It seems to me that 2012 isn’t really feeling like a new year. With temperatures soaring to near double-digits in the past week, I’m starting to wonder what’s become of winter.
Perhaps it just doesn’t feel like a full year has passed without my personal favourite season.
Alas, the usual after-Christmas lull is upon us here at the Performing Arts Centre. After the much loved Banff Mountain Film Festival closed out 2011, a quiet two weeks have followed as most touring groups take a break this time of year. Before long, though, the centre’s calendar lights up with a new year’s worth of performances of all kinds.
In the first event of 2012 for the Performing Arts Centre, Ballet Victoria (Carmen and Other Works) is back for their production of the full-length Cinderella.
Set in turn-of-the-century Victoria, British Columbia, this ballet is modeled on the black and white films of the time. The dancers have every opportunity to show their brilliant technical skills under the artistic direction of Paul Destrooper. An impressive cast of 17 talented professional dancers are on tour for this momentous production, featuring beautiful costumes, gorgeous dancing and stunning music.
The show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 and while the lower auditorium seating is nearly full, there is still balcony seating available.
Call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.
Starting up on Jan. 16, up to 35 people will take part in Move It!, a workshop experiencing the exhilaration of movement and dance creation.
Dancers and facilitators Jacci Collins and Lina Fitzner will create a safe, non-judgmental environment in which they’ll inspire, empower and motivate through the sculpting of a new dance piece.
All ages and skill levels are welcome. There are still a few first-come-first-served spots available for those wanting to participate in this free two-week workshop.
Move It! culminates in an admission-by-donation performance on Friday, Jan. 27, starting at 7 p.m.
Those interested in participating can call the centre’s administration office at 250-542-9355 for more information.
And on Jan. 21, Andrew Allen returns to the Performing Arts Centre for a one-night-only hometown performance.
He’s enjoyed the success of two Top-10 singles and performed in hundreds of concerts across Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. with the likes of Bruno Mars, One Republic, Barenaked Ladies and others.
He brings positive energy to the stage with catchy, up-tempo songs and will be joined by Vancouver’s Stef Lang and Australia’s Colin Bullock at his hometown performance.
At press time, there are very few tickets remaining for this show so call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) or log online to www.ticketseller.ca to see what’s available.
Wishing everyone a 2012 full of exciting arts experiences and, as always, enjoy the shows!
–– Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. His column, Centre Point, appears every second Sunday in The Morning Star.
