Academy steps up with Snow Queen

Choreographing a ballet for 120 dancers seems like a mammoth project for any ballet mistress. However, for Sophia Leong, artistic director of St. Albert Ballet Academy, it’s just another crazy day in a very hectic schedule.

Leong, a former dancer at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, England, and now a fixture in the local ballet scene, has choreographed Snow Queen, coming to the Arden Theatre Feb. 12 and 13 to highlight the school’s annual charitable benefit performance for the Rainbow Society.

“I strongly believe that children need to understand that there are others less fortunate than them. That is why we are fundraising for the Rainbow Society with our production again this year. Last year we raised $11,000. This money granted two children’ wishes and went towards a third wish,” Leong says.

Snow Queen is an adaptation from Hans Christian Andersen’s famous tale of the struggle between good versus evil. However, this account was inspired by British euphonium player Wendy Picton’s composition for a children’s ballet.

In this version Gerda travels through an icy world to rescue her good friend Kai from the clutches of an evil queen determined to rule the world.

“When the boy, Kai, catches a sliver of the Evil Imp’s magic mirror in his eye and heart, he sees everything … as bad and twisted. Fascinated by the beauty of the Snow Queen, he goes with her ... Gerda searches the world to find her friend and has several adventures along the way. With the help of a well-meaning crow, a rowdy robber girl, a wise reindeer, the kind Lapp lady and the knowledgeable Finnish woman, she makes her way to the Snow Queen’s palace.”

Of her lead dancers, Leong’s praise is effusive. Gabrielle Belter (Snow Queen) has auditioned for every major company in Canada. “Gabrielle has a passion for ballet and works very hard to improve her technical ability. She has a beautiful line and aspires one day to dance professionally.”

Shalina Naidu (Gerda) has been with the academy for five years. “She has a wonderful stage presence and is a very natural actress. She also picks up choreography very quickly and has an amazing memory for detail.”

For a teacher passionate about providing the best training possible, Leong ultimately believes Snow Queen “holds a valuable lesson about holding strong to what you believe in.”