Three Unity dancers and one from North Battleford were chosen to take part in the live production of Canada’s Ballet Jorgen at TCU place in Saskatoon Jan. 31.
Two Unity students study at Revolution Dance in Unity, Madison Gilbert and EmmaStrus, while Presli O’Donnell dances with Dance Connection of North Battleford. Presli’s her duet partner, Nicholas Turuk, was also recommended from Dance Connection.
Dance teachers were asked to recommend dancers from their school. The Monday prior to show time, ballet instructors were given notice that local dancers were needed for Sunday evening’s performance.
Revolution Dance instructor Lynsey Strus said, “Ballet teachers had to choose quickly based on experience, availability and ability to pick up on choreography in a short span of time, as we had one rehearsal where students were cast in their roles by the company and then needed to learn the choreography.”
The next day dancers had costume fittings, rehearsals and performed. As both Madison and Emma had recently performed with the Moscow Ballet in the Nutcracker, Strus knew they would be up for the challenge.
Crystal Gilbert, Madison’s mom says, “Madison absolutely loved being able to watch the dancers up close and personal. They were a very interactive group of exceptionally well-trained dancers. We attended master class where we were able to watch them dance and that was an extraordinary opportunity to see grace, discipline and refinement. The dancers in the company were very good with the kids on stage. It was a good experience from start to the final curtain call.”
Presli and Nicholas were recommended from Dance Connection. After a successful casting audition Saturday, they were assigned two of the four roles as “the evil hedge.” As part of the hedge, they danced alongside five Ballet Jorgen dancers who were also part of the evil hedge.
Presli’s mom, Cindy, says, “Presli was thrilled that her dance part had more of a contemporary edge, which is what she loves. Her part even included a couple of jumps. Presli told us that performing in front of a sold-out TCU place was something that a dancer could only dream of.”
Cindy also added that the Ballet Jorgen dancers were very down to Earth and personable.
All of the dancers concluded their experience was amazing and will be something they never forget.
Ballet Jorgen is a well-known professional company out of Toronto who are touring Western Canada. They were seeking 12-15 local students to participate in their performance of Sleeping Beauty at TCU Place.
