Cadance Academy artistic director Gaea Jess says the June 4 and 5 productions of Cadance in Wonderland will feature some projected animation to enhance the magical feel of the show. FILE PHOTO
NEW MINAS, N.S. — Based on the tale of Alice in Wonderland, Cadance Academy is presenting Cadance in Wonderland on the first weekend in June.
The show is based on the 1865 novel by Lewis Carroll, which tells the tale of a girl named Alice who falls through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world where strange creatures live.
“Wonderland is an explosion of crazy fun with so many interesting characters which takes Alice on an amazing dance journey,” said Cadance Academy artistic director Gaea Jess.
“The audience will truly enjoy coming along on this wild ride with many twists and turns.”
Aries MacDonald, who has been dancing for many years at Cadance as well as being a beloved dance teacher, plays the title role of Alice.
Aries and Ward MacDonald prepare for their respective roles in Cadance Academy’s holiday production of The Nutcracker this past fall. Aries will play the role of Alice in Cadance’s June 4 and 5 productions of “Cadance in Wonderland.” FILE PHOTO
Anna Lukeman, who has achieved her advanced ballet exam, is playing the role of the White Rabbit.
Jackson Young, the first male dancer in Atlantic Canada to achieve his advanced ballet exam, is playing the part of the Mad Hatter. Young and Lukeman will be performing a pas de deux together. Young said the experience would be very special for him.
“Anna and I have been dancing together since we were young children and this year, we are both graduating, so this will be a show we will never forget,” Young said.
“It’s one of those weird moments with the studio itself, I find myself thinking of the quote: If you don’t say goodbye, you’re not really gone. You’re just not here right now.”
Alexa Knein, who dances the role of the Queen of Hearts, said this role pushes her acting skills.
“The queen is different from other parts I’ve danced before. There’s a lot of passion and very strong dancing,” Knein said.
There is a variety of music being used which suits the many different styles of dance; ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and acro. A total of 137 dancers, ranging in age from three to 60, have been busy rehearsing for this performance. Jess said there will also be “some cool projected animation to enhance the magical feel to this show.”
Laila North, a longtime teacher at Cadance and one of the choreographers, said Cadance in Wonderland is “a show that you do not want to miss if you love wonderful dancing, acting and music – see you there.”
Performances take place at the Al Whittle Theater in Wolfville on June 4 at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.; and on June 5 at 2 p.m.
To purchase tickets, visit https://www.danceticketing.com/28048/.
