The spotlight shone on the nine pre-professional performers of the Coast Academy of Dance (CAD) during their winter dance show last Sunday, Feb. 8.
The winter show, a fundraiser with proceeds going to bursaries for graduating dancers, is on a smaller scale than its bigger sister, the June recital, but it packed in 30 dances before a full house at the Gibsons Heritage Playhouse. The show included a variety of pieces from the advanced dancers at the school in tap, competition street jazz, ballet, teen hip hop and modern.
Quick costume changes were required from the pre-pros for much of the show.
Delia Anderson, Zofia Baturin, Jaime Butler, Molly Carpenter, Kali MacLean, Cora Nelson, Kristie Sita, Zoe Spry-White and Emily Stoddart are young women studying dance part-time at CAD while keeping up with high school academics.
Pizzicato Polka, choreographed by Kathleen Holmes, saw Jaime Butler and Cora Nelson en pointe and in unison. Fire Fly by Shirley Jackson began with pinpoints of light in the darkness and showcased the more advanced students. Cardio Cabaret was fun — adult dancers took to the stage with great energy led by CAD instructor Ivana Cappelletto.
The sentimental favourite of the first half of the show was the powerful dance and lyrics to Your Song that demonstrated the camaraderie that grows among the dancers. Its choreographer, Molly Carpenter, performed solo in Frayed. Poison and Wine, a gorgeous piece by Christina Fitchett, closed the first half.
The momentum seemed to build in the second half, releasing the emotion that makes dance so passionate. You Found Me told a story danced touchingly by Anderson and Zofia Baturin. Young Jasmyn Evered, recently with a leading role in The Nutcracker, displayed her style and athleticism in a solo. But the biggest applause of the evening went to Kristie Sita for her solo, Warrior, a dance of strength and courage.
The show closed with a lively Bollywood number choreographed by the CAD’s artistic director Julie Izad. She spoke to the audience after the show saying that the past year had been memorable for rising above injury and devastation. Clearly proud of the dancers, Izad said, “I’ve learned so much from these young ladies.”
Further information can be found at www.coastdance.com
