Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Leica Hardy and her contribution to the dance culture of Nova Scotia.
Leica is a master dance educator in choreography, with a national reputation of producing excellence in her students. She holds an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from St. Mary's University, and over her 40 years of teaching dance, she has seen her students go on to study at prestigious schools like Canada's National Ballet School, the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, to name a few, and many have gone on to dance with well-known professional companies.
Leica opened her school in Dartmouth in 2002 and has guided countless students to grow in confidence, skill and a love of creative movement, balanced with the strict technique of the Russian Ballet School. Her students are challenged and also encouraged. They get to show their stuff in a Spring recital and they have the opportunity to audition for the much beloved Nutcracker, for which Leica is also the choreographer.
Even the parents of the students get to take part - and let me tell you, doing across the floor polka with your 6-year-old is a true lesson in humility.
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in thanking Leica Hardy for her contribution to countless young dancers and to the profession of dance in Nova Scotia.