Caymanian dancer Nissi Vassell achieved a monumental milestone after delivering a trailblazing performance at the Dance World Cup World Finals in Dublin, Ireland.
The annual Dance World Cup sees more than 120,000 hopeful competitors aged four to 25 from over 60 countries attempt to qualify each year in the event which is held in different locations around the world.
During this major competition, Vassell placed 10th globally in the Junior Street Dance Soloist category on 14 July with a routine choreographed by Jessica Clarke.
This top 10 finish is an extraordinary achievement, as Vassell beat out hundreds of dancers in the heats before facing 31 finalists in her section.
Now training at Rothwell Arts Dance Academy after moving to England last year, the 16-year-old punched her ticket to the world finals after gaining first place for Team England through an initial audition through video submission.
“Competing at the Dance World Cup has been such an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the Cayman Islands on that stage,” said Vassell.
“I’m really proud of what I was able to achieve and the results I came away with, but more than anything, it’s a reflection of the years of hard work, dedication and support that have gone into my journey,” she added.
Vicky Rothwell, founder of Rothwell Arts Dance Academy, said, “The preparation has been a long process with some really early morning and late rehearsals in the studio. From deciding costumes to makeup, footwear to all the accessories, everything plays its part in the creation of the final routine and performance.”
Rothwell spoke highly of Vassell saying, “Some people I think are just born with a gift and Nissi has a special magic that you can’t teach.”
“Her talent is also natural and is embedded within her. Her ability to understand what is being given to her in terms of choreography, style and performance is breathtaking as you can see from her performance at The Dance World Cup,” Rothwell added.
Highlighting the significance of her accomplishment, Rothwell said, “This is Nissi’s first time competing at Worlds and not only did she come first in the England qualifiers, [but] she came third overall for England at Worlds for this section. Gaining [an overall] 10th place in the world is absolutely amazing.”
Team England went on to win this year’s Dance World Cup, making Vassell’s achievement all the more special.
Where it started
Born and raised in Cayman, Vassell attended Joanna Clarke Primary School and Clifton Hunter High School before moving away.
Vassell’s dance journey began in 2012 at the age of three with the Cayman Islands National Dance Company. In 2019, she expanded her training by joining Radiance Dance Studio.
“My older sister was the one who introduced me to dance, and I honestly fell in love with it straight away. From my very first class, I knew this was something special,” said Vassell.
“Dance quickly became more than just a hobby; it became my passion, my way of expressing myself, and somewhere I always felt at home,” she added.
Reflecting on her simultaneous training with two dance companies, Vassell noted, “It gave me the best of both worlds. Both organisations shaped the dancer I am today, and I’m incredibly thankful for the mentors who believed in me from a young age.”
While in Cayman, Vassell immersed herself in a wide variety of dance styles including hip hop, contemporary, modern, and jazz.
“Learning different styles helped me become a more versatile performer and taught me to appreciate different ways of telling a story through movement,” she said.
Jessica Eden, the owner and artistic director of Radiance Dance Studio and artistic director of the Cayman Islands National Dance Company, coached Vassell for roughly 12 years and expressed immense pride in her former student’s international success.
“I am extremely proud of Nissi, and it truly warms my heart to see her progress and achieve success in her craft. Her dedication and hard work continue to shine through, and I have no doubt that she will keep excelling in her dance journey,” Eden said.
Eden described Vassell as passionate, highly dedicated, committed and hardworking, noting that she is a team player who possesses a strong sense of creativity.
Rothwell echoed these sentiments and gave credit to Vassell’s Cayman dance foundation.
“I would like to give credit to the dance teachers and dance companies from her hometown. They are wonderful tutors, teachers and leaders whom I respect and admire,” said Rothwell.
“Preparing for a competition of this stature does not just start with what we have done for her. This starts at a young age when a student starts their dance and performing journey. Great thanks must be given to all who came before us,” she added.
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