It might have been raining outside, but in the Riverside Theatre, big colourful flowers and butterflies brought life to the venue. Adorned in traditional and modern costumes the Highland Dancers made sunshine through their feet and spread it like warm happiness into the audience. It was an afternoon performance that gave spring an artistic embrace.
The littlest dancers carried the smallest burden to the stage. All they had to do was look cute and fortunately that goal was highly achievable. Payton Cranston and Makenna Gush were the most “seasoned” of the young ones. They did a wonderful job of directing the tiny ones through their routines even when they got confused or onerous. Carmen Brodie and Taylor Robillard are the two most senior dancers and it showed in the complicated routines they performed with confidence.
Olivia, Kaylee, Wyette and Teagan stole the hearts of the crowd as they bounced and stomped their way through their dances. They were little, but very memorable. Destiny Earle, Layne Robillard and Shelby Maynard have all been dancing for years and it showed when they hit the stage. They did the Hornpipe with vigor, the Fling with grace and their choreographed dances with joy. Taylor White was the youngest dancer in some of the routines and the oldest in others. She danced well with both groups. Holly Atkinson, Danika Sulentich, Makenna Burstall and Clancy Coulter all stepped on the stage with something to prove. Although their routines were challenging, all four girls knew a thing or two about entertaining. They along with all the other dancers, drew in their audience hook, line and sinker.
Dancing takes talent. It is art. It is culture and for the residents of Princeton it is also spring.