Dance Festival underway

The 38th Prince George Dance Festival is underway with 515 competitors and over 1,200 dances being performed over a six-day festival, says executive committee co-chair Julie Fisher.

This includes approximately 900 solos, 100 duos and 200 groups. Categories of dance that are included in the festival are: Highland, cultural-specific, ballet, demi-character, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip hop,tap, acro-Dance, song and dance, variety, production, musical interpretation and junior choreography. There are two adjudicators judging: Nancy Pezzo gives feedback and marks to dancers in the ballet and modern categories and Phoebe Rumsey judges the stage categories.

“This year our modern/ballet adjudicator is coming from Toronto and the stage adjudicator is coming from New York,” said Fisher.

Competitors are here from Prince Rupert, Terrace, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Quesnel and Vancouver. Age range is from six and under divisions, up to and including 19 and over divisions. There will be over $24,000 in scholarships and prize money will be awarded during the week of competition and 16 competitors will be chosen to go to the Provincial competition this year.

Friday, March 16 is the Gala evening. Throughout the week, the adjudicators choose their favourite groups based on technique and entertainment value. The winner of the overall dance excellence award is also named and that person dances a solo during the evening.

Tickets should be purchased in advance. Prices for watching at the festival are $5 per session, $10 day pass, $25 week pass adult or $20 student/senior, Gala is $15 adult, $10 student/senior. Regular tickets and Gala tickets may be purchased at Vanier Hall.