A Sherwood Park man known for dancing at a busy intersection says he plans to fight a ticket issued by RCMP after officers ordered him to stop performing because of public safety concerns.
Caden Skelton, 21, has spent the last three years dancing at the intersection of Baseline Road and Sherwood Drive, a routine he says began after he suffered a brain injury and became a way to bring positivity to the community.
“I was helping people get through their days, helping people with their struggles … I’ve helped people through postpartum depression,” said Skelton.
But Skelton said his performances came to an abrupt halt after he received a ticket from Strathcona RCMP on Monday.
Police said in a statement they had received multiple complaints regarding an individual dancing at the busy intersection and were concerned about public safety.
RCMP said officers had spoken with Skelton on several occasions and asked him to relocate. Police said the behaviour continued, leading to enforcement action.
“If I continue to do this, I will be given a ticket and arrested,” said Skelton.
His family said they were surprised by the decision.
“I was really shocked and sad and mad that they had done that, and just the amount as well was pretty outrageous,” said Crystal Skelton, Caden’s mother.
She said she has noticed a change since her son stopped dancing.
“I haven’t seen him out there at all. It’s just sad seeing him as well. I know he was very hurt,” she said.
Debbie Banks, Skelton’s grandmother, said the performances benefited both her grandson and members of the public.
“It’s for him, his own mental health, but it’s also for the other people, and I’ve heard some of the stories about how he’s touched people’s lives,” said Banks.
News of the ticket spread quickly on social media, prompting community members to organize a public dance gathering in support of Skelton on Sunday evening.
Family members said they have been overwhelmed by the response.
“It’s really nice to see everyone. You know. I’d say a big chunk of Sherwood Park is really standing behind him,” said Crystal Skelton.
“There’s no words to share how good it makes me feel that so many people support him. It means so much,” said Banks.
“I’m grateful that the community is backing me,” Skelton said.
Skelton said he intends to challenge the ticket and hopes to resume dancing in the future.
Caden Skelton dancing at intersection in Edmonton. (Courtesy: Instagram/ Caden Skelton)
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