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.
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
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