Bream Bay Pulse Dance Studio's Rowan McInnes (left), Ruby Stewart, Caitlin Augustin and Darnika Williams won top Northland dance awards last year and were asked to perform as special guests at the Fusion concert. Photo/Krystal Williams-Tuhoro
Bream Bay Pulse Dance Studio's Rowan McInnes (left), Ruby Stewart, Caitlin Augustin and Darnika Williams won top Northland dance awards last year and were asked to perform as special guests at the Fusion concert. Photo/Krystal Williams-Tuhoro
Two Bream Bay dance schools took part in last Sunday's Northland Ballet and Dance 75th anniversary Fusion concert at Forum North.
Bream Bay Ballet teacher Kristin Orr, who was compere, says the concert was a wonderful opportunity for dance schools in Northland to showcase their students and a stunning venue to show the various dance genres.
The first session was the showcase of local dance schools: Bream Bay Ballet, Pulse Dance Studio, Whangārei Dance and Performing Arts, Dance Collective and Performing Arts and Whangārei Girls' High.
Bream Bay Ballet grade 5 dancers backstage at the Fusion concert: Nia Owen (left), Haydon Fraser, Jaime Grace, Julia Yumby. Photo/Kristin Orr
The second session was a display of soloist winners from competitions last year, and Sarah Trass, a former Northland dance competitor, spoke about her life as a dancer and the skills she had learned – organisation, commitment, developing self-confidence, a joy of performing, learning to work in a group, respecting your fellow dancers as well as dancing as a soloist and being brave enough to perform on stage.
Next weekend both Bream Bay Ballet and Pulse Dance Studio dancers will be on stage again at Forum North, this time competing in the three-day WADPA Dance Festival.
Bream Bay students in starring roles
Otamatea Repertory Theatre's young cast members have been practising hard for their production of Beauty and the Beast.
Haydon Fraser, Monsieur D'Arque in Otamatea Repertory Theatre's upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast. Photo/Nina Gastreich
Liam McCollum, the Beast in Otamatea Repertory Theatre's next production. Photo/Nina Gastreich
Director Maura Flower said the very talented group of youngsters are busy learning lines and songs and perfecting moves while the costume department works overtime to create a visual extravaganza.
Lisa Johnson of DancEnergy has trained a small troupe of dancers to take part in two of the scenes.
"It certainly takes a huge number of people to pull together to create a great show," said Flower.
"We hope you will be able to come to the theatre and enjoy an afternoon or evening of pure entertainment."
Waipū School student Haydon Fraser plays Monsieur D'Arque and Bream Bay College's Liam McCollum is enjoying the challenge of playing the Beast.
"He's quite a complex character," said Liam "I think he has a good heart but he is angry that he finds himself in a seemingly hopeless situation."
The show features classic songs from the Academy Award-winning film score as well as original songs from the 1994 Tony-nominated Broadway musical.
There will be eight shows between April 27 and May 5 and tickets are on sale now, either online at www.ort.org.nz or at Tony's Lotto Shop in Maungaturoto. A Family Special deal is available for the first show only (2pm, April 27) if you buy four tickets (including one adult) you will receive a 20 per cent discount. This deal is not available online. Either visit Tony's, or contact Maura Flower on 022 354 2670 to secure your discounted tickets.
Cove Classics on Sunday
This Sunday enjoy an afternoon of opera and musical theatre at this year's Classics at the Cove performance. Pack a picnic and head to Tahamoana Angora Goat Farm at 566 Cove Rd, Waipū and listen to the classics while overlooking Bream Bay.
Ridge Ponini returns for his third year to sing with Waipu's Emma Couper, along with local up and coming singers and members of Opera North. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day or from Waipū Hammer Hardware or at Eventfinda.co.nz, and are $25 for picnic seating, children free.
A reminder that tonight is open night at both Waipū and Ruakākā volunteer fire brigades. Along with 40 other Northland stations, they are opening their doors to give people a chance to check out the station, the gear, the trucks and ask what it's all about - perhaps sign up to be part of their organisation.
There are a wide range of jobs available for volunteers keen to help their community. Head along between 5pm and 7pm to Ruakākā Fire Brigade on Princes Rd or Waipū on Nova Scotia Drive.
Parenting skills for young parents
Bream Bay Trust will run a teen parenting programme on Fridays from May 3 to June 7, 9.30am-11.30am, along with a Parenting Toolbox course for parents of children aged 0-4 years.
The programme is aimed at parents aged 24 and under – but even if you have not yet had your baby but are still pregnant, you can come along.
To book, call Summer Teleiai on 09 432 71297 or email her at teleiaisummer@gmail.com or pick up a booking form from the trust. Programme organisers are looking for donations to help run the programme so if you can give toys, baby gates, clothing, books or food, contact Summer as above.
• Email Julie Paton at moojoy@xtra.co.nz if you've got Bream Bay news to share with Northern Advocate readers.
