“They’re working with industry professionals and established choreographers who really push the limits for them…”
Mark your calendars! On August 9 & 10, George Brown Dance is presenting the next generation of performers from the Commercial Dance Program in Next Stage – a show featuring the graduating Commercial Dance students performing jazz, hip hop, chorus repertoire, vocal, and acting pieces, as their rigorous training draws to an end and they prepare to take on the world of dance.
Commercial Dance students are currently in the thick of rehearsals as they work on diverse works with GBD faculty and guest artist and GBD alumnus, Chris Knowles. “They’re working with industry professionals and established choreographers who really push the limits for them,” says GBD faculty member and Next Stage Producer, Dana Bondy. “The show is such a significant experience for them because of the connections that they’re making.”
The diverse works featured in Next Stage highlight the versatility of GBD’s Commercial Dance students, who have spent twelve months of intensive training in dance, acting, and vocals. Audiences will enjoy performances in a range of dance styles, including breakdance, contemporary, jazz funk, and hip hop, as well as entertaining musical theatre numbers, and engaging acting pieces. “It’s not solely a dance show,” explains Dana. “The students’ vocals are really strong and they’re really compelling actors. Their calibre and versatility make the show very exciting!”
Next Stage is a great opportunity for prospective students to see the range of material covered in GBD’s Commercial Dance Program. It’s also the perfect show for lovers of dance and theatre alike. “It’s a lot of entertainment and variety jam-packed into one hour,” shares Dana. “Everybody should come!”
You can see Next Stage at the Toronto Centre for the Arts August 9 & 10 at 8pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
There is still availability in the Commercial Dance Program for September 2019. The final in-person audition is July 11, 2019 in Toronto. Click here to learn more and register for your audition.
View the program video featuring faculty member and Raptors, North Side Crew Dancer, Derick Robinson.
Video auditions are also accepted. Check our website for submission requirements and contact auditions@balletjorgen.ca with any questions.
Written by Victoria Campbell Windle, CBJ Communications Contributor.
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