Some 300 perform at BVI Dance Fest

There was standing room only on Saturday as about 300 children performed during the BVI Children’s Dance Fest at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall.

Against a moonlight-and-stars backdrop, dancers took turns showcasing choreographed routines and sparkly costumes.

At nearly three hours long, the show was longer than previous years’, and organisers said it was a success.

“It may have been long, but it was one piece after the other and the people were entertained,” said Sandy Lyons, head of the BVI Dance School. “The consensus is that the show was entertaining; the choreography was exceptional.”

Youngest groups

Early in the evening, a group of younger dancers took the stage in blue sequined tutus. As they performed, they closely watched their teacher Sara Smith demonstrate their routine.

“This was her first time dancing,” Brittany Meyers said of her 5-year-old daughter Isla, who was in the group.

Ms. Meyers, who used to be a dancer herself, was impressed by all of the performances.

“It was a great spectrum of all sorts of dance from all ages,” she said. “We really enjoyed ourselves.”

Introducing children to dance at an early age is beneficial, according to the mother.

“It teaches discipline, camaraderie, group mentality — and helps you keep cool under the light,” she said.

Stacy-Ann Bobb, who performed a jazz routine with other young adults, agreed.

“It was a good opportunity to showcase our talent,” said Ms. Bobb, who has participated in the annual event since she was Isla’s age. “I was nervous at first, but once I got out there the nerves were gone and I did okay.”

During a short break, former students of the BVI Dance School were introduced to the audience.

Among them was Hannah Russ, who performed with the school for 10 years.

“It’s getting better as the years go by,” Ms. Russ said after the show, adding that the dancers are learning more advanced moves as the years pass. “I was impressed and I thought everyone did well.”

Ms. Russ started out dancing hip-hop and advanced to ballet, she said, adding that she hopes to continue dancing when she starts university in the fall at Georgia State University.

Dance fund

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the BVI Dance Fund, which provides grants for children to attend the BVI Dance School, Ms. Lyons explained.

The fund, which began around 2003, has provided assistance for hundreds of children, she added.

It has also helped fund teachers’ and young dancers’ trips abroad, according to Ms. Lyons.

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