The Tribune

YOUNG dancers got to see professional ballet stars up close and personal last week during the build-up to the Iconique performance at Old Fort Bay Club.

The Shirley Hall Bass Foundation brought dancers aged 15-21 and their teachers from a number of private dance schools throughout the island to a preview of Iconqique - a ballet performance featuring stars from around the world. 

The group attended the dress rehearsal, in an event sponsored by British High Commissioner Thomas Hartley and organised by the foundation’s outreach officer, Shara Goldsmith. 

The Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project arranged transportation for the budding dancers, who gathered at the University of The Bahamas’ library before being bused to the exclusive Old Fort Bay Club venue. 

During the performance, dinner was provided by Tropical Gyros. In a special highlight of the evening, students were able to meet the performers from the Covent Garden Dance Company, ask questions about their careers and techniques, and take photographs. 

The intimate theatre setting provided students with an up-close view of professional dance artistry rarely accessible to young performers.

Mr Hartley said: “Dance is such an essential part of Bahamian culture and I am thrilled that students working with the Shirley Hall Bass Foundation were able to come and see rehearsals and meet the international dancers from the ‘Iconique’ British ballet. Last year we committed to having Bahamians involved in the performance, and so it was excellent to have Courtney Spears and Vernal Adderley on stage this year. Who knows, it could be one of these young dancers on stage in the near future!”

Shara Goldsmith added: “The students were all quite impressed by the level of talent and technique of the dancers and were very excited to see our very own Bahamian performers, especially Courtney Celeste Spears. We had a wonderfully engaging discussion afterward on the bus as students shared their perspectives of the choreography, music, staging, rehearsal process, and performances.”

Dance instructor Gillian Springer, who accompanied students from her studio The Bahamas Dance Theatre, said: “My students couldn’t stop talking about the technical precision and emotional depth of the performances. They’ve returned to class today with renewed determination and fresh perspectives on their own practice.”

Prior to the Iconique event, the foundation took part on Monday in an artist panel discussion at Fiona’s Theatre at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, moderated by Ian Poitier. 

The panel featured Bahamian creatives Courtney Celeste Spears, Vernall Adderley, Giveton Gelin and Phylicia Ellis whose work premiered at “Iconique”. 

The artists shared valuable insights about their creative and collaborative processes in developing “In Time”, choreographed by Ms Spears.