Events
Review“The charm of Once Upon a Dance lay in watching dancers at every stage of their journey, from three-year-olds tentatively taking to the stage for the first time to polished senior students.
Presented by Jess Hannah School of Dance for two shows on September 19 at Nelson’s Theatre Royal, the production brought together 103 performers from 14 class groups, ranging from a three-year-old taking some of their earliest steps on stage to dancers in their mid-50s.
The premise was simple: a young girl falls asleep with her favourite storybook and is carried into a dream world, guided by fairies through Enchanted Night, Enchanted Forest, Enchanted Toyland and finally, Enchanted Castle.
It was a clever framework for a show involving such a wide range of ages and abilities, and no easy feat to pull together, especially when some of the dances involved all performers taking to the stage for a single dance. One moment the stage was filled with tiny mice, kitties, fireflies and fairies; the next, the older dancers swept in with more polished and technically demanding performances.
Senior student Madeleine Sefton was a standout, wowing the crowd with her solo to break up the busier dances. She provided a confident presence throughout much of the production, appearing alongside and supporting many of the younger dancers.
She was joined by four lead fairies: Millie Shefford in Enchanted Night, Daisy Oliver in Enchanted Forest, Iris van Enter in Enchanted Toyland and Livi O’Neill in Enchanted Castle. Together, they gently guided some of the smallest performers through their routines.
By far the most heartwarming moments belonged to those youngest dancers, some keeping a close eye on their teachers and older dancers to see what came next. Any momentary hesitation only added to the charm, and they drew some of the warmest reactions from the audience.
At the other end of the spectrum, an adult group performing Candyman in swishy short skirts and heels brought plenty of attitude and drew some of the biggest applause of the show.
There was plenty of variety too, from Tinkerbell and Little Red Riding Hood to Barbie Girl and the Sugar Plum Fairy, before an upbeat final act featuring Boogie Wonderland and Night Fever, where all 103 performers somehow managed to pull off a finale onstage together without falling over one another.
One of the show's strengths was that it never seemed to forget who it was for. It gave off the vibe of not being simply about technical perfection, but about giving dancers of every age and ability their moment under the lights.
Even the King and Queen, Dave Whitehust and Megan Wright, were volunteers roped in by one of the adult dancers, adding to the sense that this was very much a community production.
Behind it all were show directors Jess Hannah and Maree Hanford, supported by teachers, choreographers and a sizeable team of backstage helpers and volunteers.
With more than 100 performers, countless costume changes and four enchanted worlds to navigate, Once Upon a Dance could easily have become chaotic.
Instead, it was colourful and impressively cohesive, celebrating everyone from accomplished senior dancers to tiny performers experiencing the magic of the stage for the first time.”
- Nina Hindmarsh
Review“Dance to the Rhythm” was the blazing and brilliant third showcase, presented by Jess Hannah Dance and Pilates, at the Suter Art Gallery Theatre. It is the finale of a year’s worth of dedication, collaboration, and commitment by Jess and her team of teachers, dancers, and volunteers. “Dance to the Rhythm” was captivating and professional till the final applause, and a very proud moment for Jess, her school, and the talented local community as a whole.
Jess Hannah Dance has been operating for over three years now, and its values of inclusivity, empowerment, and fun shine through in the showcase. The diverse age range of its performers was one of the standout highlights of the night. It was refreshing to enjoy performances aged from 3 years through to adults, and the enjoyment and passion of each dancer onstage was clear to the audience.
The showcase delivered a range of performances across multiple genres, styles, and levels. From special effects in lighting, smoke machines, and sound, to the range of song choices. Performers in glow-in-the-dark headpieces danced to Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me”; there were tambourines, carefully crafted floral ornaments, and lace dresses rocking to Aerosmith. One of the standout sequences was the adults’ Chicago inspired routine. Glittering in sequins and bowler hats, then seamlessly transitioning to the next performance of dainty blue tutus dotting the stage, twirling to Coppelia. Performances on pointe were mesmerising.
Dance is also about empowerment. This is something Jess’ school champions for, and was consistently present on stage. From the leading roles of dancers to the collaboration of those backstage. Even a heartwarming moment where a preschooler found the stage understandably quite daunting. But there was never a moment when a dancer was excluded or drifting from the team. The senior girls were phenomenal in their awareness of both steps, technique, all the while looking out for the youngsters. As one of the girls held the preschooler’s hand, she bravely joined in again, dancing and smiling once more. These moments beautifully underscored the inclusivity and collaboration of the dance school.
The dedication from Jess, Laura, Maree, and the entire team of choreographers, dancers, volunteers, and community members is a testament to the showcase’s success. As flower bouquets and thank you gifts were handed out at the end of the production, you couldn’t help but feel as thrilled and proud as those on stage were clearly feeling. This is the kind of inspiring art we need, and I would highly recommend we continue to support and enjoy it every way we can, as I am certain next year’s showcase from Jess Hannah Dance will be as celebrated and spectacular as this one.
- Carys Trotter
Review“Into the Forest,” presented by Jess Hannah Dance and Pilates at the Suter Art Gallery Theatre, was a beautiful embodiment of the studio’s values—community, inclusivity, dedication, and passion. From preschoolers to seniors, dancers of all ages and abilities took to the stage, showcasing the power of dance to bring people together.
One of the standout performances came from the seniors, who performed a mesmerizing piece to Mura Masa’s “Firefly,” enhanced by glowing lights that captivated the audience. The carefully crafted timing of the lights turning on and off perfectly synchronized with the dancers’ movements and the rhythm of the music, creating an immersive and dynamic experience. Each burst of light added depth to the performance, drawing the audience further into the storytelling. In contrast, the youngest dancers from Stoke Montessori delighted the audience with their playful energy, dressed in adorable pukeko costumes as they joyfully stomped through “Pukeko Stomp.” Their innocence and enthusiasm filled the room, offering moments of pure glee and laughter.
Choreographers Jess Hannah, Laura Rolfe, Hannah Stevenson, Bella Goomes, and Evelyn Lesser crafted each piece with thoughtfulness and care, ensuring that every dancer, regardless of age or ability, had a chance to shine. The attention to detail, from the carefully chosen music to the striking costumes, reflected the dedication and passion that drives the Jess Hannah Dance community. The costumes were particularly notable, from the vibrant pukeko outfits, baby bunnies, and the cutest lions the audience has ever seen, through to all the colours of the rainbow, and the earthy, flowing attire worn by other groups, all of which enhanced the performance’s connection to nature and the themes of the forest.
The audience was visibly amazed and moved, not only by the talent on display but also by the deep sense of community that permeated the entire evening. The older kids played a pivotal role throughout the show, carefully guiding and supporting the younger dancers on stage, which is a true expression of the values Jess and her students take pride in. “Into the Forest” was a celebration of inclusivity and creativity, leaving no doubt that Jess Hannah Dance and Pilates is a place where every dancer, young or old, can express themselves fully and joyfully.
The evening ended on a bittersweet note as some of the seniors took their final wave, knowing they are moving on to new avenues beyond the studio. However, their love and respect for Jess was evident in every movement and expression, a tribute to the bonds they’ve built over the years. “Into the Forest” was a beautiful showcase of talent, and I personally can not wait to see what Jess Hannah will come up with in the future.
- Nicole Lewington
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