Its Classique’s world, we just live in it. Fresh off a Caribbean tour that cemented their status as solid contemporary dancers, Classique is back with a new production that takes a zigzag approach to dancing, literally.
There is no straight dance sequence, Director Clive Prowell said, explaining that the production offers up a crisscross of dances. But it is not confusing, according to him.
“It’s meant to be different so we are throwing all kinds of twists and turns in there, but there is a storyline. What we hope to do is get people to understand that dance is exactly that…it varies, it can be puzzling at times, but that it all comes together in the end,” Prowell said.
Zigzag narrates the story of a dance journey, perhaps mirroring the dance school’s own experience, and follows the dancers as they build a name amid challenges and triumphs. What Prowell has in mind, is a sort of mini-drama that celebrates dance.
Classique will invade the National Cultural Centre on December 6 for one night only in the new production, ‘Zigzag’. Prowell boasts that it their best production to date since the dancers are stronger, more focused and are riding on the wave of momentum built up during the recent tour. He said the dancers have grown remarkably since their last public outing, adding that a douse of fresh talent has also been added to the production.
“What is so great this time around is that fact that everyone in the school has an idea and is keen on how they want to execute it. I get excited at the energy overflowing in rehearsals and the passion that I feel for this particular production”, Prowell added.
Some 19 dancers are part of Zigzag, among them four new faces. Prowell said the fresh talent is always a plus as it allows the seasoned dancers to reflect on their own journeys and also, stay focused. He said the new members are bursting with energy.
According to him, the new dancers are still in school–some are preparing for examinations–but that they are have balanced dance and their books well. He said the school is open for anyone who just wants to escape even it is for a few hours and “just dance to another place”.
Prowell recently acquired a new building for the dance school, which he said, allows a full-time school; on Robb St above Rayon House of Fashion. In the past Classique met on a part-time basis. He said dancers can now practice for hours and there is no rush to evacuate the building.
“People can expect great things from us next year because we are fired up, comfortable, and more focused than ever”, he added.
