The likes of Spiderman, intergalactic Transformers and, of course, some villains, are about to descend on Squamish.
On stage, that is. The Eagle Eye Theatre will be brimming with the heroic and dastardly for Howe Sound Dance Academy's latest production, Comicon.
Shalimar Blanchard, director of Howe Sound Dance Academy and self-designated nerd, said she was inspired by how traditional comic book conventions have evolved into all things fantastical and comic-related, with more influence in the mainstream than before.
"There's a lot of great music associated with all of those things," Blanchard said. "Just to have the opportunity to indulge and get to use those pieces of music with scenes is really great for the dancers. They are able to identify with their character a lot better than if they feel like they're just doing a dance."
Also helping the dancers bring their characters to life are the iconic costumes. From the cape-less Incredibles to Tomb Raider's Lara Croft to Smurfettes, the costumes had to be able to accommodate motions. One costume, in particular, adds up to something much larger.
"The students in that class literally come together to form Optimus Prime as a truck and then peel themselves apart and get back together again," Blanchard said.
All of these theatrical elements will come together with ballet, demi-character ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, hip hop and acro.
"A huge part of dance isn't just being able to do the steps, it's being able to communicate with your audience, being able to portray a character and most importantly make your audience feel something," she said.
The performances will be at the Eagle Eye Theatre June 7 to 10 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a matinee on June 8 and 9.
Inspired? Howe Sound Dance Academy is also hosting free classes in June, following the show. Information and tickets can be found at www.howesounddance.com.
