We’re off to see the Wizard! The wonderful Wizard of Oz! The Dominica Institute for the Arts (DIFA) ballet students will be presenting an all dance performance of “The Wizard of Oz” as a part of DOMFESTA this Thursday, May 18th at the Old Mill Cultural Division from 6-7:30pm. Come and follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy and Toto as they travel to the Emerald City! The story begins in Kansas, where Dorothy dreams of another life “Over the Rainbow”. She gets her wish as a furious tornado knocks her out and sends her to Oz! There, she meets the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, as well as the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. Dorothy finally realizes her mistake and misses her home in Kansas. The dancers have rehearsed for this performance for many months perfecting their steps. Both children and adults, young and old, male and female will enjoy this show. ENTRY IS FREE! This ballet is choreographed and directed by DIFA dance instructor Rebecca Warthen. The show will be opened by DIFA’s hip-hop dance students, directed by Ghandi Robin.
As a project of the Cultural Division, the Dominica Institute for the Arts provides professional training to local students in the visual and performing arts. For more information, please contact the Cultural Division.
This ensemble would have been better served looking somewhere beyond and over the rainbow for their creative inspiration.
A “brainier” and more “heartfelt” approach would have been to showcase the celebrated works of renowned regional dance masters Alwin Bully and Alvin Ailey. As the saying goes, “charity begins at home”
At the risk of being dragged over the coals for being in agreement with your post, I do so without intention of demeaning the dancer’s performance or the choreography. But alas, valid criticism in the arts isn’t generally accepted in Dominica.
Yes, it would be good, in terms of cultural content, if we found inspiration closer to home. Pearle Christian has done so brilliantly over the years. However, children’s fantasies have a universal appeal and they lend themselves to interpretation by people of all races.
Jazz singer Cecile McLorin Salvant does so masterfully with this recording of “If This Isn’t Love” from the musical “Finian’s Rainbow”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmQbC5TYFM4
What really happen to Arawak House of Culture?