Luciterra students. FUBAFOTO photo.
The students of Luciterra Dance Company are putting on a show.
The East Vancouver-based school’s annual winter student showcase, The White Raven Revue, takes place this Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings St.). The students have been working on their routines for the past four months.
We asked co-director Nikki Mae to tell us more about the show and the company.
Q: How long have you been putting on The White Raven Revue? What is your role?
A: The White Raven Revue is going into its seventh year. But this will be the first time that I and my partner, Esther Harty, are putting on the White Raven since the four founding members and original instructors (Amber Eastman, Gillian Cofsky, Laura June, and Naomi Joy Gallagher) passed the torch to us in the summer. We were in the highest level performance class that toured Luciterra’s theatrical production (I.m.)position. Esther and I co-direct the company and co-teach the classes.
Q: Where do the students come from, and what are their backgrounds?
A: Our students come from many different backgrounds and age groups. Some are looking to try dance for the first time and others are coming back to it at a later point in life. And some who want to try something different.
FUBAFOTO photo.
Q: Is it different students every year?
A: We do take on new students every term, but many of our students stay and progress through the different levels. We currently have four different classes. “Ruby” is our introductory level, which we recommend all students, no matter their experience level, start in, to familiarize themselves with our style. “Tangerine” is the next level, followed by “Saffron” and “Cobalt,” which is our most advanced level.
Q: What should people know about this year’s White Raven Revue?
A: It will feature choreography made by Luciterra (ourselves and the founders) as well as self-choreographed solos and group pieces by the students themselves. There will also be a feature performance by the instructors’ performance group, Omnika In Motion, which is an excerpt from our full-length show “Echoes.” The complete show will make its Vancouver debut at the Rickshaw February 8.
There will also be vendors, including local artists, and an exciting raffle draw full of great prizes! The show is hosted by long-time friend of Luciterra and circus artist Chris Myrdock.
FUBAFOTO photo.
Tickets to The White Raven Revue are $17 in advance at luciterradance.com and $20 at the door. Doors are 6 p.m., show at 7. Registration for the 12-week winter session is open online at luciterradance.com as well.
