Tory Hill brothers Shawn and Josh Collins are promising the public ‘A Night to Remember’ at the Lloyd Watson Memorial Centre in Wilberforce this Saturday, July 12.
The dynamic duo has organized a self-choreographed dance show, with nine-yearold Shawn handling the performance side of the evening and seven-year-old Josh taking care of front-facing services, including snacks and refreshments.
Shawn has been dancing competitively with Skyline Dance Studio for two years and wanted another platform, aside from his parent’s basement, to showcase his skills.
“At home, I could probably only fit about 20 people in – the stage is bigger than the space where the audience would sit, so that was a bit of a problem,” he told The Highlander. “I thought to myself, why not move this to the community centre?”
Shawn said he “loves performing on stage” and has planned 10 routines for the evening. He’ll be flying solo for the hour-long set, performing jazz, ballet, contemporary and acro sets.
There will be a 15-minute intermission, where Josh will serve cookies, chips and drinks.
Dad Justin Collins said it has been “a proud dad moment” watching his sons take he initiative to put on a show. He said Shawn did all the work in approaching Highlands East township to book the community centre and Agnew’s General Store to help sell tickets.
“To watch them have the idea is one thing, but then to execute it is something else,” the elder Collins said.
Tickets are available for $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Shawn said he plans to donate part of the proceeds to Central Food Network, to support the Wilberforce Food Bank.
Shawn is hoping for a good turnout, so that he can plan future shows.
“We’ll see how this show goes, but we’ll probably do another – I definitely want to,” Shawn said. “I love performing on stage, dancing in front of people and making people happy.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit Agnew’s or email sandra.collins385@gmail.com.
