An aspiring young dancer is staging a production called Para Minha Mae, dedicated to mothers, on Mother's Day.
Krystal Kohan, producer/director of the event, is a graduate of SFU dance program and previous artistic director of Thrive Dance Studio. This studio is now run by her sister Natalie Kohan so that Krystal could pursue a professional dance career full time.
"Since graduating from D.W. Poppy high school I have undergone the daunting task of trying to pursue a career in dance. My mother, being a professional dancer who studied at the National Ballet of Canada, knew how difficult it could be as a professional dancer and encouraged me to study at SFU to earn my BFA and certification in dance," said Krystal.
"I did this while also being the artistic director of our family-run studio at the early age of 18. Now as I continue to study and perform my passion I have come to realize that I was very lucky to have such an understanding family that supported me both emotionally and financially through those years."
The idea behind Para Minha Mae, which means "for my mother" in Portuguese, is to dance in celebration of Mother's Day and also start a new scholarship fund to support young emerging dancers from the lower mainland. Moms will be able to have a fun-filled afternoon with shopping, makeup demonstrations, henna tattoos, photo shoots and to receive token gifts at the event.
It takes place May 13, 2 p.m. at Chief Sepass Theatre in Langley Fine Arts School in Fort Langley. Performers will include Lamondance, Source, SCDT, Taptastic Tappers, Celeste Snowber, Krystal Kohan, Natalie Kohan and more, The performers are all donating their time to raise funds for the scholarship. Sponsors are Langley Fine Arts dance department and Chief Sepass Theatre.
Tickets cost $20 and are available at the door, or $15 for students who bring their mom to the show. For information contact Krystal Kohan via email: kkohan2@me.com