En Pointe Dance Studio’s show ‘Milly & the Giant Peach’
En Pointe Dance Studio is buzzing as five senior ballet students, Milly Lamason, Charli Thackray, Indaria Bainbridge-Davies, and sisters Courtney and Elizabeth Till, prepare for their annual end-of-year show. They can’t wait to showcase their passion and hard work on stage!
We sat down with them to learn more about their journey, what inspired them to start dancing, and their roles in the upcoming show, ‘Milly & the Giant Peach’.
Each dancer has a unique story to share. Elizabeth and Courtney started dancing at a young age. Elizabeth’s passion has evolved as she explored new genres like hip-hop and jazz, stepping out of her comfort zone. Courtney has seen her love for dance grow, finding a welcoming and cheerful environment at En Pointe Dance Studio.
Indaria started dancing at the tender age of two; guided by her mother, dancing has become her second home and family. Milly’s passion for dance blossomed as a child who wanted to try everything. She discovered her love for stage performance and continued to expand her dance repertoire. Charli found inspiration in her father’s dance moves and has never looked back since her first dance class. Her passion for dance keeps growing each day!
Indaria’s first competition at the age of five left an unforgettable mark on her dance journey. The lights, the atmosphere, and the thrill of being on stage felt just right. In contrast, Milly’s memorable experience came in 2018 when she competed in the DEC Paeroa Dance Competition. Despite being the youngest in her category, she received the award for the most promising dancer, boosting her confidence and acknowledging her hard work. Charli fondly remembers getting her first lead role as Shaggy in Mystery Inc, just over a year after joining En Pointe Dance Studio. Elizabeth recalls a performance of the Wizard of Oz when she and her sister’s wings got stuck together, but it only motivated her to improve and avoid future mishaps.
The dancers shared their roles and how they prepared for the upcoming dance show. Milly will be playing the title role of Milly! She’s putting in around 20 hours of practice each week to perfect her performance. Indaria will portray the Grasshopper and Young Milly’s Mother, while Charli will take on the roles of the Centipede and Young Milly’s Father. Courtney will embody Mrs. Ladybug, and Elizabeth will showcase her talent as Miss Spider. They have all prepared meticulously, watching the movie or reading the original Roald Dahl story to understand their characters better.
But their involvement doesn’t stop at their character roles. They help design and make props and backdrops for the show, spending hours putting the set together. They also add their favourite dance moves to the choreography, enhancing the overall
performance. Courtney and the other senior dancers assist in teaching the younger dance students, nurturing a sense of community within the dance family.
Being a part of En Pointe Dance Studio’s whānau has significantly impacted their lives. Indaria cherishes the lifelong friendships she has made and the invaluable lessons she has learned. Milly also considers the studio her second family, forming lifelong connections and being inspired by older dancers. Now, as a senior dancer, she gets to inspire and be a sister-like figure for the younger ones. The support and guidance from Lisa and En Pointe Dance Studio have been invaluable to her over the past decade.
They all agree that the highlight is the unity that shines through. Courtney emphasises how the show portrays the dance family atmosphere. Elizabeth looks forward to one last show with her and the senior class. Indaria can’t wait for everyone to witness the hard work and effort they have put in, and for Milly, this show holds immense significance as it marks her final performance at En Pointe Dance Studio after ten years.
En Pointe Dance Studio’s ‘Milly & the Giant Peach’ production promises to be a captivating and heartwarming experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the talent and dedication of these incredible dancers.
The show will be held at the Whitianga Town on December 2nd and 3rd. Grab your tickets now here and be prepared to be enthralled by the magic of dance!
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
Help us take Coromind Magazine to new heights by becoming a member. Click here
Change the Weather for Your Business: Advertise with Us.
Advertise your business in the whole Hauraki Coromandel in the coolest Coromandel Art Magazine, from Waihi Beach/Paeroa /Thames up to the Great Barrier Island.
Advertise Smarter, Not Harder: Get in Touch