Lovers of dance are in for a treat when the Walmer School of Dance presents “The Art of Movement” at the PE Opera House Saturday 2 December 2017.
From an opening by guest artists African Drumbeat to a junior mini-ballet, through group and individual pieces featuring sizzling jazz, sultry tango, ballet, contemporary, ballroom and tap, the show promises an exciting feast for the senses.
Walmer School of Dance owner-teacher Troy Coffey, who has choreographed and directs The Art of Movement, said the year-end show was an opportunity to show-case the various styles of dance taught at the school, and a chance for the young performers – from pre-school age through to matriculants – to gain valuable stage experience.
For some of the school’s senior pupils, this will be their last show at school level before they head off for further studies – and an opportunity to celebrate a year of outstanding achievements, Coffey said.
They include Kate Weakley and Louise Daniel – Kate won the senior ballet championship and Louise the senior modern championship at this year’s PE Dance Festival – and Anneke Claassen, who won the 17-18 years age category at the festival in both ballet and modern.
Fellow senior Skye Phillips – who along with the other three, travelled to New York earlier this year on scholarships won to the American Academy of Ballet Summer School of Excellence – will be dancing as well as showing her singing talent.
Another dance festival winner, Troy’s daughter Ella, who won the trophy for most promising tap dancer, will be performing a Charlie Chaplin routine choreographed by tap teacher Shirley Smith.
The juniors’ mini-ballet is based on the story of “The Snowman”, a magical piece about a boy who builds a snowman that comes to life in his dreams.
Ballet and contemporary dance groups range from some charming baby flower fairies to the senior girls in a striking group dance called “Snow”. Hit song “Despacito” accompanies a fun, saucy mambo duet; “Tango Ballet” presents a fusion of tango and ballet; and “Chicago” highlights hot jazz dancing – and these are just some of a programme packed with highlights, said Coffey.
A ballet teacher for 25 years, Coffey presents classes in ballet, contemporary and jazz at the Walmer School of Dance, which she co-owned with Royal Academy of Dance examiner Dawn de Wit until taking it over in 2012. After studying at the UCT Ballet School, she taught at Herschel in Cape Town and then the Harringay Club in London, where she completed her Royal Academy of Dance teacher’s exam and entered her pupils into the Royal Ballet Associate programme at the renowned Royal Ballet School. She has recently become an accredited modern dance teacher.
Bookings for The Art of Movement open this week, from 2 November, at Computicket. The show takes place on 2 December at the PE Opera House, at 15.00 and 19.00. Tickets are R120 for adults and R100 for scholars and pensioners.
Alan Straton
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