There’s a new haven for performing in Penticton.
Balance School of Performing Arts has taken up residency in the Orchard House, and students are now being accepted for singing, dancing and acting classes which start in September.
“My passion is for sharing the love of performing arts and dancing and acting,” said owner and head instructor Ashlie Atkinson. “Balance is going to focus on all three of those disciplines and not just one. Being able to offer all three at one place is what makes it unique for Penticton.”
Atkinson has been practicing all three since the age of nine. She later attended the Canadian College of Performing Arts, and has entertained audiences in markets as big as Toronto and Vancouver, in addition to an abundance of performances in the Okanagan.
Depending on their level of commitment, students will attend classes for two to six hours each week, which will prepare them for special presentations, including a Christmas concert, a year-end demonstration, and the older students are set to be featured in the opening ceremonies at the BC Winter Games.
Atkinson said Balance is an ideal tenant at the Orchard House.
“It was originally built to be a theatre. Upstairs there’s dance flooring, mirrors and ballet bars installed – I’m really excited to get in there and keep it used for the arts,” she said. “There’s also a lounge for the teens that come so they can do their homework.”
Performing artists between the ages of four-and-a-half and 40 are being sought as students. To learn about the programming, email Atkinson at balanceperformingarts@gmail.com.