and builds bridges across generations and cultures.
