It’s been a crash course in ballroom dancing as the Grade 7 students perfected the choreography for Cinderella, showing at Pacific Christian School this week.
Watching the students follow instructions from Victoria Ballroom Dance Society instructor Wanda Kivitt, the lead choreographer, it’s clear they’re picking it up fast. VBDS partnered with PCS to work with the students as part of its ongoing outreach campaign for ballroom dancing.
“Two-two-three, three-two-three, turn, four-two-three,” says Kivitt as the students stroll through the paces. “Don’t forget to speak up king.”
As the only student to audition for Prince Charming, James Ellison happily took the role. But it’s the dancing that’s taking some getting used to.
“It’s awkward at first but it’s fun to do,” he said. “It’s my first stage show but I don’t get stage fright.”
Cinderella is also retiring elementary teacher Tom Snell’s “swan song” as the director looks forward to resting after nearly 30 years at PCS. Every spring the Grade 7 class performs two plays, with Sarah Eng the director of the other show this year, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
“We do two performances at the same time, but this is the first time we’ve had Victoria Ballroom Dance Society and they’ve been great,” Snell said. “They’ve donated a lot of their time.”
Cinderella is showing on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m., and Thursday, May 11 at 1 and 7 p.m. in the PCS elementary gym. Entry is by donation. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is showing Tuesday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Wednesday at 1 p.m.
