It’s their time to shine.
Dance students at Ladysmith Secondary School have been working hard all year to choreograph, learn and practise a variety of dances in styles ranging from hip hop and tap to contemporary, jazz and musical theatre. And now they’re ready to perform for friends, family and the community during the annual LSS Dance Showcase Jan. 13 at the school.
“It’s a place for dancers who take the class throughout the year to showcase what they are working on all year,” said dance teacher Chelsea Grovum.
LSS students who are in Grades 9 to 12 will be performing dances they have choreographed themselves, as well as group dances choreographed by Grovum and by guest teachers. There will also be guest performances by LSS alumni, as well as by community dance students.
“Basically, it’s a way for them to get on stage and show what they’ve been working very hard on and for parents to see what they’ve been working on,” said Grovum.
The Dance Showcase starts at 7 p.m. at Ladysmith Secondary School, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students, and they can be purchased at the door. The showcase usually fills up quickly, so Grovum encourages people to get there early to avoid disappointment.
The LSS Dance Showcase is held every year at the end of the first semester.
“The program here is really strong,” said Grovum. “It gets better and better every year. I think this will be our best show yet.”
It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to get ready for the showcase, and many people in the community lend a helping hand. One of the dance mothers, Karen Wallace of Karen’s Alterations, volunteers her time each year to sew elaborate new costumes for all the dance students.
“It’s really neat how everyone comes together for the showcase,” said Grovum.
