Many of local dance teacher Jane Herrlich's pupils recently got some time in the spotlight at the Maury Young Arts Centre.
On May 29 and 30, the group presented "Dancing Through Wonderland": Herrlich's first full story production told entirely through the art of dance. Performers conveyed a tale where Alice retreats into the titular dream world of Wonderland, meeting a number of vibrant characters in the process.
The cast ranged from four to 17 years of age and has been rehearsing the show since February, with some going to four classes per week as a result. The program's mix of lead and supporting characters meant some dancers had solo routines and duets to familiarize themselves with.
"I couldn't have asked for any more support from the audience. I mean, it speaks for itself that both nights were sold out," Herrlich says. "Moreover, getting a standing ovation at the end of the night was incredibly humbling and emotional. Since I opened Dance with Jane in September 2022, I have had ongoing encouragement from parents and friends. Their belief in me has helped grow the studio and, more importantly, inspire and grow the children in our community.
"Having such a diverse age range is fantastic. The younger dancers look up to the older dancers and aspire to be like them. They will sit mesmerized watching them dance. The older students are extremely reliable and become amazing role models … helping them with their hair, makeup and costumes whilst I am backstage directing is so beneficial to me. Everyone gets on and feels comfortable around each other.
Self-assurance, creative expression and resilience
Herrlich grew up dancing in her mother's British academy, not unlike what her pupils are experiencing now. Her background includes a stint at Preston Dance College, a Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance and a Tap and Modern Diploma with the Imperial Society of Dance. As a professional, Herrlich travelled to multiple countries before settling in Whistler during the late 2010s.
She knows first-hand how intimidating a major show can be to prepare for, but also how rewarding the process can be.
"Being part of a big recital allows students to develop a wide range of skills and personal growth that can be used in many other life aspects as well," remarks Herrlich. "A few important skills they learned are: self-assurance and pride when stepping in front of an audience of 200 people, creative expression when they connect to their character and the music in the story, and resilience when they are faced with challenging choreography, last-minute changes and nerves.
"Most importantly, they learned to work towards a shared goal, supporting one another while understanding the importance of commitment and contribution."
In the future, Herrlich hopes to entice a few local businesses into supporting Dance with Jane as it grows, for community partnerships might bring future productions to a higher level. She is, however, grateful for the "amazing" volunteer parents and friends who helped "Dancing Through Wonderland" run smoothly by ushering at the door, scanning tickets, calming students and facilitating quick costume changes backstage.
"Taylah Abrahamson taught our youngest dance group their routine. She has been teaching the Wednesday four-to-five-year-old class since January where they learn various types of dance genres. They got to perform as the flowers on stage and they were so adorable. Taylah had originally covered my dance classes for me whilst I was away last November and the students had a lot of fun," Herrlich says.
Dance with Jane will offer a few ballet classes at the Maury Young during summer, with more courses in ballet, hip-hop, lyrical jazz, and tap returning to full swing come fall.
