Look Up ….. and Look out…. for Enpointe

Over 200 people from babies to grandparents crowded the Whitianga Town Hall for the Mid year Showcase of Enpointe Dance Studio, Whitianga’s dance school.

It was my first experience of a dance concert in Whitianga. I was not disappointed or bore but delighted by what was on stage and by the company next to me in the audience. Lisa Gifford the owner, director and teacher was a maestro of organisation making the announcements, shepherding the children and young people and sometimes assisting certain dancers with their well prepared routines. This was a smooth, mostly very polished and enchanting, presentation in what was a limited and challenging environment for such a large cast performing a variety of dances. Even though a number were absent due to covid, I counted over 60 different dancers on stage throughout the afternoon.

The key in Lisa’s word is, “The younger ones look up to the older ones, the older ones care for the younger ones. This makes the Enpointe family.” The evidence was in all the presentations involving the wee ones, with a lead dancer ensuring the success of those they have been teaching.

Not all aspects were Broadway standard but some were, and would be praised in any city. Everyone witnessed and enjoyed some outstanding ballet, tap, contemporary and lyrical routines in Whitianga Town Hall last Sunday afternoon, 3 July. Well done Enpointe.