The Creative Energy Arts Factory (CEAF) presented their fall performance on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, titled “Once Upon a Time”. The performances were held in Traynor Hall at Fernie Secondary School.
The dance performance followed the story of William Walt, a New York-based writer struggling with writer’s block. In an effort to cure the writer’s block, he takes an elixir that sends him on an intense journey through story land, meeting many colourful characters on the way. The story was written by Alana Rybar and Malissa Palliyaguru and draws inspiration from classic stories like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Hansel and Gretel, among many others.
Rybar said she was pleased with the performances and the dancers.
“We had 225 people there on Wednesday and 218 on Thursday so those were two very nice sized audiences. Everyone seemed very engaged and that makes me happy. The feedback has also been really amazing. You never know when you write an original, but all the feedback I’ve received was that people loved it and they found it very sweet and yet exciting and funny,” she said. “It always blows me away in a little town that’s all about bike riding and skiing that we can pack a house like that and get that kind of reaction. We are always very grateful for the community support and appreciation.”
The performance was split into two acts, with the first act featuring 36 scenes and the second act featuring 19 scenes.
There were over 70 dancers in the show, ranging from Little Stars to Senior Performers. The show also featured a variety of dance styles, including jazz, ballet, hip-hop and tap.
“We only have nine weeks to put the winter show together so I am so proud of them,” said Rybar. “This is really a committed group. They are hard workers and big dreamers with a lot of energy and excitement and that really showed on stage last week.”
The CEAF is taking a break for December but will start working on their spring performance in January.
