Artist-in-residence adds twist to Grovenor Christmas concert

By Maxwell Rausch

EDMONTON — An artist-in-residence is adding a modern flavour to Grovenor’s annual Christmas concert this year.

Dani Altiere, who has taught theatre and dance for more than 20 years, has taken up an eight-day tenure as artist-in-residence at Grovenor Elementary School at 10345 144 St. to direct the Christmas concert shows for each class.

“I’m trying to give them an experience in the performing arts that mirrors a professional experience,” said Altiere. “And the feeling they’ll get at the end is the cherry on top.”

Altiere said she chose to base each show on a piece of literature the students could relate to. One class is doing an urban re-invention of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, another a hip-hop-themed Nutcracker Suite. For the youngest kids, there’s also an Alvin and the Chipmunks performance.

“That way the kids could see, ‘Hey, there’s a story here, and we brought it to life,’ ” said Altiere.

The distinct performances differ from previous Christmas concerts when the school would put on one show as a collective.

“Each piece really has its own essence,” said Cheryl Barron, Grovenor’s music teacher.

“Usually, we would put on one play, and each class would contribute to a part of it,” Barron said.

Although none of the students had met Altiere before her residency started on Monday, they’ve responded well to their new teacher, Barron said.

“They like a fresh face in the classroom,” she said.

Grovenor student Tyler O’Neil-Nugent said he’s nervous about mastering the new moves in such a short time.

“It’s going well, but we only got a couple days to do it. This is our fourth day and we’ve only got eight,” he said.

Altiere said most of her school residencies last only five days, while her tenure at Grovenor spans eight.

“We just finished everything yesterday, and we’re just starting to polish it now,” said Altiere.

Since Altiere began residencies in New York in 1995, positive feedback has led to steady work. All of her school residencies are acquired by word of mouth.

Altiere says it’s “a great honour” to introduce elementary students to the performing arts.

“I fell in love with performing arts when I was a kid,” Altiere said.

“I figure out of 200 kids (in a school), I’m bound to touch one of them,” she continued. “Multiply that by 20 schools a year, and I feel like I’m making a contribution to the tradition I feel so passionately about,” she said.

Grovenor’s 2011 Christmas concert will be held on Dec. 15. While the evening shows are expected to be full, the public is welcome to attend the 1 p.m. performance.

Check below to hear a clip and see some photos of Grovenor students in a rehearsal with Dani Altiere: