VERNON, BC— The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society presents the 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Dance Series, featuring a diverse lineup of international performances.

Ballet Kelowna’s The Cowboy Act Suite & Other Works by Vernon’s own Cameron Fraser-Monroe re-imagines the Wild West through Indigenous perspectives. Social Tango from Buenos Aires celebrates tango's social value with immersive experiences. Audience favourite Ballet Jörgen's Sleeping Beauty offers a magical rendition of the classic fairy tale. The City of Others by Sankofa Danzafro highlights social justice issues in Colombia. Each performance captivates with unique choreography, live music and compelling narratives, showcasing the diversity of global dance. Exclusive Subscription pre-sales for SPOTLIGHT Dance Series are available now.

"The SPOTLIGHT Dance Series offers a rich mix of cultural expression, inviting audiences on a journey through the vibrant dances from around the world," shares Erin Kennedy, VDPAC’s artistic director.

Kicking off the series is Ballet Kelowna's presentation of The Cowboy Act Suite & Other Works, Wednesday, September 18, 2024 by Vernon's own Cameron Fraser-Monroe. This innovative work explores the dichotomy between “Cowboys and Indians”. Fraser-Monroe’s intuitive take on the swashbuckling strut of the Cowboy informs this intellectual unpacking of a one-sided lens and flips the script of the Indian Act.

Founded and based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Social Tango on October 28, 2024 explores the social value of dance, celebrating the tango community through dance, music and film. Tango lovers will experience an evening in the heart of a Buenos Aires evening, set to the rhythm of this popular dance, in the intimacy of a milonga, re-created here by multi-disciplinary choreographer Agustina Videla. Dance, music, projections and documentary film combine to create an authentic, immersive and unforgettably live experience!

Experience the enchanting tale of perennial Dance Series headliner, Ballet Jörgen’s Sleeping Beauty on February 6, 2025. This classic tale of nature and love will inspire young and old alike. Danced to the original score by Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky, this ballet tells the enchanting story of Aurora and her prince, complete with its inherently magical qualities and dazzling choreography. An ensemble performance with stunning costumes and captivating production design, this beloved fairy tale provides an evening of entertaining and inspiring live dance performance.

Closing out the Dance Series on February 18, 2025 is The City of Others by Sankofa Danzafro. The powerful Afro-Colombian dancers and musicians of Sankofa Danzafro from Medellín, Colombia, perform this show that demands the city be a place of co-existence; a place for everybody; not only the few. “Sankofa” means “to return to the roots”: an African philosophy that proposed to know the past as a condition for understanding the present.

Dance Series subscriptions are now on sale! Series subscribers save 25% off the single ticket price and those who book before June 15 can take advantage of an exclusive pre-sale period to secure “the best seats at the best price” before single tickets go on sale. 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Dance Series subscriptions are just $150 for all four performances!

”Our SPOTLIGHT Season Dance Series always amazes and surprises with its diversity of styles and storylines,” says VDPAC’s executive director, Jim Harding. “Even audiences who may not think of themselves as Dance aficionados will discover just how engaging and enjoyable this Series really is.”

To learn more & book your SPOTLIGHT Dance Series subscription call 250-549-SHOW (7469) & visit www.vdpac.ca for details and video previews. Single tickets go on sale on June 15. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about the entire 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Season.

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Ticket link: https://vdpac.ca/spotlight-sea...

Video: www.youtube.com/QFdfBmxHE6Y

About Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society is a non-profit, charitable organization devoted to fostering artists, their work, and live performance in all genres and for all ages. The Society operates the Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) on behalf of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and with the support of over 30 staff and 200 volunteers. Each year, we present our SPOTLIGHT Season of over 30 diverse performances, complemented by over 125 professional guest concerts, festivals, and special events. We select professional touring productions to entertain, enlighten, move and amuse our patrons. Altogether, they offer audiences of all ages a world of unforgettable live theatre experiences. Please visit: https://vdpac.ca/ & https://ticketseller.ca/

Facebook: @vdpac
Instagram: @vernonperformingarts

For interviews and more information, media can contact:

Raj Jain, Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator

250-542-9355

[email protected]