For thousands of years, people of every culture have gathered for spring dances. This year the St. Albert Community League, a loosely based group of local citizens that runs the St. Albert Community Hall, will throw open its doors tonight for an all-ages spring dance.
“We’re trying to rebuild the role of the community league as a gathering place. We had a harvest dance in October, a New Year’s dance in December and now we’re have a spring dance,” says event chair Lynda Flannery.
The community league is bringing back DJ Mike, who happened to be a huge hit at the New Year’s Eve dance. “When you hear the music, you feel the need to dance to it. And he will have the best stuff from the ‘50s to now,” says Sheena Hughes, entertainment co-ordinator.
DJ Mike’s eight-hour playlist is extensive including The Beatles, Bee Gees, Clay Walker, Toby Keith, Rhianna, Pink, Kid Rock, Sugarland, Bruce Springsteen and both Michael and Alan Jackson — to name a few.
Most of the bootie shakers who attended the previous two dances ranged from the mid-30s to the early 60s.
“They wanted a place in St. Albert to dance, but didn’t want to go to bars. At our dances, they can relax with music that doesn’t drown you out. There’s a big dance floor and it’s very casual. It’s like a community party,” Flannery adds.
As an added bonus Sabrina’s Dance Instruction will give free dance lessons from 7:15 to 8 p.m. The dance follows from 8 p.m. until midnight.
Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. It includes a midnight lunch and membership to the community league. The hall is at 17 Perron St.
Today and tomorrow Concordia University College of Alberta drama department performs one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved fairy tales.
Honk! is a musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling with music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Tara Brodin directs with musical direction from Ryan Sigurdson, the St. Albert Children’s Theatre’s former musical director.
“It’s a universal story of who we are. It’s a story of identity and overcoming adversity and coming to terms with who you are,” says Brodin.
The songs range from the magical showstopper Warts and All to the more painful Different. “This is a fabulous musical with a first-rate score. It’s entertaining. It has comedy, but it also has wonderful poignant moments that everyone can relate to.”
Tickets are $8 to $10 at the door. Performances are in the Tegler Auditorium, 7128 Ada Boulevard.
