The Cayman Islands National Dance Company filled the Harquail Theatre with a celebration of Cayman’s rich and vibrant cultural tapestry during a two-night dance showcase of ‘Flava’, culminating the troupe’s 36th season.
The production, held 1-2 June, was made possible by a grant from the Cayman National Cultural Foundation. It featured nearly 25 dancers, ranging from ages 13 to 55.
“We brought an extravaganza of repertoire pieces we’ve enjoyed for 36 years and mixed with new creations and remastered dances,” Jessica Eden, the company’s artistic director, told Cayman Compass.
A visual feast
The packed theatre audience enjoyed a visual feast as dancers moved with intense emotions, presented colourful storylines, flaunted vibrant and playful costumes, and rendered dynamic rhythms and movements.
The performers, a mix of seasoned dancers, newcomers and apprentices, presented an eclectic and entertaining mix of genres, including Caymanian folk, Latin, gospel, Afrobeats, soca and contemporary.
Among the pieces presented was a thought-provoking reflection and celebration on the struggles and triumphs for human freedom over slavery.
“We wanted to showcase where we came from and where we are and an appreciation of freedom that we do have. It was intentional to show our past and present, what dance is and have become, our culture and history,” Eden said.
Another piece, entitled ‘Slay’, reflected on the freedom and empowerment that comes with embracing one’s true self.
In the second half of the show, audiences cheered and applauded as dancers delivered a number of high-energy soca pieces, reflecting the rhythm of work sites that never see a dull moment.
The show ended with all dancers on stage performing ‘La Fete’, which captured the joy and vibrance of dance.
‘They showed up’
Eden said she was “extremely pleased with the end result”, after months of rehearsals.
“It speaks to their commitment and dedication, especially the older ones. They showed up,” she said.
“[What] it took us to get to where we are, the amount of work the dancers committed to achieving the vision I had in my head. It was good just to hear the feedback from the audience, because they saw what I had envisioned.”
Ica Eden-Martin, who has been dancing for 30 years, also performed a Latin solo piece.
She is the company’s assistant artistic director and told the Compass she is pleased that the company continues to grow each year.
“I’ve seen the changes, and the company is growing,” Eden-Martin said. “It’s an awesome experience to be with them … you learn a lot of things, and you learn to help those that are weak and help to maintain those that are strong.”
Over the past 30 years, the dance company has performed internationally, including in the multicultural MEP festival in the Netherlands; in Carifesta V-VIII, and locally for Cayfest; local beauty pageants, Pirates Week, and for charitable organisations.
Eden says she hopes the company will “continue to grow in our skill and development, creativity, and how we explore dance as an art form.”
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