It’s no secret that my entire experience with dancing doesn’t go far beyond the occasional driver-seat jam.
I have no trouble admitting that translating music, emotion or thoughts into movement a task best not assigned to me. Regardless, there’s nothing I love to watch more than a live dance performance. I’m an enthusiastic dance spectator: I find it fascinating, even though I don’t necessarily get it.
Along with the Okanagan dance community, I was shocked and saddened to receive news about Ballet Kelowna ceasing operations after their spring tour.
I’ve always really enjoyed Ballet Kelowna’s performances here at the Performing Arts Centre. The opportunity to watch quality live dance aside, artistic director David LaHay’s eloquent explanations go a long way to helping a guy like me understand what is taking place.
In what might be Ballet Kelowna’s “final curtain call” at the Performing Arts Centre on March 2, Passages brings a journey through the four corners of the world. Flavours of Spain, Russia and England are featured in the programme, with a finale reprisal of Double Variations, choreographed by Simone Orlando and Joe Laughlin.
After the show a special reception will be held in the lobby to honour this Okanagan gem.
Passages starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are on sale now through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).
Leading up to Ballet Kelowna’s performance, you won’t want to miss what’s happening in Vernon’s vibrant arts scene:
On Monday, the Performing Arts Centre is host to Green Thumb Theatre’s performance of Cranked. It’s the story of a freestyling MC who loses everything to addiction.
Green Thumb is known for their touring shows that explore social issues relevant to today’s youth. In Cranked, protagonist Stan goes through the throws of his meth addiction as he tries to break free of the fix that has dominated his life.
The play starts at 7 p.m. and admission is by donation. There will be a short talk-back after the show to discuss the issues raised in the performance.
Powerhouse Theatre’s production of Becky’s New Car takes to stage this Wednesday.
Full of twists, turns and choices that could happen to anyone; this laugh-packed production takes an unpredictable joyride through mid-life crises and regrets.
The play runs most nights until March 2, and there is a matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 24. Visit the Ticket Seller website at www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) for more information or to buy your tickets.
On Saturday, Feb. 23, City Dance is at the Performing Arts Centre for an evening of movement and music.
Dance: the Evolution features amateur dancers from several Okanagan studios, and local soprano Melina Moore in a show that celebrates dance in all its forms. You’ll see a range of dance styles including classical ballet, Viennese waltz, jive, hustle and hip hop set to every kind of music including opera, rock ’n’ roll, country, Latin and more. Partial proceeds will go to Sun FM’s Have a Heart Radiothon and you can call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.
Randy “Elvis” Friskie brings the King to life for the legions of fans who remember the giddy anticipation of every new Elvis record and movie.
Three stages of Elvis’ career: the fabulous ‘50s, the spectacular ‘60’, and the sensational ‘70s are revisited in this 40th anniversary Aloha Tour.
Friskie performs twice on Sunday, Feb. 24 with shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.
Enjoy the shows!
— Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
