Dancing fun behind the mask

BY REBECCA THOMSON

Pick up a mask, put on a costume and get ready to dance.

Plimmerton woman Sharon Vanesse has organised a masquerade ball as part of this year's Fringe Festival.

She promises the Masquerade Ball & Carnival on February 13 will be an unforgettable night of dance, music and romance.

It will be the first time Ms Vanesse has staged a show as part of the festival.

"The Fringe was one of those things you hear a lot about. I've always wanted to do a masquerade ball ... and I though it would be good to be part of that."

"At this time of the year Wellington is really buzzing with the International Arts Festival, Fringe Festival and Sevens, and I think New Zealanders want to create more of that carnival culture."

Free tango lessons are included with the ticket to Masquerade Ball & Carnival and Ms Vanesse said everyone of any ability is welcome.

"If you are a beginner and you're behind a mask, it takes away that fear factor. The biggest thing for beginners is that they are often afraid of stepping out in front of others."

Formerly a principal dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Ms Vanesse became interested in tango and salsa about 10 years ago after meeting a couple of tango teachers. She would love to attend masquerade balls in Venice and Italy.

Masquerade balls became prominent in Italy and Venice during the 16th century, though were usually for members of the upper classes. Such dances became popular throughout mainland Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.

"If you love music and you like dancing, it's great," said Ms Vanesse.

She and business partner Stephen White set up dance company Tangosalon a year ago with a view to running dance classes and events. She said tango and salsa were becoming more popular and all sorts of people attend her classes.

"We've started teaching in Khandallah. It's mainly people from the suburbs that come. It might be their date night or their night away from the kids.

"Sometime it might be that the ladies are initially interested, but their guys actually do end up enjoying it."
If successful, Ms Vanesse would like to make Masquerade Ball & Carnival an annual event.

Masquerade Ball & Carnival, February 13, St James Theatre, Wellington.

- Kapi-Mana News