Panda's Dream Being Presented in London this Fall!
Panda's Dream was such a success at the London Fringe Festival and the public is still wanting more! So if you missed seeing this spectacular production you have a chance to still catch it! It will be presented as part of a Mid Autumn Moon Festival Celebration event on October 4, 2009. Check back for details.
The Final Curtain
After 5 fantastic performances at the Fringe the show has come to an end.
It was an emotional end to an unforgetable 9 days. The troupe learned and grew so much performing for their audiences. Everyone enjoyed participating at the Fringe and will always remember the fun times during rehearsals and backstage!
A big thank you to Kathy and Alison at Fringe headquarters and to Ryan our theater technician. We appreciate all that they did for us! The Fringe was a fantastic experience.
Thank you to the families of the cast for all of their encouragment, dedication and time given to make Panda's Dream possible.
Thank you to all of those behind the scenes that made the production a success! We appreciate the volunteers that made the props, managed the props, operated the fog machine, made sure that all of the tamborines, bamboo and handkercheifs were accounted for and were where they should be for every single show. Every detail was taken care of and every show went off without a hitch!
Helen you did it! The show, your dream became a reality and it moved so many people. You are so talented and have so much to give to the community. Best of luck, we cannot wait to see what your next production will be!
Lastly, a very special thank you goes to all the cast that made this show so spectacular. Despite their age, the children were remarkable. They are a very talented group that trained very hard to make this performance what it was. We heard many comments from individuals from our audiences that said they were moved to tears by the beauty of Panda's Dream.
It was an emotional end to an unforgetable 9 days. The troupe learned and grew so much performing for their audiences. Everyone enjoyed participating at the Fringe and will always remember the fun times during rehearsals and backstage!
A big thank you to Kathy and Alison at Fringe headquarters and to Ryan our theater technician. We appreciate all that they did for us! The Fringe was a fantastic experience.
Thank you to the families of the cast for all of their encouragment, dedication and time given to make Panda's Dream possible.
Thank you to all of those behind the scenes that made the production a success! We appreciate the volunteers that made the props, managed the props, operated the fog machine, made sure that all of the tamborines, bamboo and handkercheifs were accounted for and were where they should be for every single show. Every detail was taken care of and every show went off without a hitch!
Helen you did it! The show, your dream became a reality and it moved so many people. You are so talented and have so much to give to the community. Best of luck, we cannot wait to see what your next production will be!
Lastly, a very special thank you goes to all the cast that made this show so spectacular. Despite their age, the children were remarkable. They are a very talented group that trained very hard to make this performance what it was. We heard many comments from individuals from our audiences that said they were moved to tears by the beauty of Panda's Dream.
All Good Things Must Come to an End...
The show is coming to a close. There is only one performance left, Sunday the 28th at 2:30. If you haven't had a chance to attend a performance this is it! Don't miss it!
It has been a pleasure being part of the London Fringe Festival and performing for our audiences. The dancers have been real troupers and Helen is so proud of the dedication they have shown during the past year rehearsing and making this show possible. They have all done an amazing job.
It has been a pleasure being part of the London Fringe Festival and performing for our audiences. The dancers have been real troupers and Helen is so proud of the dedication they have shown during the past year rehearsing and making this show possible. They have all done an amazing job.
London Free Press Article
EASTERN FLAIR: Young performers steal the show, which features classical Chinese dancing styles
Helen and Panda's Dream featured in the London Free Press Tuesday June 23!
Panda-monium reigns
Tue, June 23, 2009
By KATHY RUMLESKI, FREE PRESS REPORTER
AT THE FRINGE -- Gentle dancers whisper a cooling breeze through the Wolf Performance Hall.
They give one pause to rest and refresh.
Panda's Dream, the London Fringe offering of the local Hong Dance Studio, is delightful for young and old.
The charming piece, written by Helen Hong, owner and instructor of Hong Dance, fuses East and West with a meeting in the middle that will satisfy theatregoers looking for a nice story amidst cultural exploration.
Performed by about 35 young dancers from the London area, Panda's Dream takes us to the gate of China, along the ancient fort of Dun Huang, which houses centuries of Chinese art.
We find a lush, nourished world where butterflies flutter peacefully and graceful animals rule.
The golden costumes of the dancers sparkle with sequins and the glowing sun warms us.
The story takes us to the world of four young pandas and their mother, who are content and happy.
It is only when the consuming humans toss their trash everywhere that we witness the destruction of this paradise.
Darkness descends and fog creates confusion as the humans wreak havoc. They are accompanied by funky music that helps set the scene.
Hong, who was trained at the Beijing Dance Academy, had the music written, scored and orchestrated in China last summer.
The use of the erhu and the bamboo flute lend to the Eastern flair.
The chaos doesn't last long as the pretty pink fairies descend to fill the world with beauty and respect again.
Panda's Dream includes traditional dance, Chinese classical dance movements and Chinese folk dance.
Ballet and modern dance are found in the movements.
The performers are still learning (some look to be as young as four or five) and there is nothing perfect about the show. But it doesn't matter as the tiny dancers capture our hearts.
---
IF YOU GO
What: Panda's Dream
Where: Wolf Performance Hall
Next: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Fringe Benefit: Proceeds from the show will be donated to the London Regional Children's Museum.
Link to the London Free Press Video Clip of Panda's Dream
http://video.lfpress.ca/archive/source/london-free-press/london-fringe-09-pandas-dream/27465127001
Photos From the London Free Press
Here are a few photos taken by Morris Lamont of the London Free Press.
The Reviews for Panda's Dream are Coming In!
After two performances the reviews are starting to come in for Panda's Dream! The show is fantastic! Come check it out. Below is a great review posted on the London Fringe Festival website. Here is a link to more reviews on the London Fringe Festival website.
www.londonfringe.ca/reviews/viewforum.php?f=27
Panda’s Dream (Review)
by uhu » Sun Jun 21, 2009 1:14 pm
From the powerful opening number that started out ever so softly with the beautiful Helen Hong demonstrating both her incredible flexibility and core strength, perched so delicately up stage centre for all the audience to see I knew we were in for an incredible show. From there the remaining cast of dancers joined in and all of the sudden an explosion of colours, charm, and intricate choreography filled the entire stage. A fusion of bright texture, and beautiful smiles from the dancers made you sit up in your chair to keep an eye out for what or who was to appear next. The continuous moving soundtrack that was set at the perfect volume, complimented the dancers on stage while keeping you abreast of the story line, always maintaining your attention while the lights were dimming to prepare for the next scene. Helen, alone on stage filled the entire space as if the chorus of 30 plus dancers were behind her, you couldn’t help but feel her energy. There was a lot of people at this show and thankfully so as this show deserves an audience. Be sure to catch one of their final three performances this week.
This opening weekend review has been posted on behalf of
Theatre in London.cauhu
www.londonfringe.ca/reviews/viewforum.php?f=27
Panda’s Dream (Review)
by uhu » Sun Jun 21, 2009 1:14 pm
From the powerful opening number that started out ever so softly with the beautiful Helen Hong demonstrating both her incredible flexibility and core strength, perched so delicately up stage centre for all the audience to see I knew we were in for an incredible show. From there the remaining cast of dancers joined in and all of the sudden an explosion of colours, charm, and intricate choreography filled the entire stage. A fusion of bright texture, and beautiful smiles from the dancers made you sit up in your chair to keep an eye out for what or who was to appear next. The continuous moving soundtrack that was set at the perfect volume, complimented the dancers on stage while keeping you abreast of the story line, always maintaining your attention while the lights were dimming to prepare for the next scene. Helen, alone on stage filled the entire space as if the chorus of 30 plus dancers were behind her, you couldn’t help but feel her energy. There was a lot of people at this show and thankfully so as this show deserves an audience. Be sure to catch one of their final three performances this week.
This opening weekend review has been posted on behalf of
Theatre in London.cauhu
It's the Premier of Panda's Dream!
The day has finally arrived. Today is the premier of Panda's Dream! We will keep you posted on how the show is going! Good luck girls!
WHAT AN EXCITING WEEK!
The week leading up to the premier of Panda's Dream has been very busy and exciting! Rehearsals have been in full swing. The technical rehearsal at the Wolf will be this week. Everyone is looking forward to stepping on the stage and experiencing the outcome of all of their hard work.
Members of the troupe participated in the Carnival Parade in London on June 13th. Those of you in London may have seen the Panda's Dream van around London on the weekend!
Helen and some of the other dancers entertained the audience at the Canival Festival at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon. The crowd loved them!
Did you catch the Rogers Daytime show last week? Panda's Dream was the topic of discussion! Everyone is looking forward to this London based production!
Catch Rogers TV program "Espectacular" this Wednesday (June 17th) at 10:30 pm and Thursday (June 18th) at 3:30 pm to see Helen and a few of the dancers performing at the Carnival Festival.
The London Free Press ran an article about the Fringe Festival Thursday June 18. You can see it at http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Today/ThursdayTicket/2009/06/18/9836616-sun.html
**IMPORTANT TICKETING INFORMATON**
All ticket sales for Panda's Dream are done through the London Fringe Festival. Please read this information regarding ticket sales.
BackerButton
$5.00 for adults; $1.00 for children. Available at Headquarters or at the venue. Everyone must purchase a Backer Button to see shows (Fringe Rules).
Advance tickets
Advance tickets are available until 10:00pm the night before the show (Advance tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the show). All advance tickets are $10.00 ea; with a $2.00 service charge per ticket. Advance Ticket orders will be available for pickup at the performance venue 45 minutes before the show.
Advance tickets (on-line only at www.londonfringe.ca): go on sale Monday, June 8.
Same Day
Same Day tickets go on sale 45 minutes before the show starts. Same day tickets are $8, Cash only. Limit of 4 tickets per person at the door.
Remember: the Fringe does not admit latecomers (Ever. Under any circumstances), even if you have purchased advance tickets!
There are no refunds or exchanges on ticket sales. Ticket sales are final. There can be no refunds once a ticket is purchased.
All seats are General admission.
The Countdown Has Begun - Premier of Panda's Dream!
The countdown has started! Panda's Dream will have it's premier in less than two weeks! The Hong Dance Troupe is busy with rehearsals and looking forward to performing for audiences at the Fringe Festival.
Check out the link for the online press release at citynet
http://www.citycnet.com/bencandy.php?id=2421
Cast Members - Helen Hong, Nicole Abel, Julisa Blaszkow, Olivia Blaszkow, Annie Chan, Maddie Clark, Kitty Chan, Dion Cheng, Shai Cook, Vivian Dai, Liv Shao Elliott, Teigan Elliott, Emily Guan, Angelina Havaris, Christalina Havaris, Yixuan Hu, Madison Jones, Taylor Jones, Shay Lee, Ballerina Liang, Jessica Liu, Meme Liu, Winnie Lou, April Lu, Zichen Peng, Grace Qian, Stephanie Ren, Maggie Sheng, Dana Sun, Linda Sun, Emily Tam, Reese Yue, Alice Xiao, Michelle Xu and Mandy Zhu.
Panda's Dream London Fringe Festival Performances
WHERE:
Wolf Performance Hall, Downtown Library
251 Dundas Street, London
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday June 20, 2009 4:30 PM
Sunday June 21, 2009 1:00 PM
Thursday June 25, 2009 7:00 PM
Saturday June 27, 2009 12:30 PM
Sunday June 28, 2009 2:30 PM
Advance Tickets can be Purchased Online at www.londonfringe.ca
Cost - $10.00
Tickets will also be sold at the doors 30 minutes prior to performances
PRESS CONTACT: KIM JONES kdjones@rogers.com
So, What is Panda's Dream?
Panda's Dream is a cultural production that highlights the talents of thirty-four young dancers from London, Ontario. Ironically, the youngest performance group at the London Fringe will be showcasing an ancient art form.
Chinese traditional / folk dance is a dynamic, exquisite and expressive form of dance that most Londoners have never witnessed. The original music in the show incorporates many traditional Chinese instruments. From the soulful sound of the Erhu to the hypnotic Bamboo Flute, the music is spellbinding. The beautiful music was written, scored and orchestrated in China last summer to compliment the choreography and storyline of this production.
Panda’s Dream promises to be one of the most delightful productions to hit the London Fringe Festival. Beautiful costumes, adorable dancers and a lively, enchanting performance combine for a remarkably refreshing show that is truly “candy” for the senses!
The drama focuses on “Little Panda” who lives in a beautiful pristine utopia. All the animals live happily in harmony. Panda has a terrible vision of what could happen to his beautiful homeland if it is touched by the terrible “white storm” (pollution). The dancer’s transform into the “white storm” and Panda and his friends are not happy with what is happening to their once beautiful home. The story ends happily and hopefully it will make the audience consider how it is not just man that is affected by waste and pollution, but animals and the beauty of nature that are also compromised by our careless actions.
The Vison/Dream
The development of "Panda’s Dream" has marked a milestone for Helen Hong and her unique dance studio. Helen had an artistic vision, which resulted in her writing, choreographing and producing a show that unites her passion for Chinese dance and her concern for the environment. Her dream is becoming a reality!
Helen is looking forward to participating in the London Fringe Festival. She will be donating the profit from her production to the London Regional Children’s Museum. She would like to thank the Chinese Canadian National Council - London Chapter and it's members for their support and encouragement.
Hong Dance Studio
The Hong Dance Studio is dedicated to training students in traditional dance techniques, Chinese classical dance movements and Chinese folk dance forms. Helen wishes to ensure that Canadian Chinese communities retain their unique identification with their rich culture and past. She has been instrumental within the London and Waterloo communities in promoting Chinese performing arts and cultural activities.
The Hong Dance Studio has the support of the London Chapter of the Canadian Chinese National Council (CCNC) and the Chinese community. Ms. Hong’s studio fulfills the need for providing young dancers with performing experience in a nurturing environment, while maintaining their cultural heritage. The troupe continually excites audiences wherever they perform.
For more information go to the Hong Studio website at
http://www.dancehong.com
Who is Helen Hong?
Helen Hong has been dancing since age 5. She is an artist that loves her craft. Helen began her dance training while living in China. She was classically trained at the Beijing Dance Academy, China’s premier dance institute and served as an instructor/choreographer at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts. She won several awards at national dance competitions and had a distinguished professional dance career spanning eleven years in China.
When she moved to Canada 4 years ago, she founded her studio in London, Ontario. Because of the success of her studio and her growing number of students, she began to think that maybe she could do something with this group of talented students. The modern day dance drama originated in China in the 80’s and is very popular there today. A production the size of Panda’s Dream would take many dedicated individuals collaborating to put together and stage a show with a cast of 34. This however, did not stop Helen. Helen had a vision, a dream. She had some talented students and she had an idea for a storyline that she thought could be a very entertaining dance drama. She wanted the story to be something that would appeal to children.
Helen is a one-woman show. She wrote Panda’s Dream, choreographed it, found all the costumes, trained the dancers and visualized what the set, lighting etc. is going to look like. She even travelled to China last summer and collaborated with a colleague to have all the music written, scored and orchestrated to compliment the choreography and storyline of this production. The music is just as beautiful as the dancing! This has truly been a labour of love for her.
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