Arts / Youngsters shine on the big stage as dance show returns
MORE than 150 young people put on sparkling performances at the Clickimin on Saturday evening as the Inferno Dance Group held its latest show.
Dancers from age three to 18 put on a show on the big stage under the bright lights across nearly 30 separate performances in front of a packed Clickimin main hall.
The show was themed as “celebrations through the year” – with performances nodding to calendar staples like Christmas, Halloween, bonfire night and – of course – Up Helly Aa.
But there were references to the many national and international days which aim to celebrate this, that and everything.
There were sparkling performances of youngsters dressed up as everything from penguins, Harry Potter, and bees to chefs, pirates and old people – complete with zimmer frames and walking sticks.
Some routines with the older members also sought to raise awareness of more serious topics, such as climate change and body image.
And it was a solo dance from Ashleigh Hughson focused on mental health which was one of the most impressive moments of the night, with the teenager showing skilful dexterity to merge with the music.
A Disney-themed solo performance from Erin Watt, and a duo dance from Beenie-Ann Wood and Carla Johnson, also caught the eye and brought big applause from the audience.
But perhaps the fact that so many youngsters – especially those in their earlier years – performed their routines so well, and under the bright lights in front of many hundreds, was just as impressive.
During her introduction founder and instructor Jenny Teale said her hope was that Inferno was “more than a dance group” – giving young people confidence and friendship that they can carry forward in future years.
Inferno, which was created in 2011, is the largest dance group in Shetland, with more than 160 children – split into eight teams – attending weekly classes.
With Inferno’s show held every two years, the last one was back in October 2022.
Reflecting on how Saturday’s show went, Teale said she was “incredibly proud of each and every one of our dancers who took to the stage last night”.
“Their hard work, determination and support for each other shone through in their performances and in the camaraderie backstage,” she added.
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