NOVA Dance Showcase: Finding “fantasia”

Following its cancellation last year, the NOVA Charity Dance Showcase returned once again in April to delight its Sha Tin College audience. Despite the social distancing restrictions, NOVA’s leadership team of seven students demonstrated flexibility in moving the event into an online medium. The event showcased six finalists, each bringing their own interpretation of the theme, “Fantasia”, to the table. All of the videos were shared on the YouTube and Instagram platforms of NOVA, then students were invited to cast their vote in determining which finalist would earn the title of “Audience’s Favourite”.

Through the showcase, NOVA had hoped to raise awareness for the Brightly Project, which dedicates its efforts to youth suicide prevention. “This year, the pandemic has posed a challenge for us and we were unable to resume our real-life activities; fortunately, we were able to find a solution,” reflected Kate Tang, 12D1, a member of the NOVA team. “We are grateful for the support NOVA has had this year, and hope that we have helped create a more comfortable environment where people feel more confident and safe in expressing their issues at school.”

It was not only the team that ensured that the virtual showcase was successful; dance finalists had also displayed their high calibre and unwavering enthusiasm in the process. A diverse range of dances was featured, including jazz-funk, contemporary and even a dance duet, which required chemistry and synchronisation between two dancers. Outside of the choreography, each finalist meticulously crafted the message of their piece through the choice of background music, costumes and make-up.

Needless to say, the finalists’ hard work paid off. NOVA concluded with four awards: Joshua Liu of 9P1 claimed the title of Audience’s Favourite; Charlotte Lim of 7G1 was awarded “Best Link to Theme”; Mandy So of 11D1 was awarded “Best Execution”; and last but not least, the duo consisting of Ariel Cheung and Charlie Yu, both from 7D2, took the crown for “Best Overall Performance”.

“I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly the event ran. Thoroughly inspired, to be honest, to see the amount of talent in these videos,” said Dorothy Ho, 12P1, who has attended last year’s NOVA showcase and felt that the virtual show has lived up to its reputation.

The new talent brought into the show, combined with the participants’ innovative ideas and emotional expression through dance has made NOVA an annual school highlight.

By Hillary Lo (12P2)

Copy edited by Dorothy Ho (12P1)