A month of competitive performances kicks off this weekend, with the 77th Chilliwack Music and Dance Festival.
The annual festival is a self-supporting, non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and empowering young dancers and musicians to excel in their chosen discipline. For its first 75 years, it was spearheaded by the Chilliwack Lions Club, but they withdrew in 2022.
It is completely run by volunteers, and takes place almost entirely at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, in both the HUB Theatre and the Rotary Hall. The day is divided into morning, afternoon and evening performance slots.
February’s calendar is all about dance. The festival begins with contemporary and modern dance in the HUB Theatre on Feb. 17 and 18, beginning at 9 a.m. and running all day long.
Ballet takes place for three days, Feb. 19 to 21. Performances are Feb. 19 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Feb. 20 at 9 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and on Feb. 21 at 9 a.m.
Jazz and lyrical jazz dance runs over four days, Feb. 22 to 25, with acro in the evening of Feb. 24.
The dance portion of the festival wraps at the end of February. Tap, stage, and song and dance will be performed from Feb. 26 to 28, with street dance on the afternoon on Feb. 28.
March will be filled with musical performances and master classes, beginning with choir performances and master classes on March 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are fees being charged this year for these sessions.
Piano will take place over four days, from March 6 to 9 in the Rotary Hall and Performance Studio B.
Strings and chamber ensembles will be performed on March 11 and 12 all day, and 4 Vocal is being held March 12 and 13.
Musical Theatre and Light Opera are on March 12, with the Tunbridge Sing offs on March 13.
Percussion, band performance and master classes are being held at G.W. Graham secondary school in the G.W. Theatre. That takes place March 12 to 14.
Entry fees to competitions are $5 per session or $20 for a seasons pass, or $15 for a for a family pass (up to four people) for one session for parents and siblings of a performer.
It all wraps up with the Dance Honour Performance on Sunday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m., and then the Music Honour Performance on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m. Both performances are at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, and tickets are $10 (children five and under are free).
For exact performance times and more information on the festival, visit chilliwackmusicanddancefestival.com. Tickets can be purchased through the Chilliwack Cultural Centre box office at 604-391-7469 or at chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.
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