The fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland is coming to life through dance as 183 Still Dancing students assume the classic roles - from the Cheshire Cat to the Mad Hatter - at Brennan Park Recreation Centre on Saturday (June 13).
Dancers from three to nearly 60 years of age have been busy training in ballet, tap, jazz and street jazz for the past four months to perform the year-end recital entitled Adventures in Wonderland.
The Still Dancing program, which started 11 years ago with a few students, has grown rapidly. Instructors Debbie Vidas and Jane Runnals run 25 classes weekly and the annual recital relies equally on the students' passion for dancing as it does on active contributions from parents and volunteers.
And the creative result is huge, said Vidas.
"It's just a joy to see the happiness on the kids' faces when they're dancing on stage and how proud they feel of themselves for what they've accomplished," she said.
"And it's the community coming together that keeps it affordable."
Volunteers help direct lighting, backdrops and music so the students can dance their hearts out in front of a large audience. The Brennan Park Recreation Centre was packed during a dress rehearsal on Sunday (June 7), which helped the newer dancers get more comfortable before the big day.
The recital marks a return to a lost love for many of the older dancers. And while some have experience performing in the past, others are embarking on a new adventure down the rabbit hole.
But the students help each other along the way, said Runnals.
"They just have a blast up there and they work really well together," she said, adding that she hopes the students inspire others to take up dance.
"I think the audience is going to be really happy with the energy because that's one thing that we've always tried to do for the show."
Adventures in Wonderland runs 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on Saturday (June 13). Tickets are available at the door, The Bookshelf and Lucky Loonie Dollar Store at a cost of $12 for adults and $8 for seniors and students.
