| A sweet 16 production to remember |
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Chakara Bennett
Guardian Lifestyles Reporter chakara@nasguard.com
Published: Jun 22, 2012
It will be a Broadway-like affair when the 300 plus dancers of the Bahamas Dance Theatre in Grand Bahama take to the stage for their 16th annual dance recital under the theme “Sweet Sixteen”. The two-night dance exhibition which will take place at the Regency Theatre in Freeport, Grand Bahama on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24 will have all the glitz and glamor expected of a Broadway production. From the elaborate dance routines to the solo performances, he said the event will be something to remember. Jullion Collie, artistic director for the Bahamas Dance Theatre in Freeport said there will be something for everyone throughout the night. “We will have a flashy and fantastic show that will embody what it is to be 16,” said Collie. “There will be about 45 dance routines that will span genres in ballet, jazz, tap to hip-hop, lyrical dance and contemporary dances that will be paired with popular songs that discuss issues a teen faces like peer pressure, personality clashes, identity issues, partying and even relationships. It will be a fantastic showing of what the young dancers can do and have learnt over the year. You will not want to miss it.” Many hit songs that the audience can relate to will be featured in the production like “Sixteen Today” by Full Scale, “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from the musical “Funny Girl”, “Let’s Get this Party Started” by Pink and “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera. The show will have numerous memorable moments from the Disney-inspired routines for the little ones to the more advanced and dynamic performances by the mature dancers. He promises an evening that will be breathtaking. “We will have so much to offer. We have so many routines and our dancers have so many different levels of skill and expertise,” said the artistic director. “But no matter if they are four or 24, all the dancers share the same passion and joy from being on the stage. They will be able to translate that to the audience and people should really come out to experience it.” This year’s performance is expected to differ from productions of the past due to the intenseness of the program, and the improved presentation of the performances and detail to costume design. This year’s performance will take dance to a new level and make it precise yet fun-filled. There will not be a boring moment. “What will also be special about this event is that many of our older and more mature students will be returning just to be in the show. That is amazing and they should definitely add a richer element to the show,” said Collie. “We are excited to see how this works out. Every year we have a show but this year will really stand out with the level of diversity in the dances and routines. It’s going to be really special.” For people looking for a worthwhile event to attend over the weekend this is a perfect family-oriented activity to consider. The diversity and intrigue of the routine will have people’s eyes glued from start to finish. If the preciseness and creativity of the mature dancers don’t do the trick then the energy and fun of the littlest dancers will steal the show.
Sweet Sixteen When: Saturday, June 23 Where: Regency Theatre, Grand Bahama Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $25
Encore show When: Sunday, June 24 Where: Regency Theatre, Grand Bahama Time: 5 p.m. Cost: $25 |