St Georges, Grenada July 14 2014 – Sunday July 6thand 13th are dates that will long be remembered and treasured by students and patrons of two leading dance theatres in Grenada.
To celebrate their seventh anniversary, the Conception Dance Theatre hosted a special showcase on Sunday July 6th, in which students of the school and members of the dance company performed ballet and modern dance, to a large and appreciative audience at the Grenada Trade Centre.
A common point of agreement, passionately voiced by Cecelia Griffith, the Jamaica-trained Artistic Director of Conception Dance Studio, who said, “Dance is a natural method for learning. In addition to providing exercise, it encourages emotional maturity, cognitive development, improved self-esteem, discipline and overall improved heath in both children and adults.”
Earlier this year, the theatre enlisted the support of Roger C. Jeffrey renowned dancer, choreographer and consultant, who held a series of workshops with the students and placed particular emphasis on the development of their form and discipline.
The show, which was in two parts, had a selection of performances which included ballet, hip hop, modern dance, and African and saw choreography, not only from the artistic director but also from some of the more seasoned members of the company.
On the following Sunday, July 13th, Spyceland Dancers, performed a special ballet rendition, “Don Quixote”, based on the famous Spanish novel written by Miguel de Cerventes Saavedra. This enthralling piece was choreographed by Monique La Heurte of France, who had spent many weeks earlier in the year, training students to help them improve their technique and style. Spice Basket, the venue for this second event, was alive with a flurry of activity as students prepared to deliver their remarkable performance.
Commenting on the ballet story, TeheriaViechweg, Artistic Director of Spyceland Dancers said “Our students are tremendously talented. Don Quixote has been performed by many professional dance studios across the world. The production introduced our dancers to a different genre of music. Additionally, training with Monique gave them the unique opportunity to expand and diversify their dance vocabulary.”
Netherlands Insurance was honoured by Spyceland Dancers on stage in a surprise presentation of a plaque to Richard Strachan by Paige James, the principal dancer, on behalf of Ms. Viechweg, in appreciation of support over the years.
Richard Strachan, Managing Director of Netherlands Insurance, sponsor of both events and avid supporter of the arts expressed his delight at the skill levels of the students. He applauded the teachers for the time investments made in assisting the progress of their students stating, “Netherlands Insurance remains totally committed to assist in the development of the arts wherever possible. It is therefore extremely rewarding to see what our investment in these productions has helped these students to achieve. The improvement in self confidence is a personal achievement for most, but the concerts also gave them an outlet to showcase their dance and artistic proficiency. Hopefully some would make carers out of it. It is also heartening to see our young people learn to be graceful and to appreciate various genres of music.”
“Dance remains one of the fundamental ways to communicate cultural expression and in this way, we ensure that our nation’s traditions and culture is sustained and remains a legacy for the future.” he further noted.
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Caption L-R: Students of Conception Dance Theatre backstage as they prepare to perform one of their musical numbers
Modern Dance Students of Conception Dance Theatre
Monique La Huerte rehearses with Spyceland Dancers students at Spice Basket
