Bridging Time. Two Generations. One spectacular show.

And what a show it turned out to be, as once again Wellington’s annual dance show delivered all it promised – and plenty more besides.

Few, if any, schools take Dance as seriously as Wellington, or offer more opportunities to young dancers, and the December Dance showcase is always a highlight of the College calendar. This year’s offering – Bridging Time – took its inspiration from a teenage girl helping her great-grandmother sift through the belongings and memories of a lifetime’s lived experience. Uniquely this prompted not only an exploration of the past, but also an interrogation of the present, with the action alternating between the innocence of the 50s and 60s and the tech-savvy expectations of the modern age.

For nearly two hours an enthralled GWA audience was treated to 25 sparkling vignettes which spanned the generations, featuring diverse genres such as contemporary, ballet, lyrical, street, commercial, jazz, acro, aerial and tap. Brought vividly to life by over 110 students, these scenes showcased the energy, variety and technical expertise that is the hallmark of Wellington dance, while 16 Wellington College Prep pupils delighted with their upbeat fusion of styles, suggesting that the future is in safe hands.

Congratulations to them all, and especially so to Clare Cooke and Caroline Kenworthy for their inspirational energy and direction, and for ensuring that Dance remains at the very centre of Wellington’s cultural life.