Arabesque puts on first production

In its inaugural production “Cabaret”, the Arabesque Dance Company did not fail to thrill and wow its audience, as it put on a refreshing display of performing arts talent on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 – 14, at the Peace Memorial Hall.{{more}}

Toddler, Peewee, Junior and Senior members put on an impressive display of sixteen performances, which flowed as smoothly as clockwork. The performances ranged from slow and soulful to upbeat and lively. The crowd was particularly responsive to “Cell Block Tango”, performed by the Seniors, and “In D Mix”, performed by Juniors and Seniors.

There were also two excellent guest performances by Tuesdai Pounder, from Barbados, and John McQueen, from Grenada.

The production was a well-choreographed one with appropriate and dazzling costumes. The dancers truly commanded the stage with confident moves and fitting facial expressions. Although the timing was somewhat off in a few routines, that did not detract from the talent and promise that Arabesque displayed.

The audience was definitely impressed with Arabesque’s performance, and at the end of the show, one patron was overheard saying: “I loved it! I’ll be going to anything Arabesque has again!” – a comment which will surely make the group’s founders Juanita Phillips and Mishca Smith-De Roche extremely proud.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Phillips expressed how ecstatic she was at the show’s success. “All our hard work and efforts really paid off! We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors and those who provided support in any other way!” In a surprise segment of the show, Minister of Culture René Baptiste awarded Phillips a plaque recognizing her achievements in the performing arts. “I really wasn’t expecting it!” Phillips gushed as she wiped away tears of joy.

Sponsors include Adams Office Centre, Courts (St. Vincent Ltd), De Freitas Motors Ltd, E. D Laynes and Sons Ltd, Galaxy Print, Government Employees Corporative Credit Union, Kingstown Corporative Credit Union, KFC, Mustique Company Ltd, Photomax, the National Lotteries Authority, National Investment Promotions Incorporated, Singer and Vee Jays.

SEARCHLIGHT is definitely looking forward to Arabesque’s next production, and seeing the group perform in the KCCU National Dance Festival 2010. Dance groups everywhere, watch out!(JSV)