A stage for all ages: Cook County YMCA’s annual dance recital

Every spring, the Cook County YMCA hosts a community dance recital at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais.

For many, this is an annual tradition that involves entire families and is regularly sold out every night of the multi-night performance schedule.

It brings together folks from all walks of life to celebrate the hard work of dancers spanning generations.

“The thing that I love about it is that it’s open to all ages,” said dance instructor Clare Shirley. “We have dancers as little as three up into their 70s.”

Below is a video and audio feature produced by M Baxley highlighting dance instructors Clare Shirley, Breana Johnson, Christine Curtis, Lesli Higgins, and numerous youth and adult dancers who participated in the annual community dance recital.

M Baxley May 28, 2025