Dance lovers mark your calendars! On Saturday, over 200 of the Island’s most exciting and talented youth dancers take to the stage at Nanaimo’s Port Theatre, in the Dancestreams Dance Odyssey ’14.
Dancestreams Youth Dance Company, a non-profit pre-professional group which draws dancers from several Island communities, hosts fellow dancers from Victoria to Campbell River and west to Ucluelet in an action-packed program featuring classical ballet, contemporary, modern, national, jazz, lyrical and tap dance.
Dancestreams will premiere a new contemporary work by Vancouver dancer/choreographer Lisa Gelley Martin of 605 Collective. This is a non-competitive performance – everyone on the Island is invited to join in a mutual love of dance.
Victoria is sending dancers from Victoria Academy of Ballet and Stages. Duncan’s Carlson’s studio will be in attendance and three Nanaimo studios will be represented: Kirkwood, Tempo and Vibrant. Rhythm from Ladysmith and Parksville Ballet and Qualicum Beach Schools also represent the mid-Island, MacKenzie School of Dance and Stagewest will be coming from the west and Urban Dance will represent the north from Campbell River. Also from Campbell River are two Dancestreams Company members, Beatrix Bellosillo and Chloe Dugas (Quadra).
Over the years, the Dance Odyssey has become a much anticipated dance event of the season, as much for the dancers as for the delighted audiences. The atmosphere of camaraderie permeates the theatre as the dancers show their appreciation for each other’s efforts. This year, as always, master classes are offered during the day. Guest artist Serge Bennathan will conduct the classes at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.
Tickets for the Odyssey show which kicks off at 7:30 p.m., are available through the Port Theatre Box Office 250-754-8550 and group sales are available.
