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Dance fundraiser is sweet & saucy

Light on our feet shines as fundraiser for Metro Studio.
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Kaela-Gifford Koch dances at Light on Our Feet three.

Former Metro Studio technician Holly Vivian noticed dance groups using the space for year-end recitals were missing some key equipment.

“We had no side lights, and that’s really important in dance,” says Vivian. As opposed to lighting the faces of actors in a dramatic production, dancers need side lights to light their feet.

She had an idea to do a fundraiser to buy the equipment and cleverly called it Light On Our Feet.

That was four years ago, and because it’s been so much fun to produce, Vivian has held, and sold out, the event every year since.

Last year, the money raised went to make improvements on the lobby, dressing rooms and concession areas. This year, they’d like to buy some new audio equipment including a wireless microphone package.

The event happens over two nights this weekend, a Sweet Cabaret Friday, April 6, and a Saucy Cabaret Saturday, April 7, at the Metro Studio. “Both nights will be completely different,” says Vivian. “It’s like the tapas of dance. It’s a mini festival.”

Each night features performances by 16 dance studios with more than 100 dancers. The Sweet Cabaret has student pricing and has no burlesque. “If your kids are interested in dance you can bring them, there’s nothing offensive in this show,” says Vivian. Friday’s performers include Dahab Dance Ensemble, Salsa Caliente, Victoria Academy of Ballet, Boston Dance Collective, Mike Delamont and Rod Peter Jr., Red Hot Swing, Moondance Dynamic Arts, Victoria School of Contemporary Dance, Nath Keo & Sacred Centre Dance, Yanik Giroux Performing Arts Studio, Stages Dance, Gotta Getta Gimmick, Asmira Dance Theatre, Dylan Northover, Canadian Pacific Ballet and Mahaila Patterson-O’Brien.

The Saucy Cabaret features Ballet Victoria, Alma de Espana Flamenco, Break: Contemporary Circus and Escapist Entertainment, Passion and Performance, Impulse Theatre, Nicole McSkimming and Co., Ocean Rain Chinese Arts Academy, Zaryevka Ballet, Rachel Oates Tribal Fusion, Arthur Murray Dance School, Stages Gen X, Harmony BellyDance Company, Carling Battistuzzi, Jay Holman/Nine to Nine Studios and Rebecca Horvey.

Both evenings will be licensed and will have a 50/50 draw and fun photo station.

People are encouraged to dress up in their best cabaret attire. Though not required, prizes will be awarded for best-dressed. M

 

Light on our Feet four

Metro Studio

April 6: Sweet Cabaret

April 7: Saucy Cabaret

Doors at 7:30pm, show at 8pm.

Tickets $20, available at 250-590-6291, lightonourfeet.com or at the door.