Shall We Dance?

Featuring Victoria Ballroom Dance Pairs and “A Cappella Plus” (from Nanaimo)

Linden Singers of Victoria and A Cappella Plus from Nanaimo are joining forces to bring to life a show created by Edette Gagné, as she rounds out her second season as Music Director, that overflows with whimsy and joy!

While one can easily envision SONG without dance, it is nigh impossible to have DANCE without music of some sort. Musical theatre, opera, animated films and movie musicals (old and new) have introduced countless generations to the toe-tapping magic of music. Today’s show celebrates songs that “are” specific dances - like the three tangos - as well as music that inspires dance - like “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” made memorable by Fred Astaire in “Easter Parade”.

Linden Singers’ incredible pianist Jane Edler-Davis shows immense versatility in this show, with everything from jazz to tango to rock. She is joined by Zach Arnold (percussion) and Fraser Currie (bass) - senior students from Oak Bay High School.

A Cappella Plus will perform six incredible songs with their Artistic Director, Patricia Plumley - all without accompaniment. Awe inspiring in the complexity of their arrangements, it is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the power of the human voice.

Together, the two choirs will wow the audience with four numbers, including a tango composed by Loreena McKennitt, arranged by Canadian icon Jon Washburn.

The Saturday evening show at the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre will be a feast for the eyes and ears, with special theatre lighting and two pairs of dancers. Andrew Sanderson and Jane Rizhanovsky will add a “Quickstep” and a “Tango” to the show - while Kevin and Christabel Savage will wow the audience with their “Swing” stylings.

Think about how hard it is to “sit still” when you hear a favourite song… you are strongly encouraged to chair dance during this show! But no singing along… save that for intermission and the drive home.

An encore performance of the show will happen on Sunday, June 4th in the intimate sanctuary of Knox United Church in Parksville. Visit www.acappellaplus.ca for more information and tickets.

SAFETY NOTE: The choirs will be singing unmasked for this concert - having completed daily Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Tests for the seven days leading up to the shows. Masks will be available for attendees, and masking is strongly recommended for those seated in the first three rows, due to potential exposure to aerosols from the choir and soloists.

Edette Gagné, Music Director

Jane Edler-Davis, Pianist

Sponsors for this show include: Thrifty Foods, the Province of British Columbia, RBC and the Victoria Foundation.