It was a fitting year-end showcase for a dance studio that has experienced highs and lows for the 2014-15 season.
The highs were very high – numerous individual and group awards for the Dance Academy of Prince Rupert – nine group top-two or better placings and cash awards at the Pacific Northwest Music Festival (PNMF) and BC Annual Dance Competition (BCADC) for “M’Bongi”, a bizarre, twisted, yet elegant and rhythmic jungle-themed number with costumes as colourful as the toucans and leopards they represented, all the way to “Walk Like an Egyptian”, an historic nod to a piece of time half a world away and dress to match. “The Telephone Hour” claimed first-place and a cash award at the 2015 BCADC gala.
For the solos and duos, Amelia Adams, Renae Atchison, Piper Clouthier, Hannah Douglas, Laura Fudger, Kaia Jackson, Reagan Pomponio, Taliyah Spencer and Emilie Strand all garnered awards and scholarships within the year from numerous festivals and competitions – a tremendous accomplishment for the talent on the smaller populated North Coast.
Lola Clouthier, Karlie Fudger and Taylor Jackson had years to remember as each captured at least three grand prize awards and scholarships and a few will be off to the BCADC summer dance camp later on.
The singular low however, was one that made the Dance Academy family come closer together after the passing of young dancer Samantha Budnisky. A tribute piece was performed in her honour on Saturday night – part of the two day showcase.
The show, dubbed #befabulous, was produced and directed by Teresa Mackereth and hosted by mistress of ceremonies Jennifer Kloppers. It was a wild ride from start to finish, opening with a more religious and spirited first number “Sister Act”, before transitioning to a few solos by Karlie Fudger, Hannah Douglas and Lola Clouthier.
Douglas stole some hearts at the conclusion of the night’s festivities when she tearfully thanked the studio’s teachers for everything they’d done upon her graduation.
As always, the more miniature and younger dancers evoked laughter and applause for their antics in “Super Heroes WANTED!”, “Apprentice Angels”, “Be our Guest” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.
