My daughter and I were pleasantly surprised to see a group of young people outside the Elijah Smith Building last week.
They were surrounded by an interested group of people, including what appeared to be a group of children from a daycare and various others of different ages.
When we arrived, there was music playing and the group of performers was taking turns breakdancing.
Of the observers no one appeared offended, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the performance.
Unfortunately, a security guard from the Elijah Smith Building appeared on the scene and informed the dancers that they must leave the property.
The group did as requested, and quietly removed their equipment and left the area.
As the group was packing up readying to leave, my daughter and I approached one of the performers and asked why they had been asked to leave, and who they were associated with.
We were informed that the security guard told them they were on private property, and he stated that they were part of Leaping Feats Dance Studio there to give a free demonstration for a performance to be held at the Yukon Arts Centre on July 22nd.
We were quite shocked and taken aback that here was a group of young people providing a free arts demonstration for all to enjoy, demonstrating a healthy active lifestyle, and not engaging in dangerous or illegal activities, yet they were escorted off the property.
We would like to know why, as we have seen many activities in front of the Elijah Smith Building over the past few years, this group was targeted, and removed from the area.
One would think that the government would be happy to support youth activities demonstrating positive behaviours, and ones in support of the arts.
I hope that in the future these types of activities will be encouraged, and that the area in front of the Elijah Smith Building can be used for supportive public activities.
Temjana Karolev
& Phyllis Harlton
Whitehorse