Dance event has right spirit

By Ashleigh Fielding | posted on October 17, 2019

A DANCE group that prides itself on inclusivity and acceptance is hosting its spring showcase this weekend.

Bonnie Giles Production Company, headed by owner Jade Smith, will present Spirit of Spring this Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm at Antonia’s Dance Studio on Lockyer Avenue.

Ms Smith said she formed the company after she was knocked back from various dance academies and did not want to see that type of rejection occur to anyone else.

“I said to myself, ‘I’ll be damned if I let that happen to other people’,” she said.

“This is a space where people can express themselves; for people who feel rejected and give them a place to belong.

“If people feel they don’t have a place to belong, they have a place here.”

Ms Smith said she’s seen first-hand the difference the performing arts and her inclusive environment has had on people.

“It’s great especially for people who don’t really have any confidence, because you see them start to come out of their shell and they feel better within themselves,” she said.

“And they’re part of a family here, too.”

Spirit of Spring will feature hip

hop, contemporary, jazz, commercial and Latin dance routines in a variety-style show, themed to spring.

“It’s about spring and renewal and rebirth,” Ms Smith explained.

“But with that sometimes comes tragedy, so we have some more serious routines too.

“I just want everyone to see how passionate these people are and see their love for the performing arts.”

Tickets are on sale now from Paperbark Merchants for this weekend’s event and there is a special treat for people who purchase table seats.