The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival showcases the best student dancers on May 8 at 7 p.m. at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium. The annual performance used to take place in local gymnasiums; however, popularity demands a larger venue for both its audience and student groups, which range from four to 75 members this year.
School Dance Section Head Joan Gagnon believes that dancing is important for youth on a creative and physical level. Students involved in dance clubs in elementary and middle school often go on to dance classes in high school and the School Dance Highlights performance seeks to include students of all ages and experience levels.
“It’s really interesting in our sessions to see little dancers all the way up to high school seniors,” Gagnon said.
Students are selected by an adjudicator for the annual performance. Only 30 of approximately 140 groups make it, however the GVPAF tries to maintain a noncompetitive and positive atmosphere. “We just want kids to dance and enjoy the experience,” Gagnon said. Performers this year range from six to eighteen years old. “A lot of them aren’t interested in sports, so dance is their outlet.”
While the School Dance Highlights used to focus on ethnic dance, it now includes ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary and hip hop, among others. “We want the variety: of students, dance and music genres,” Gagnon said. A talented variety is what the School Dance Highlights performance will showcase this year.
Tickets are available one week ahead of event at the Box Office, $15 for adults and $12 for seniors or students.
Victoria Soul Gospel Choir
The Eldercare Foundation of Victoria invites all R&B, gospel, folk and reggae fans to the Victoria Soul Gospel Choir’s concert on May 11 at 7 p.m. Director Checo Tohomaso has performed with Motown legends such as Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and the Commodores and brings his musical enthusiasm and experience to the Farquhar Auditorium for $25 per ticket.
“I Am Canadian”
Karen Clark Dance Studios presents a fast-paced evening of dancing entertainment, featuring multigenerational tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop dancers, as well as musical theatre and acrobatics. The show will be held on May 12 at 7 p.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $18.75.
For information on all upcoming shows, contact the UVic Ticket Centre at 250-721-8480, online at tickts.uvic.ca or in person at the University Centre.
