Spark ignites Grimm fairy tale for enchanting dance production

Published on 26 May 2021

Snow White and Rose Red are two sisters named after their mother’s favourite roses.

The two are as close as sisters can be.

But as the world around them becomes strange and unfamiliar after their father’s death, the two girls seek solace in a world of their own making. A world where the animals and trees are friendly and the girls are free to roam and explore and be happy.

However, they soon discover an evil curse has overtaken the woods in their new world and as reality slowly blends with fantasy, the girls must face their fears and break the curse before they are split apart, forever.

This is the story that unfolds in Snow and Rose – Spark Productions’ contemporary dance work based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Snow White and Rose Red.

Spark’s performance of the classic story is full of magic, fear and courage. It explores familial relationships, coping with difficult emotions and has curriculum links woven throughout to delight and engage Victorian students.

Spark Productions founder and director, Alex Dellaportas, said: “I love bringing other young people together to create big things and learn about the industry together.

“I feel there’s nothing better than learning through experience and that’s exactly what Spark provides. Snow and Rose also has an important message about dealing with trauma and big emotions and about balancing emotion and reason in one’s life – all things that are relevant to the young people we’re working with,” Ms Dellaportas said.

Spark Productions is a company of youth dancers 8 – 25 years, who are accompanied by a live orchestra during performances. Founded in 2016 by Ms Dellaportas after finishing secondary school, Spark’s goal is to explore concepts, history, ideas, themes, issues and personal stories all through the minds and movement of young people.

Spark will host an exciting Schools Performance event at Frankston Arts Centre – as part of its Victorian tour – on Thursday, 24 June, at 12.30pm.

Ms Dellaportas said the Schools Performance event includes a Q and A with performers after the show and a Teacher Resource Pack about the show (related to school curriculum). Schools also have the option of hosting a Dance Story Workshop featuring sessions on choreography from the show facilitated by cast members and accompanied by a violinist.

“Snow and Rose is not only for children and youth – it was created by young people as part of our mission to celebrate their voices as artistic equals with important stories to tell. The show speaks to young hearts and minds,” Ms Dellaportas said.

“This offers a deeper learning experience where students feel empowered to explore and respond to the questions and themes the show raises.”

Ms Dellaportas describes Snow and Rose as a layered and heart-warming story that resonates with young hearts.

For more information about Spark Productions including school participation in Snow and Rose, please visit www.sparkproductions.org.au

See Snow and Rose at Frankston Arts Centre on Thursday, 24 June, at 12.30pm and 7.30pm.

For tickets, visit www.thefac.com.au or phone 9784 1060.