Steps of gratitude: H.B. Beal dancers join forces with Veterans’ Band

A dance group from H.B. Beal Secondary School performed at Parkwood Institute to cheer up patients on Tuesday.

Beal dance students stepped outside the classroom Friday and into a powerful intergenerational performance at London’s Parkwood Institute.

The group visited the Veterans Care Music Therapy Program, joining the Veterans’ Band, known as The Veteranomes, for a special afternoon of social dance.

Students left Beal just after 12:30 p.m. and spent the afternoon connecting with veterans through movement and music. Tracey Iddison-Gubbels Dept. Head of Performing Arts H.B. Beal Secondary School said the collaboration is designed to honour service, build community, and reflect the Ontario Dance Curriculum’s focus on creativity and meaningful engagement.

Dancers wore attire chosen to show respect for the occasion, as they partnered with seniors in a series of performances that blended expression, gratitude, and storytelling through dance.

Iddison-Gubbels said the event offered students a unique opportunity to represent their school, while creating memories with veterans that will last well beyond the final note.