When last we left the company of 90 dancers at FarmingtonDANCE in March, they were gearing up for months of rehearsals; dozens of costume changes; and immersion into magical characters. The pirates, fairies, lost boys and circus clowns are now ready for their close-ups.
The performances, which will showcase dancers from age 3 to 16, have grown in depth and complexity of character over time. “It’s easier to dance than to develop a character and bring it to life,” says Kym Nash, Artistic Director of FarmingtonDANCE. “And, it’s not easy to dance.”
“When you create a character,” says Nash, “you have to take chances. The dancers have learned that there are always a few bumps as you go along the way. But, as we work through the process, the girls grow as dancers and as people. They learn to believe in themselves more; in their own real-life character.”
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Over the past few months, Nash says, they’ve all gotten to know each other well. “As they build their roles, the dancers make connections to their own lives that relate to their characters. And, so do I. So when I want to get more out of their performances, say I want a particular dancer to show frustration, I’ll ask her to make believe she’s confronting her brother who, I know by this time, can be annoying to her!”
And the character building continues. The show will be tweaked until opening day, says Nash. “I can’t leave well enough – enough!” Nevertheless, the dancers are ready to take their places. While Captain Hook/Gracie Hammond and Tiger Lilly/Genie Saintonge admitted to being, “really nervous,” they were also equally, “really excited!”
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When asked what audiences will see at the June 12 performance, About Town gave the last word to Peter Pan/Rachel Hanuschak. “You can expect a magical night.”
Here’s the Deal
FarmingtonDANCE; 133 River Road, Canton; 860-693-1800: info@farmingtondance.com.
FarmingtonDANCE will be presenting two acts: Peter Pan and The Circus: The Greatest Show on Earth this weekend: Sunday, June 12, 2011, 4 p.m. at The Warner Theatre. All tickets cost $15.
The Warner Theatre, 68 Main St., Torrington; 860-489-7180: www.warnertheatre.org.
