News

'The Return of Happy Feet' (December 2011)

 

Our year-end WBDA performance received a fantastic review from Wanganui Midweek. It is reproduced below.

 

 

WANGANUI MIDWEEK, Wednesday, December 14, 2011
 
Academy shines in Happy Feet show
 
STREET VIEW with Joan & Mike Street
 
Wow! Wow! Wow! We saw a marvellous show last Saturday! Grandparents will agree with me, I am sure, that part of our role is attending any performances that grandchildren are involved with. I have been known to sit through four hours at a stretch of just that in Sydney, where our family lives! We were invited to attend 'The Return of Happy Feet' at Collegiate Auditorium, presented by Wanganui Ballet and Dance Academy. I anticipated a long afternoon, but this was total entertainment — a memorable occasion.
 
Looking at it from the theatrical point of view, it had everything. We were met with smiles at the door from efficient young people who offered us a truly excellent, free programme which was clearly set out, easy to read, informative and colourful. The ‘‘preset’’ was fun. White café tables set at each ‘‘apron-side’’ of the stage with simply-shaped white trees behind. The screen in front of the rich red, well-lit curtains announced ‘‘Penguin Cafe’’. The lighting remained professional throughout, always interesting, missing no-one and even including a follow spot, notoriously difficult to manoeuvre but, here, faultless.
 
The scene was set by young, competent narrator Josh, who never once stumbled over his words. The set changes were swift and careful and many different moods were created with the cyclorama and simple props. The story, loosely based on the renowned Happy Feet of New Zealand fame, allowed for every pupil, ‘‘littlely’’ to adult, to be an integral part of the work. For a true work it was, excellently choreographed. The element of theatre was there in each piece, through timing, patterns of dance and dancers, unusual entrances and exits—always a new surprise to keep the audience’s attention riveted — no crying babies or shuffling dads at this show. All were kept entranced.
 
Items were short and very sweet, with virtual perfection attained through well rehearsed simplicity, when performed by the younger dancers, and elegant movement achieved by the older students. (Gosh! It was hard to remember they WERE students). Lovely moments of humour — I loved the way the penguin waiters moved — were balanced with delicacy and skill. The costumes were quite amazing. From penguin waiters, sophisticated party-goers to poppin’ posies and contemporary groovers, the colourful but, again, totally appropriate gear was a thrilling addition. This was true theatre.
 
The dancing? Marvellous. Every stage of achievement was woven into choreography that showed each level to advantage. As always, the tinies were endearing in their uninhibited dance. Tiny cows can’t fail to attract but the moves were in the theme they reflected — delightful. Adults in gorgeous black gowns, moved with sophistication. I loved it all.
 
Can I mention bits that even excelled the whole? I was excited by Sugar Plum where, to a rap-type piece of music, Amelia Chandulal-Mackay perfected beautiful ballet movement integrated with modern dance. The other members of this group began in ‘‘normal’’ jazz gear, but added tutus in vibrant colours as the dance heightened — so very clever and innovative. Yes, there were two ‘‘Billy Elliots’’ out there. I was glad to see them. We need more. Male dancers are magnificent to watch — and far more athletic than any rugby player.
 
Kelsey Gee gave us a delightful, supple modern solo. Very impressive. It was a true privilege to watch Amelia Chandulal-Mackay dance. Her work was impeccable and in her solo, Traces, she was the equal of any young New Zealand professional. She has presence, grace, skill, fluidity. Remember her name.
 

Congratulations to the Dance Academy. Thank you all for a wonderful afternoon.

 

 

NZ School of Dance (December 2011)

Congratulations to Amelia Chandulal-Mackay on being reaccepted as a Classical Junior Associate of the NZ School of Dance for the third year.

2011 ISTD Exam results (October 2011)

Congratulations to our 64 students who entered and passed Ballet and Modern Imperial (ISTD) examinations. We had a 100% pass rate, with 44% of students receiving Distinction (80%+). The other 56% received Merit (65 - 79%). Well done everyone.

Congratulations to Annabel McMahon who received 95% for her Grade 2 Imperial Ballet exam and 90% for Grade 2 Modern Theatre, and to Amelia Chandulal-Mackay, who received 94% for her Advanced 1 Imperial Ballet exam and 92% for Intermediate Modern Theatre.

Our examiner was Mrs Shirley Agate-Proust from Canada, who teaches at the Alberta Ballet School.

NZAMD Level 4 Contemporary Examinations (October 2011)

Congratulations to the six senior students who sat NZAMD Level 4 Contemporary. They all received fantastic marks. Special congratulations to Amelia Chandulal-Mackay for receiving 'Honours with Distinction', and Kelsey Gee for receiving 'High Honours'. Well done girls.

Also, congratulations to Amelia Chandulal-Mackay, Grace Couper, Sophie Couper & Kelsey Gee for receiving their Silver Medal Contemporary Dance, and Alice Cooke & Lara Syder for their Bronze Medal Contemporary Dance.

Ballet Dance Experts website (19 April 2011)

Visit www.balletdanceexperts.com to find some very useful information regarding ballet tuition, ballet schools etc. It is particularly focused towards helping parents interested in starting their child in ballet.

Wanganui Opera Foundation variety concert (March 2011)

Senior students of the Wanganui Ballet & Dance Academy will be performing two items at a variety concert at the Wanganui Function Centre (Wanganui Racecourse) at 2pm on Sunday 3 April. The concert has been organised by the Wanganui Opera Foundation to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Entry is by way of a (hopefully generous) donation.

 Recent student news (January 2011)

Amelia Chandulal-Mackay was reaccepted as a Classical Junior Associate of the NZ School of Dance for 2011. Amelia has also been accepted into the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet Summer Intensive in New York in July/August 2011.

 2010 Exam results

Students achieved a 100% pass rate for ISTD Ballet and Modern examinations in 2010.Five senior students passed Royal Academy of Dance Vocational examinations in Wellington in 2010.