Hundreds of talented local dance students are set to showcase their skills in a stage retelling of a classic family story.
Expressions Dance is staging a production of Wonka with two shows in one day on November 20.
The Pakuranga-based studio’s director, Justine de Kock, says the production is based on the well-known story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.
“We’ve got about 250 dancers, aged from three years old to 18, involved.
“It follows the traditional story and it’s all portrayed through dance so we’ve got ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, preschool, and point.
“It’s a fun family show with great music and performances by our students who have been working so hard since October.”
De Kock says members of the public who don’t have a connection to any of the students in the production are more than welcome to attend the show.
“Because we have a storyline I think that attracts a lot of people.
“Everyone knows the story and it’s just a little bit different so I think it’s more attractive to other people to come and watch the show too.”
Two cast members with big roles on their hands are Lisa Scott, who plays the eccentric and mysterious Willy Wonka, and Jasmine de Kock, who plays the young Charlie Bucket.
Jasmine says it’s a challenge taking the story and turning it into a dance production.
“It’s definitely a challenge trying to look at new ways to interpret the characters rather than speaking and acting out their parts.
“You’ve got to figure out their underlying characteristics and try and add that in the dance.
“It’s always a challenge but it is fun once you figure it out and apply that and it’s really cool once you do.”
Lisa says she’s found the toughest part of preparing for the show to be getting into the character of Wonka.
“He has all these different mannerisms so watching how he acts [in the film version] and trying to portray that through body language.
“It helps to watch the film because he walks in a funny way so seeing it and applying all his different little quirks.”
Jasmine says the teenage cast members have to make sure all aspects of the storyline come together on stage and are told well.
“Especially with the main characters, because that’s definitely our job compared to the individual groups who just do their dance.
“We’re there to tell the story and make sure it’s all understood.”
Expressions Dance’s production of Wonka is staged at 2.30pm and 6pm on November 20 in the BNZ Theatre at Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau.
To book, phone 0800 289 849 or go online to www.eventfinda.co.nz.
