The raging dance buffs at Classique have cooked up what they say is another hot show and in case anyone is wondering what’s on the menu, don’t ask just show up with an appetite for entertainment.
For one night only, tonight that is, the dancers will christen the rehabilitated stage at the National Cultural Centre and perform new choreographed numbers that were described as, ‘edgy’ and ‘brilliant’.
Rhythm and Flow is Classique’s new production that promises a flow of solid, fresh new dances with an edge and the usual Classique flair. The usual flair is the raw ability of the dancers to steal a moment and “just live in it”, Classique’s Director Clive Prowell told The Scene in an interview earlier this week.
He said Classique is often recognized for its kinetic, high energy performances, technical acuity, and generous personality. Classique’s dynamism has been solely credited to Prowell choreographs the dances and pushes his members to take things to another level. He said the new production is different and a breath of fresh air because it brings to the table a range of dances with a common theme; strength, endurance, happiness and love. But the focus of the dances is on keeping a rhythm and a flow. Prowell noted that training commenced three months ago in earnest for the production and rehearsals have been moving apace every week.
“We train hard every time but this production demanded much more and we put the hours in. Why? The show is going on the road and we intend to represent Guyana at the highest level and also introduce the Caribbean to Classique,” he related.
According to Prowell, the show is going on the road from July 16 to six countries across the region. He named Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua among some of the stops noting they see it as a pre-Carifesta test and celebration. Classique is deeply involved in Carifesta, Prowell said, since the group has been called upon to take up a leading role in the dance activities for the festival. He said Classique is taking that role seriously and has been working just as hard on Carifesta. But now is the time for a pre-Carifesta celebration.
While on the road Classique hopes to introduce persons in the region to the dance school and to leave its mark on Caribbean contemporary dance. Prowell said his dancers will deliver at every show while on tour and that at the end of it all, they will hopefully drive more persons to the August celebrations.
“Carifesta is not that far off and we hope to give a taste of what is in store for persons when they get here though by now many persons must have an idea,” he added.
Founded in 2000 Classique is one of the more well known and successful contemporary dance schools in the country. The group has travelled the country and performed before large audiences and have accumulated a rather sizeable fan base.
Prowell said the group’s mission has been to empower young people through dance and creative collaboration in the performing arts, building self-esteem and inspiring self-expression.