If you love dance and have always wanted to see inside one of Victoria’s most famous and historic waterfront estates, you can see both at Ballet Victoria’s Spring Soirée on Friday.
In celebration of International Dance Day, Black Press owner David Black is hosting the elegant fundraiser at his century-old heritage home on Beach Drive. The evening will include champagne, wine, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and entertainment.
“We are going to do the pas de deux from Cinderella, which will be very cool in this house, as it has a grand entrance and a little bit of that castle look,” said artistic director Paul Destrooper.
“We will also perform a second number that is frivolous and fun, and depending on the weather, we may do this outside, with the spectacular views as a backdrop.”
Destrooper hopes the event will raise about $30,000.
Since it was founded in 2002, the company has achieved a high level of artistry, but it is always stretched for funds, he said. “No other company of our size gives dancers a 42-week contract, produces four programs a year, performs with the local symphony, has outreach to both seniors and schools and also tours.”
At any one time, the company has up to eight dancers on contract and four to six apprentices. Next year, the troupe will travel to Alberta, Port Angeles, Arizona and perhaps California.
The fundraising evening will also feature a silent auction that includes a one-week stay in a Hawaiian condo, a three-course dinner for six with a private chef, a Cowichan Valley wine tour, overnight stays at several resorts, spa treatments and more.
What: Ballet Victoria Spring Soirée
Where: Riffington Manor
When: 7 p.m. Friday April 29
Tickets: $100 per person. Tickets at [email protected] or call 250 380-6063
