Heidi Dowden in Derek Sangster’s Floricanto. Photo: Johnny Vong
A team of George Brown College (GBC) choreographers, directors, instructors, working artists, production and wardrobe interns showcased their talent in the annual event, Next Stage 2013 in December.
“The performers consist of the graduating class from George Brown commercial dance program,” said associate director of George Brown dance and director and producer of Next Stage 2013, Derek Sangster. “The class learns to work as an ensemble within the creative process, structured as any professional working company.”
Being one of “Canada’s most sought-after dance instructors”, Sangster has a tremendous experience in various educational institutions, at the Stratford and Charlottetown festivals and even on different TV shows.
“Next Stage is a culmination of all things learnt throughout a students’ time within the commercial dance program: work ethic, attention to detail, performer responsibility, clarity, professionalism,” said Sangster. “It is hopefully the students’ window into the real world of producing and performing in a show.”
Being the only college program in Ontario, commercial dance studies introduces the next generation of performers every year at the grand concert that students prepare in their study period.
“Preparation begins within the final term of the three term program. All skills are tested throughout this final term and during performance preparation,” said Sangster.
Hours of work and rehearsals under the guidance of faculty and artists like Derek Sangster, Dana Bondy, Nicola Pantin and many others make the program really demanding.
Program dancer Rena Berriault said, “This program was one of the most challenging years of my life both physically and mentally. Hours and hours of practice, hard work and dedication.”
“Our whole year of training lead to this performance, but I think in some cases like mine, my whole life lead up to this. I was actually accomplishing my dream sharing the stage with my P103 family,” said Berriault. “Having such supportive teachers and family members in the audience watching me, I became more myself than I had ever been. It is the greatest feeling of accomplishment and pride that I have ever felt.”
Success on the stage would not be so sweet if it was not accompanied by difficulties behind the scenes: the group’s feelings towards each other turned stronger when one of the participants got injured the day before the show.
“The most challenging part of the production process was when Alex Pearce, P103 student got injured during rehearsal,” said Lindsay Aquin, scholarship student and dancer. “It was hard to see our friend in pain who worked so hard for this moment all year. We had to re-block the show to accommodate the injury. When it initially happened, the stress level was high but we pulled together as a group and made it work.”
Being able to focus at the task in hand; to make east amount of changes possible but keep the quality of the show, the dance team delivered a brilliant show and are already preparing for Unleashed 2014, April 16 and 17 at the Betty Oliphant Theatre.
