September marks the opening of a new full-scale Vibe Dance Centre that offers something for everyone. The new “Vibe” has dance classes for all levels from ages three to adult.

Award-winning choreographer, teacher, and inspiration to children Heather Stremlaw (now Thom) is leading the way to a bright future for dance in Whistler. Along with husband and musical talent Jeremy Thom, the two unique individuals are dedicated to dance, music, and sharing their passion.

The centre will offer classes in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theatre, acro, and tech. Specialty classes such as pre-dance, parents and tots, boys-only hip-hop, and sport-tech are also available. Many of the adult classes are offered on a drop-in basis so that dancers can give the different styles a try without commitment.

The new business promises a welcoming and respectful atmosphere. The primary goal of The Vibe is to create a dance school that promotes originality, artistry, and growth, but at the same time emphasizes technique and excellence. The new studio is also the home to “The Vibe Tribe Dance Team.” The “Tribe” is a pre-professional performance-based dance group for dancers who wish to take their dancing to the next level. Dancers who join the Vibe Tribe will enjoy many opportunities to perform and participate in events throughout the season.

The Vibe team consists of five dedicated dancers. Co-owners and instructors Heather and Jeremy Thom will work alongside dance instructors Chantal Smith, Maryna Turturika and Ken Yung. The Vibe will be open and ready for questions and registrations on Sept. 3, 4 and 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the Vibe Dance Centre you can call them at (604) 966-8423, visit their website at the vibedancecentre.com or stop by for a visit at No. 1, 1212 Alpha Lake Rd. in Whistler’s Function Junction.  

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More than 15 years ago the first splitboard was created. Since then, there has been a steady increase in the number of splitboarders enjoying the ride. Among this group are a growing number of female riders, and to suit their needs, Prior Snowboards has just released the first female-specific splitboard, the Brandywine Split, to correctly identify female backcountry riders. 

The board has been an idea that has brewed for a decade. Prior saw the need for the new creation after the release of the Backcountry Splitboard (BC Split) in 2001. Customers immediately requested boards in smaller sizes, with the majority of these riders being female. At that time Prior had been making women’s freeride boards for years and naturally designed the 149, 154 and 158-centimere sizes of the BC Split around these designs.

Key features include a narrower waist, additional sidecut and a slightly softer flex pattern to accommodate women’s physiques. Throughout the past decade Prior has continued to refine the classic BC Split ride and has modeled any revisions to the smaller sizes around female riders. For winter 2010-’11 this model has finally been given its own identity. The Brandywine Split is named after the Prior women’s freeride “Brandywine” model. It has been designed to provide a smooth, fast ride in the complete gamut of winter conditions. For more information on Prior, you can visit their website atwww.priorsnowboards.com.

To submit your Business Briefs, email Tessa at tsweeney@whistlerquestion.com