Enchainement Dance Studio holds its recital weekend over the next few days. Starting tonight, Judy Russell's students show their best stuff at Vanier Hall.
"It's a complete collage of a year's work, and the most interesting thing for us is seeing children from three years of age up to adults all working at a high level, individually and together," said Russell. "Some of them are just starting out, and some are at almost a professional level. You're watching a journey, and a combined experience which turns into combined memories - you all had that shared time together to look back on and bond you. It builds a family among the performers."
About 500 students will have stage-time over the course of the events. The proceedings are divided into three sections: modern, ballet and stage show. The modern component is entitled The Road From Then to Now that Russell said was " a beautiful documentary-style collage created by Andrea Downie giving the history and development of modern dance from [pioneering dancer] Isadora Duncan until present day."
That is followed by the ballet component which is "a huge presentation, about 280 dancers" themed on Snow White and the Huntsman.
The stage shows are all choreographed from the Billboard Top 100, so each number is also a popular hit song "that showcases everything from hip hop to tap, stage to acro," said Russell.
The modern and ballet exhibitions will be Friday (7 p.m.) and Saturday (1 p.m.) followed by the stage showcase on Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.).
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students Grade 12 and under (plus applicable taxes). Advance tickets are available at the Enchainement office or at the Vanier Hall door while supplies last.
