Flourish Studio’s second annual Christmas gala had a little something for everyone, and a big something for four charities with over $6,000 being raised at the event. Unity KidSport, Secret Santa, Unity Community Daycare and Empty Arms have each received $1,511.72.
Money was raised through the sale of raffle tickets for many great prize packages, thanks to contributions by local businesses and individuals. A wide variety of donated delicious desserts were available for $5 each, and of course there was a 50-50 draw.
Onstage the excitement began with a dance production of “Buddy The Elf’s Big Adventure,” performed by all the dancers of Flourish Studio, everyone from the tiny tots to the instructors and choreographers taking their turn on stage. The stage production included dances in all the genres Unity audiences have come to expect at a recital – ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz, acro and hip hop.
The second half of the show saw a number of guest performances by Presli O’Donnell’s Levelup Dance Company, as well as by dancers from Dance Connection in North Battleford, Wilkie School of Dance and Sieben’s School of Dance in Kerrobert.
Dance was not all the audience was treated to, however. Musical numbers were included, with Donna Boser Kelly, Carleen Neumeier and Eloisa Casipe each at the mic for solo performances. The Unity Public School choir, directed by Madison Acton, sang “Feliz Navidad” and “Where Are You Christmas.”
Steyn Hoogstad treated everyone to “Minuet in A Major” on his violin. Sadie Risling performed a couple of numbers on her saxophone, with Kingsley Rosette, dressed as Santa, dancing behind her.
Sensei Jason Goring and karate student Alexa Goring showed off their combat skills to “Enemy.”
Surrounded by Christmas décor, listening to music and watching the young, and not-so-young, people of Unity showing off their talents was a great way to kick off the month of December.
