Newsletter
Fall 2006:
Autumn and the new season at Goh Ballet are in full swing. We’re writing to recap the events of the past few months, as well as to give a look forward at events of this season.
Congratulations to Goh ballet students Kostyantyn Keshyshev and Fei Fei Ye who both won silver medals at the 2006 Genée International Ballet Competition. And also to James Stout who was a finalist.
The Start of the Season
New and returning students and families received the 2006-2007 Parent and Student Handbook as classes began this September. The handbook features helpful tips, a calendar and uniform information. And the new uniforms have our classes looking crisp and professional.
Also present at the beginning of the season was Goh Ballet graduate Erica Trivett (now with an acclaimed career based in Europe). Trivett taught two weeks of challenging and intriguing modern workshops. Students enjoyed this training with 2 levels (YBC and PA/PB). Likewise, local jazz choreographer, Rachel Poirier will be teaching all season. She inspired students with classes this summer.
The second year of the Junior Professional Program (JPP) also got off to a great start, with the young students showing their best professional attitudes and dedication toward the arduous work ahead.
Community Performances
As always, Goh Ballet dancers are lending their artistry (and getting valuable experience before discerning and appreciative audiences) to British Columbia’s internationally flavoured local events and educational programs.
Beginning in November, many dancers will be busy preparing for the Royal Academy of Dance Examinations and public or community performances. They are all doing very well.
With the Goh Ballet Vancouver Society’s connections, the Youth Ballet Ensemble will have the opportunity to perform The Nutcracker at Millennium Place in Whistler as part of Toursim Whister’s “A Whistler Christmas.” The performances will be on December 20, 22, and 23 (2 performances on the 23 rd). It will be a wonderful experience for our young dancers and we are delighted. If you happen to be in Whistler, we hope you can enjoy this remarkable show!
On Decmber 6, the Goh Ballet Vancouver Society will host a luncheon with the Youth Ensemble. The dancers are grateful to the Board of Directors for taking care of them.
Christmas Show
The school is already fully engaged in preparations for the Christmas show. Actually, the work began long ago when the Academy’s artistic committee made the decision to weave a more robust story line into the production this year, creating an ever stronger holiday feeling and message of joy.
The show will be December 16 at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster, with participation of students from all levels of the Academy. Tickets went on sale 2 weeks ago and seats are still available in the Goh Ballet office.
As always, backstage will be a hotbed of activity, and we’re grateful to have instructor Fiona Smith and parent Lee Gahr organizing the backstage committee. But they need more volunteers. We’ll have two big rooms for preparations and costume changes. Please sign up in the office or with Miss Fiona or Lee!
Parents Deborah Basterfield, Kimber Frenette, Lynda Burrough, Miranda Joyce and Izabella Roan are going gangbusters with all the costumes for the performance and definitely need your help too. If you can help, please contact the office.
As Mrs. Goh says, “It’s not just great teachers, our amazing building, and dedicated students that make us what we are, but also the participation of stalwart parent volunteers.” Mr. and Mrs. Goh appreciate your help and invite you all to play whatever role you can.
Goh Parent Advisory Committee - Join Us!
On Saturday, November 18 the Goh Parent Advisory Committee (GPAC) will have an all-parent meeting at 11:00 a.m. at J.J. Bean ( 3010 Main Street – the corner of Main and 15 th). Items to be discussed include: Fundraising, school projects, costume and event participation, plus new ideas for the committee.
In Other News
DEMONSTRATION WEEK: Due to the busy schedule for the performance in December, parents are invited to view classes on Saturday, December 9 only.
DON’T FORGET THE ACADEMY’S HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
- Monday, November 13 – Remembrance Day Holiday (classes held as usual on Saturday, November 11)
- Saturday, December 16 – Christmas Show at Massey Theatre
- Sunday, December 24 to Sunday, January 7 – Christmas Break
And last, but certainly not least: GOH BALLET CELEBRATES ITS 30 YEARS ANNIVERSARY!
As we come into the New Year, the Goh Ballet will begin celebrating its 30-year anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Goh have prepared for the annual June performance to be the opening of the 30-year anniversary celebration.
There will be extra (and extra special) performances this May and June with special guest teachers, guest dancers and other surprises! General Division students will perform an original new piece, The Mermaid. The Professional Division will burst across the stage with Giselle, selections from Don Quixote and dazzling neo-classic and modern pieces. More details will be posted in the New Year. Whether it’s behind the scenes or on the stage, we wish you all an excellent experience this very special year!
Over its 30 years (so far), the Goh Ballet Academy has been home to an ever-evolving combination of guest and regular instructors and choreographers, each bringing a different approach, temperament and vision to bear on training for children, professional training and adult classes. Not only does the Goh Ballet keep its aim on its foundation of classical ballet, but it also aims to help spearhead the evolution of artful, affecting dance in the world.
Stay tuned for more!
