Ballet and martial arts mix

About the only time you see the synchronized grace, beauty and control of ballet and martial arts together is when a touring Chinese acrobatic extravaganza hits town.

As the dance season concludes, St, Albert Ballet Academy and St. Albert Martial Arts Academy are delicately weaving their skills to create a flagship production set against the backdrop of war.

Mulan: A Girl Who Inspired a Nation, running at the Arden on June 17 and 18, is more than an entertaining story. This troupe of 110 dancers and 15 martial arts students have set a goal of trying to raise $10,000 for the Rainbow Society of Edmonton, a registered charity that provides terminally ill children with a last wish.

“We want to give back to the community,” says Danny Leong, founder of the Martial Arts Academy. His wife Sophia, who holds a master’s degree in ballet studies from the London Royal Academy of Dance, is founder of St. Albert Ballet Academy. Together they share a studio in Campbell Business Park.

This adaptation of Mulan follows closely in the wake of Disney’s success story that raked in more than $500 million. It is the Chinese folktale of a tomboyish girl of a respected veteran who shows little interest in finding a husband and becoming a sophisticated lady. When an army of Huns invades China, the Emperor creates a conscripted army. Knowing her father is too weak to fight, Mulan disguises herself as a man to take his place.

With demonstrations of kung fu in the battle scenes, this ballet is a clever choreography that promotes equality of the sexes through both feminine and masculine strengths.

Leong, a kung fu instructor that focuses on competitiveness within, is also a strong advocate of female empowerment. He adds, “We want to show our dancers the strength of women.”

While the storyline remains pretty standard, this story deviates with four Mulans at different stages in their lives. Catrina Shaw, eight years, the youngest and cutest Mulan obediently learns dance. Alicia Krips’ Mulan at aged 10 starts looking outward and develops an interest in kung fu. “She gets in trouble with her instructors. She’s more wayward.”

Emily Collins’ 13-year-old Mulan rebels after visiting the local matchmaker where she is expected to prepare for a suitor. And finally Ashlyn Zirdiak’s 16-year-old Mulan is the heroine prepared to risk everything to save China.

The students will all be dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and carrying authentic looking props. Some such as a broadsword and a wooden staff with a blade on the end will later be sold on eBay to raise money for the Rainbow Society.

During the dance, a silent auction will be held with numerous items including a Lewis Lavoie painting, handbags, clothing and gift baskets.

For more information visit www.stalbertballet.com.