A unique show is about to be staged in Lethbridge.
Lethbridge Collegiate Institute students are going to present a performance entitled “Inspired.”
The show is being directed and choreographed by Betty Poulsen, an experienced and dedicated professional.
The inspiration came from Michael Jackson’s unforgettable music and personality. The performance is going to be staged at Yates Theatre, from Nov. 29- Dec. 1, with evening performances at 7 p.m.
An Artist in Education Grant from Alberta Foundation for the Arts enabled the project to be realized.
Also, participation of four professional choreographers should be stressed. Margot McDermott, Joanne Baker, Tara Wilson and Samantha Pink have come to create dances. According to students who are rehearsing for the show, the variety of style of dance, the amount of energy and fun that is inspired by Jackson’s music will be very appealing to the audience.
They love performing and they love the feeling of connecting with an audience. “Dance like there’s nobody watching” seems like the very essence of Betty Poulsen’s classes – dance to discover yourself for yourself.
As Poulsen says, teaching as she does “is very much a dream” for her. She believes that for some students dance is a lifeline in school and that during this time of development of the self the dance can help them “feel comfortable in their bodies and in who they are.”
According to her, students develop skills, strength, flexibility, dependability and responsibility to a group through participation in the program.
Poulsen believes in dance as a creative tool for physical health and personal expression. Her students find Poulsen “amazing in every way.”
What’s also important, they perceive the team as their family. Such recognition and appeal is not just a matter of charisma. Poulsen graduated from anthropology and drama (University of Calgary), dance & movement studies (Wesleyan University, Connecticut), and drama (University of Lethbridge). She danced and choreographed professionally for many years.
She taught dance and drama at University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge.
Poulsen has also taught in London, Indonesia as well as in the Gaza Strip and in New York City. Poulsen danced professionally and worked as a free-lance choreographer and teacher. Her work-experience involves cross-cultural dance and mask performance, teaching dance in post-secondary institutions.
This academic year, she is going to participate in the exchange project with Japan. Poulsen is hoping to learn some traditional Japanese dance, folk dances, mask performance and see Kabuki. Later on, she’s planning to continue at LCI. She teaches every summer for the Loose Moose Theatre Company in Calgary at the International Summer School.
For more information, please contact Betty Poulsen at LCI: 328-9606, extension148.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Yates box office or by phone.