By Graham McCready
The Southward theatre was nearly full when the Kāpiti Dance Centre recently performed Alice in Wonderland, Grease and La Bayadere. It was a family affair with many dads taking time out from rugby engagements to support their daughters.
Alice in Wonderland used the sound track of the 1950’s sound track. There were three dancers playing Alice; Helena Rivers Miliken small, Haley Boderick normal and assistance dance teacher Allisha Gabrielsen tall who also played the Queen of Hearts. The switch between the three was seamless. The very young Dizzy Daffodils were charming. The other Queens were Piimio Mei Diamonds, Tamsin Howe Spades and Tamara Craigen Clubs.
The pace picked up after the intermission with an upbeat performance of Grease. The music was easily recognised 50’s rock tunes such as Elvis’s Hound Dog.
Piimio Mei and Lena Ornsby gave classique solos. Piimio is one of several students at the school seeking a place in the New Zealand School of Dance when she turns sixteen. There is a lot of hard work ahead of her to reach the standard. I am sure she will succeed.
The last part was an extract from La Bayadere. This was the best of the three, demonstrating the Kāpiti Dance Centre’s emphasis on classical ballet.
For more information on the Kāpiti Dance Centre see www.kapitidance.co.nz
