Local talent perform in Wizard of Oz

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

The Alberta Dance Theatre’s (ADT) production of ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ will see three Strathmore dancers on the stage this year.
The classic tale is being brought to life on the University of Calgary stage Nov. 28-30.
“I chose the Wonderful Wizard of Oz for this year’s Alberta Dance Theatre production in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the classic film, as well as the exciting adventure that this timeless tale takes seemed to lend itself so easily to dance,” said Deanne Walsh, artistic director.
“I feel that all generations will be able to connect to this fun story and look forward to seeing their favourite characters come to life onstage, in our creative twist on the story.”
Nave Raycroft, Saige Aleman and Lane Habing, who all dance with Expressions the Dance Gallery, auditioned successfully for roles with the show.
Aleman has been dancing since she was three, and this is her first show with the ADT. She has been cast in the roles of the lion, Oz, and is in the tornado group, which is her favourite of the three.
“I just like the theme of it, black and white and all fun characters,” said Aleman.
The opening scene is her favourite of the entire production because it involves everyone.
“Going through the whole audition process was really interesting to see how they work it. It gives the kids a good idea as to what it takes to actually be involved in a production of this caliber,” said Christa Aleman, Saige’s mom.
“Then if it’s something they wish to pursue further on down the line then it gives them just a really good taste of what performing arts looks like.”
Raycroft first began dancing with ADT in 2010 when she performed in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ but officially began her dancing career when she was three-years-old.
When asked why she still performs with ADT, five shows later, she said, “I think really because it is just so different from anything else we really do at regular dance classes, because you get to participate in the choreography.”
She is in the tornado dance, plays a crow, and a winged monkey.
“I’m also a green person from Emerald City, I’d have to say that would be my favourite,” said Raycroft.
“It’s different from the other ones because the crows and winged monkeys are kind of evil and down low and then that it’s really fun and bubbly.”
Dance has been a big part of Raycroft’s life for a long time, and despite moving into junior high this year, she seems to have added to her dance repertoire instead of easing back a bit.
Habing is returning for her second performance with the dance troupe her first was in last year’s ‘Never Never Land.’ She plays a lion, a humbug, a lollipop kid, another lollipop kid in the opening and a deadly poppy.
“In the finale we get to hold ribbons and do a dance to it like we’re celebrating, and we get to use ribbons and do cool twirls with the ribbons,” said Habing, describing her favourite part of the production.
She was happy to return for another show with ADT, “because last year it was just a good experience to do it.”
The show is on stage Nov. 28 at 7 p.m., Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and on Nov. 30 at 1 pm. There will also be two special performances on Nov. 27 for students from the girls’ schools to attend. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.