Ballet show a night to remember
I forgot how much I loved to dance – releasing energy, expressing emotion, or simply taking delight in the movement itself. I can’t dance like a trained professional, but just moving makes me happy.
Upon reading the press release for Mission Dance Company’s upcoming show, Artists Passion, it dawned on me how true that title is. The dedication to one’s physical body to become a professional dancer can only come from passion.
The show will be performed Oct. 1-2 at Mary Irwin Theatre, inside the Rotary Centre for the Arts. It will feature accomplished and emerging local dance artists performing a mixed program of traditional classical ballet, as well as some modern, and a special performance created by founder and CEO of the company, Tanya Vadurova.
She has her very own flamenco styled ballet she aptly titled, Layers of Affinity.
The evening honours Indigenous artwork as well as a musical piece from local composer Imant Raminsh, also choreographed by Vadurova.
The evening will feature internationally renowned principal male dancer, Kealan McLaughlin, a graduate from the National Ballet School of Canada and principal dancer for the Estonian National Ballet. I spoke with McLaughlin about this show, and he was very keen to point out how rare it is to see classical ballet – unless one travels to major cities. McLaughlin said Giselle, Act 2, is very special to see. Within his male role as Duke Albrecht Silesia, his character gains new awareness, humility, and a sense of responsibility.
“This is a famous ballet for a reason, and a treat to dance,” said McLaughlin. “I am also looking forward for the audience witness Tanya Vadurova’s Layers of Affinity, a high-energy, sexy, and passionate flamenco – truly a night to remember.”
McLaughlin leaves the very next day to start rehearsals in Toronto. This is his first time spending actual time in the Okanagan and finds the water and mountains unique and resplendent.
Saturday’s performance is at
7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon’s performance is at 3:30 p.m.
General seating tickets are $30 – with premium seats at $40. (Special price discounts for seniors and students (plus fees). You can purchase your tickets through rotarycentreforthearts.com /events/tickets/239802.
For more information, contact
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Did you know that taking a weekly dance class, no matter what level of skill, in some form, is scientifically proven to heal physical and mental conditions such as social isolation, stress, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s? This is because it improves the frame of mind and even some cognitive skills. Scientists have also found that ballroom dancing can improve cognitive function. Find a class near you and refresh your own passion.
You have a chance to prove that theory by getting your dance shoes on and hitting the floor this weekend with Rock STEADY, performing at Blue Gator Bar & Grill in Kelowna on Friday and Saturday night.
This eight-piece band, based in the Okanagan, has a brass section, one of the best drummers in town, and a lot of soul vibes coming from the lead
singer. The band starts at around 9:15 p.m., and you can dance until 11 p.m. There’s a cover charge of $10 at the door.
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Friday Night Trivia at Creekside Pub continues. This weekly social night out is good fitness for the brain, especially because one must draw on facts that we don’t use all the time. Bring your team and challenge yourself against others to name that tune, tidbits of trivia and other fun categories. It’s free to attend if you support the venue by ordering a beverage or snack. Be ready by 8:15 p.m.
——— Theatre-goers for Kelowna Actors Studio have their subscription renewal deadline slated for Sept. 30.
Lock in your seats for their 20th anniversary season because on Oct. 1, all available tables and seats will be released for general purchase.
Call the box office on 250-862-2867 from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Want to know a secret? I have been pre-cast as the lead, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard… oh, I get to say that classic line; “All right Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.”
——— Tomorrow night, get ready to laugh your socks off with Damonde Tschritter who is performing at Wings in West Kelowna, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. He seems to see ordinary life with hilarious observations and quick wit, hailed as “Comedies new Superhero, and perhaps this country’s finest comedic storyteller.”
He has a relatively clean show, with a few profanities but otherwise, a good night of laughs.
Tickets are $25 each through trainwreckcomedy.com/tc-events/damondetschritter-at-wings-west-kelowna.