Special Ballet Workshop Offers Performance Showcase

Cambridge - Local ballet dancers will have an amazing opportunity at their doorstep when Canada’s most accomplished male dancer, Frank Augustyn, comes to the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. The renowned ‘Augustyn and Artists’ will offer an informative ballet workshop with a new twist that includes an on stage performance option with former principal dancers of the National Ballet of Canada.

“The program was offered last year and people came from surrounding communities that were several hours away to take part in the unique Cambridge workshop,” says Sophie McCann, Coordinator for Cambridge Centre for the Arts. “This year’s new performance event is an added bonus for participants to showcase their talents and share their experience with the community.”

‘Augustyn and Artists’ will take place on January 2, 3 and 4, 2010 but registration is happening now. Students who register before November 15, 2009 will receive an early bird discount.

The workshop is co-organized by Carolyn Zettel-Augustyn and local dance teacher and artist Michele Hopkins. In addition to Frank Augustyn and Mary Jago who are former principal dancers of the National Ballet of Canada, the workshop features other world renowned dancers, choreographers and teachers including: Peter Quanz, an international choreographer who recently created original work for the National Ballet of Canada; and Trish Armstrong, former dancer of the Danny Grossman Company. There’s even a registered physiotherapist on the team.

“Dance students who are seven years and older, as well as beginner and intermediate adults, can register for this popular dance workshop,” says coorganizer Michele Hopkins. She says that Cambridge has a vibrant and growing community of dance and she hopes more local dancers will join in for the training.

“Dance is getting in everyone’s consciousness. This workshop brings it to people in a way that everyone gets something out of it,” adds Hopkins. The second day intensive will conclude with an open demonstration and discussion of the classical ballet Copellia. Classical variations from the ballet will be presented by participants who attend the second day option.

When it comes to the live performance feature, parents and ballet lovers alike are invited to attend this special free event on Sunday, January 3 at 2:00 pm at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street in civic square. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to experience dance at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. Enrolment is limited.