The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

WORLD renowned dance troupe from the Dance Theatre of Harlem will make its way to the Bahamas for two performances at the Atlantis Resort.

The Dance Theater of Harlem's visit is presented by the Nassau Chapter of the Links, in partnership with its major sponsors, Atlantis and the US Embassy.

The highlight of the group's visit will be a gala performance on June 22 and a matinee performance on June 23. The dance troupe will also host a workshop from June 19-21 for high school students at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. Students from all across the Bahamas have been invited to attend the workshop.

"People can expect an absolute incredible performance; the Dance Theater of Harlem is world renowned. Like Nelson Mandella said while watching their performance, he forgot all his problems in his lifetime," said Diane Pindling, president of the Nassau Chapter of The Links.

Ms Pindling said the purpose of DTH's visit is to expose the Bahamian dance community to the social and artistic legacy of the group through performances and educational experiences. Hopefully as a result of their visit, professional dance will be revived in the Bahamas, she said.

"First of all I think professional dance seems to be on the decline in the Bahamas and we are hoping that the exposure to the Dance Theater of Harlem will inspire dancers in the Bahamas. Dance is actually a profession that they can go into and this visit will hopefully enhance the level of dance in the country."

"We are very pleased that Bahamians, especially our young people, will have the opportunity to interact with a group of this magnitude, and to benefit from the greatness that DTH has cultivated over the past 43 years.

"With the assistance of the Ministries of Education and Youth, Sports and Culture, we have extended invitations to all of our primary and high schools throughout the Bahamas, private and community dance groups, and churches with dance programmes", Ms Pindling said.

Erica Thibault, public affairs officer at the US Embassy and former dancer, told Tribune Entertainment, the visit will open doors for more diversity in the performing arts arena.

"When we found out about this event we knew we wanted to partner, considering Harlem is an institute in the United States that has been around for more than thirty years and it has been one of the first African American dance companies. It is a great opportunity to share the diversity of America and also to inspire young dancers here in the Bahamas," Ms Thibault said.

The world renowned dance troupe is led by Keith Alan Saunders, Ensemble Director and Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director. Over the years has become a multi-cultural dance institution. It also has an extraordinary legacy of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic excellence in the performing arts.

"When I was growing up I did not see many examples of dancers who looked like me and it changed my perspective the first time I saw the dance troupe of Harlem. It really inspired me to reach for my dreams. Our focus at the US Embassy is empowering and inspiring young people and so this is an avenue to do that," she said.

The black-tie gala performance on Friday evening will begin at 7.30pm and the Saturday afternoon matinee will start at 3pm.