Parkland arts students celebrate the craft this week.
On Tuesday the dance students presented their annual Dance Showcase, featuring pieces choreographed by dance teacher Joanna Linger, as well as by a number of students, including Grade 12 choreographer, Kiera Shaw.
“It’s been a a great year, with the challenges of creating dances for both large and small groups, but I’ve loved doing it,” Shaw said. She was also the student choreographer for February’s sold-out musical theatre production of Curtains.
Dance teacher Joanna Linger says that it’s been a wonderful year for the students, with the classes travelling to perform at Saltspring, as well as the Victoria Dance Festival.
The dancers will also be performing tonight as part of the Fine Arts Celebration at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $5. The celebration will also feature the Parkland Jazz Band and Choir, as well as two one-act plays produced by the Acting 11/12 class.
The band recently had their year end show, and bid a fond farewell to teacher Jessica English.
“The band students have been a pleasure to work with,” said English. “It’s great to be able to end the year here, and my time at Parkland, with a celebration of what we do so well.”
Two plays in the event are produced and directed by Acting 11/12 students. Leona de Lange Boom, Jenna Mehlmann and Lexie Hill worked with their classmates to develop the shows, Mmmbeth and Competition Piece.
“It’s not easy directing 22 of your friends, but I’m proud of the way we all came together to make Competition Piece work so well ,” said Mehlmann.
The plays are Thursday night in the Parkland theatre at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation.
“The acting classes this year have done some exceptional work,” said acting teacher Joan Saunders. “It’s great to be able to celebrate their talent and their commitment.”
To round out the showcase, Parkland Art students have put together an art show at the school for all to enjoy during the week-long event.