DORCHESTER: Mystery and magic brought to stage with Soul of Dance

Entitled The Soul of Dance it told the story of the capture of the soul of dance by a mystical fish and how dancers alongside the rivers and seas of the world desperately tried to persuade the fish to release it.

Ballet and Dance Club volunteer Vanessa Williams said: “This show is a great way to illustrate the variety of classes we offer, but more importantly gives our pupils a chance to shine in front of their friends, family and the rest of the community.

“It also helps us raise funds to continue our work and offer discounts and concessions to more families.”

The show did indeed give more than a glimpse of all the classes held at the club. With well over 20 different dances, there was everything from ballet to tap, modern, jazz and street dance, performed by age groups ranging from pre-school to adults.

The whole evening was an extravaganza of colourful costumes encompassing everything from zombies to swans.

The tiny cygnets were simply delightful, the ballerinas of the waterfall elegant and graceful, and the circus clowns hilarious. The Soul of the Dance produced a whole host of characters – clowns, sprites, surfers, gnomes and turtles to name but a few.

The weather threw in thunder and lightning, rainbows, sunbeams and raindrops.

Much of the choreography was well thought out and beautifully executed.

Maybe the star of the show was George Lyons, a superb frog with a stage presence so remarkable he can hold the audience in the palm of his hand. Or maybe it was the brilliant adaptation of Fame presented by the Performance Class.

Or perhaps it was the tap-dancing sailors, a chance for the grown-ups to show what they can do, under the watchful eye of their “captain”, Kevin Selby. Everyone watching enjoyed every minute, with the performers receiving cheers and warm applause. This was a lovely evening.

Dorchester Ballet and Dance Club provide classes in ballet, tap, modern and jazz for both adults and children.

There are also Dancemobility and historical dance classes. It aims to make dance available to all, regardless of age, wealth or ability, and offers discounts and concessionary rates to both families and individuals.
New dancers can try their first class for free.

The club is a not for profit organisation and is now a registered charity.

If you would like more information, phone (01305) 250386 or visit the website at www.dancedorchester.org

PICTURE: The beautifully elegant waterfall surrounds the frog

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