The beauty, fire and intensity of Classique’s Dance Company’s popular production, ‘Dance Like You Do’ returns to the stage of the National Cultural Centre for one night only tomorrow, but with fresh new dances and performers.
‘Dance Like You Do Reloaded’ is the first of two productions on Classique’s schedule this year and according to Production Manager Leslyn Lashley-Khan, it is a must-see production. She said they have been rehearsing since before Christmas and are ready to let loose.
The production has a storyline that directly addresses the issue of the stigma attached to male dancers in the industry. Leslyn plays the lead female role of Sherry while dancer, Paul Charles plays a passionate young dancer who longs for the stage but is forced to hide this because his family shuns male dancers.
When Classique first debuted the production in 2006, it was such a hit that it was later rolled out across the country. Around the same time the production came out there was a buzz in local dance circles about the sexual orientation of many male dancers. Classique’s choreographer Clive Prowell had stated back then that he felt it necessary to address the issue because the stigma was doing the industry no good.
Prowell who is also the director of the dance school pointed out that many males are good, strong dancers and without them a production would not be the same. He said males tended to shy away from dancing because of how they are perceived and he was seeking to change this in his production.
Nearly two years later, the issue remains an issue.
Leslyn said the dances are all fresh, but remain centred on the themes of acceptance and choice. She said Classique is inclusive and has many male dancers as it has females. In the production, seven of the dancers are male.
Since its establishment more than five years ago, Classique has delivered on its promise of feeding the public quality dance productions. ‘Colours of La Dance’ is the production it identifies with and which is held annually. But it appears that ‘Dance Like You Do’ is becoming a favourite.
Leslyn, who has been dancing for over 25 years, told The Scene she is putting on her dancing shoes for the last time. The celebrated local dancer said injuries have sidelined her for too long and though she would like to continue her body is urging her not to. She is currently recovering from a leg injury but said she will be on stage tomorrow night.
She said there is one dance in the production that people are going to be blown away by. Mindful not to divulge too much, she disclosed that they are dancing to John Mayers’, “Waiting On The World to Change”.
