Dance no more: Sherwood Park man’s curbside performance put to an end by RCMP

A young street performer in Sherwood Park, Alberta, has had his curbside dancing routine shut down by police after receiving $1,500 in tickets. Caden Skelton, 21, who has been dancing at the busy intersection of Baseline Road and Sherwood Drive for two years, was told by the Strathcona County RCMP that he would be arrested or ticketed if he continued his performances.

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Our primary concern is and will remain public safety, both for the individual and for motorists and pedestrians using the roadway.

Skelton, who began dancing on his longboard after sustaining a brain injury, chose the intersection for its high traffic volume, aiming to brighten the days of commuters and children. He expressed disappointment, stating that he felt targeted and that police had previously worked with him on safety concerns. "Officers have decided to step over that," Skelton said, referring to a prior agreement.

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They’re not giving tickets to anyone else doing what I’m doing or a different form of what I’m doing, but they’re only giving it to me.

Const. Cheri-Lee Smith of the Strathcona County RCMP confirmed that multiple public complaints regarding safety at the busy intersection led to the enforcement. "Our primary concern is and will remain public safety, both for the individual and for motorists and pedestrians using the roadway," Smith stated. She added that enforcement became necessary only after repeated attempts to address the concerns through education and communication were unsuccessful.

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Officers have decided to step over that.

Local businesses, like the restaurant Sunny Side Up, have expressed sadness at Skelton's absence, with owner Monika Lavelle noting that customers often came specifically to see him dance. Skelton's family and friends also miss his performances, which brought smiles to many.

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They love him. People come in, they’re like, ‘We came in because of this guy, because he’s making us smile,'