Lilith 2017, the by woman for woman show that has become a tradition in Kimberley, took place on March 2, 3 and 4 at Centre 64.
As always, it was a tremendous success and raised funds for some worthy community causes.
The show was founded by the Steppin’ Out Dancers in 2000, and last year the Lady’s Leg Dancers stepped in to organize it and carry on the tradition.
The unique feature about Lilith is that it features an all female cast, all female audience and all female volunteers. This year there was even a small market featuring local female artisans.
And it was a resounding success, with all three nights sold out. A total of $7,168 was raised, with $2,834 being donated to Centre 64 and the same amount to the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group. The Lady’s Leg Dancers will also increase their yearly scholarship to $1500.
The scholarship was something the group wanted to create to live out the vision of Lilith and their dance group, which is to empower and inspire women to take chances and put themselves out there. They thought a great way to do this would be to set up an annual scholarship for a young woman in our community pursuing post secondary education. The Dancers look forward to supporting a female student in following her dreams and inspiring others along the way. The scholarship will be awarded at Selkirk’s Grad ceremony later this year.
For the KRRG, it was an easy decision. With refugee resettlement such a pertinent cause right now, the group felt supporting local efforts to provide a home for refugees in Kimberley was the appropriate route to take.
“We are so grateful to belong to a town that cares so deeply about its community. The work that the Kimberley Refugee Resettlement Group is doing is so important, it touches our hearts and makes us proud to be members of the Kimberley community.
“We also wanted to donate to Centre 64, this organization is so important to the arts & culture in Kimberley and we want this event to support our community. We spend an evening every week in this space and recognize the importance of it in Kimberley culture. We wanted to ensure that our community continues to be able to offer arts programs, kids camps, first Saturdays celebrations, free concerts, theatre space, dance studios and more. All of the programs coming out of Centre 64 are truly amazing and it is a non-profit organization we are very proud to support.”
And because Lilith is all about women, audience were asked to bring feminine hygiene products for the Kimberley Food Bank. The audience responded in true Kimberley fashion, filling an entire car with donations.
Thrilled at the success of this year’s show, planning has already begun for Lilith 2018.
If anyone is interested in getting involved by sponsoring the event, volunteering, performing or being a part of our female artisan market please contact ladyslegdancers@gmail.com.
The Lady’s Leg Dancers thank all the local businesses who support the show and made the event possible.