Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS) dancers in grades 9 through 12 will have their chance to shine on the ArtSpring stage next week when they present new choreography in their Eclipse show.
“This end-of-semester show will include a wide spectrum of emotional and artistic expression,” explains a press release from the program. “The students study ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip hop techniques to support their artistic endeavours. The performance will display the work we’ve done this semester.”
Eclipse runs on Wednesday-Thursday, June 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
One of the highlights will be the farewell piece of choreography by the five graduating dancers, who their teacher Sonia Langer says have grown close through performing together for years. Their piece choreographed to Florence and the Machine’s Seven Devils song promises to be poignant.
“Dance brings us close together — unites us in our physical, intellectual and emotional growth,” they said.
Also highlighted will be the lively 1940s influenced jazz piece to PJ Morton’s Smoke and Mirrors and a focused contemporary piece entitled We Are Light. Both were performed at the Farquhar Auditorium at UVic for the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival with great success.
“Momentum and focus have led the whole group of only 12 dancers to this point; learning in dance and the arts is relational, one of the Indigenous principals of learning that are highlighted at GISS. Please come to support these vibrant, focused and hardworking youth.”
Community Dance Performance
The next evening — Friday, June 6 — dancers from local community dance programs will be on the ArtSpring stage beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Participating are Jen Soo’s Salt Spring Ballet, Lara Raven’s Evolve Dance, Sonia Langer’s Children’s Dance program and some exciting solo guest artists. Ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz and creative dance styles will be featured.
Students from Fernwood, Fulford and Salt Spring elementary schools, GISS and the Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts are also involved.
Tickets for both shows are available through ArtSpring.