The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter FROM every vantage point inside the National Centre for the Performing Arts, audience members could see professional dancers from the Bahamian Dance Theatre Company (BDTC) perform in plain sight. Their modern jazz showcase last Saturday was presented under the theme, "Three Hearts With Love". The collection of performers - five men and four women - opened the dance show with a prelude performance of the song "I Wanna Be Ready." Dressed in white flared floor length bottoms, the performers delivered a memorable opening act. Speaking to Tribune Entertainment, BDTC Founder and Artistic Director Mervin Smith said he felt privileged to collaborate and work with such great talents and choreographers. "It is an indescribable experience to have come in contact with such raw talent. It keeps one encouraged because they are taking the forefront in accepting and expressing their gift and passion for dance when there are so many stigmas attached," said Mr Smith. The segment of the show entitled "Suite: T-Connection", featured dancers performing in the company of the T-Connection band. Mr Smith said his workshops are based on the trends and traditions of the Bahamian culture so it was his duty to add that into the showcase for the night. With his attention focused on the development of the visual and performing arts, Mr Smith said: "Singing is really taking a flight here for Bahamians because they are writing and singing their own songs, but when it comes to other visual and performing arts, it takes a little while for people to get it." "It's important to do showcases like this, not just only to focus on specific gender, but the arts in general. We have a lot of concerts here in the Bahamas and a lot of them are outside material and when Bahamians come together to do something, we have very little support," said Mr Smith. Since their debut concert in 2009, BDTC has worked to give fans the best they have to offer through dance and theatre. Three Hearts With Love marks their fifth season of concerts. Nearing the end of the night's show, one performance that stood out was "Bahamian Fables: Once Upon a Time". This performance told a story of old Bahamian folk tales. The obeah man and the story about Bookie and Barabi were invoked by the performance. "Our repertoire pieces tells stories that talk about life, love, disappointments and things that people go through in life on a regular basis," said Mr Davis. When asked about the stereo type placed on male dancers in society, Mr Smith expressed that he hopes for change. "It bothers me because I am a male dancer and this is my passion and my gift from God. I came into this when I was 18, watching the dancers in church and I said I want to do it. I tried it out and it became something that overwhelmed me. I started taking classes and then I decided that I wanted to further my talent," said Mr Smith. Despite the scattered audience at the show, Mr Smith said the company would continue to dance, sing and perform at its best. Proceeds from the event went towards helping Mr Smith and BDTC dancer Denton H Gay, who are pursuing their studies in dance and theatre in the United States.