Guyana-based Classique Dance Group nailed it during an impressive performance at the ninth Guyana Folk Festival in Brooklyn, attracting the attention of New York’s John Keen Douglas dance theatre that invited the group to return for a workshop in the City.
Calling the group full of energy, with big dreams of performing in a Broadway themed production, Founder and Artistic Director Clive Prowell expressed his excitement at the group’s visit to learn different facets of dance, as they expand their knowledge of the genre.
While here, Classique also had the opportunity to perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, as the opening act for their hosts.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Classique routines are intricate, diverse and spectacular to look at. Wearing both tribal and colorful costumes, the performers have thrilled audiences across the Caribbean and North America with their high-octane choreographs, commanding standing ovations every time.
“We want the company to grow, so our aim is to bring the dancers to the U.S. every year for a workshop, so that when they return to Guyana, they can share the knowledge they acquired,” said Prowell.
The company plans to begin a tour routine within the next five years with just 16 dancers, from a company of 80 students. The levels include beginner, intermediate and advanced.
Classique present three impactful productions a year – Color of La Dance, that showcases new routine, Dance Like you Do – a recital by the young dancers, and a Classique and Friends Christmas show, that includes the entire company.
The school, located at 40 Hadfield Street, Georgetown, is trained in Afro Caribbean, modern and contemporary, but stays within the Caribbean genre to maintain its identity.
Balancing the discipline of dance and proper behavior are qualities that determine a student’s overall performance and continued stay in the school.
Classique is looking to acquire funding for its programs that would allow its members to attend future workshops outside of Guyana that would lead to bigger and better productions.
Prowell, a former member of Guyana’s National School of Dance and the Dance Company of Guyana, started the group because he felt there was a need to bring quality dance presentations to the stage.
To learn more, contact classiquedancecompany@yahoo.com, or follow the group on Face Book.
