fp Turks and Caicos

Local dancers were in for a treat when a troupe of top artists from the U.S. returned to Providenciales to instruct the young hopefuls on their tricks of the trade.

Dancers from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) dance department visited islanders for a week-long collaboration of dance performances, master classes and workshops.

The UNLV dancers visited six local schools and enthused more than 1,000 students with their talents. The skilled dance group also taught daily classes at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre as well as junior and master classes at Stargazer Studio.

Brayton Hall hosted two evening performances dubbed “Dancescapes: A Field of Stars,” where the UNLV group and more than a dozen little local dancers charmed the crowds with their inimitable and whimsical movements.

The dynamic show was a mix of ballet, modern dance and jazz, which was choreographed by the UNLV professional dance faculty and its talented students. The Bowen Dance Academy also delighted the audience with their first public show, which was met with a roar of applause.

The Las Vegas troupe was sponsored by the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation (TCFAF) and the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre to enthuse and stimulate the islands budding dancers.

“Each time we come to Providenciales, not only do we hope that our art touches all of you, but we too come back very changed by the people and kindness of TCI,” UNLV dance department Chair Louis Kavouras and production manager Peter Jakubowski said. “To see the joy in the children as they watch the performances or as they participate in lecture demonstrations and classes changes us all.”