Joy of love of dance and enthusiasm shine out
For The Love of Dance, Wakatu Dance Theatre, Theatre Royal Nelson, September 6-8, with two performances today. Reviewed by Lesley Bandy
Featuring differing styles of dance and presented onstage by student dancers with a wide range of ages – from tiny preschoolers to a poised group of mature tappers – Thursday evening’s performance was a hit with the audience.
Directed by Peta Spooner, and choreographed by her and other dance teachers in the Nelson area, the final execution onstage of steps, technique, performance, and theatre awareness was the fruition of many, many hours of rehearsal in the studio.
If, as the title suggests, the aim of the programme is to demonstrate the love of dance, it surely achieved that objective, as the joy of the dance shone out from the stage by all those taking part.
There are no featured performers, but as in dance class, everyone works to be in unison and with respect for everyone else. It is obvious from the performances that all are welcome to enjoy dance and movement to the music – and some of the smallest performers creatively danced to their very own tune.
The show is fast-paced with the 34 short numbers following on from each other with little pause.
The 15-minute interval gave a breather in which to remember your favourite pieces and dancers, most of whom perform several times.
There was a mixture of styles shown – tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and jazz – all performed with aplomb and enthusiasm.
It was lovely to see that the student dancers were aware and helpful to each other when things went a little awry spatially.
All in all, it is a fun programme with spirited young dancers showing their work with a pleasing confidence to the enthusiastic applause of their friends and families.