Metamorphosis Dance Company presents ‘Trodding On’

The Company has succeeded “against all odds” in a country where says a very emotional Herrera “We do not value the arts so whether it is competing for peoples’ time academically, resources, money, expertise, there is no respect, it is not a primary source of income and is not considered a profession.that makes it, so to practise dance in this town is hard.” Metamorphosis will present its 16th season “Trodding On”, from May 5 to 8 at Queen’s Hall.

Herrera, the company’s Artistic Director and one of its choreographers, a dance teacher for more than 25 years, and part time lecturer at the University of the West Indies on the Teaching Certificate and Dance Degree programmes, was inspired by 3 Canal’s song “Trodding On”, which asks artistes to keep faith, keep believing in their passion and just continue on until the time has come, which nobody can really answer.”

“3-Canal sang about the important role model that Beryl Mc Burnie was to dance, at this year’s concert in the Little Carib…She persisted for years and just kept going. I called Wendell Manwarren the next day, agreeing with him that this is exactly where we all are, in survival mode, head down in your little corner and still all dreaming. I myself am living out my passion and dream and spreading it before everybody.”

Metamorphosis is known to have nurtured young dancers who excel both at home and abroad: Zara Bartels performs with the Lion King cast in England; Fana Fraser is now a member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company in the USA; and Bridgette Wilson, who started in dance theatre as a Metamorphosis dancer, went on to study choreography in Canada at York University and has now returned as the Company’s rehearsal director and one of its choreographers. Others are encouraged to pursue careers in dance. Through rigorous fund-raising, the commitment of teachers and parents, and kind corporate support, Metamorphosis dancers are able to tour internationally, perform for dignitaries, enter prestigious schools for the performing arts, dance in major theatre productions in Europe, and produce the annual dance season.

Once again, Metamorphosis presents a range of exciting, new pieces of choreography, truly reflective of this year’s theme “Trodding On”, with works choreographed by Nicole Wesley, Wilson, Sonja Dumas, Claudia Applewhaite, Herrera, and Gregor Breedy who is choreographing for a first-time cast of all-male dancers.

Last year Juan Pablo Alba Dennis, choreographed “Where We Stand” which he danced with Ruth Porther. This year Dennis will dance a male duet named ”Cuando el sol Desaparece” which he has choreographed with Isaiah Luther. Dennis, who shows potential not only as a dancer but as a choreographer, has recently received the Dance Company’s scholarship, from an annual scholarship development fund recently established in honour of the late Kathleen Armstrong-Kilgour, mother of professor, author, actor and dancer Dr Joanne Kilgour-Dowdy, which covers all expenses to equip himself for entrance into foreign professional training.

Wilson is choreographing “Conform” for the whole company, which opens the season, a duet for Dennis and Mia Morgan, and another for Isaiah and Vaughn Harper. Wesley has choreographed a group piece “Devotion” and a solo “Travel my feet.” Herrera’s “Chrysalis” choreographed specially for the company’s 2000 performance in the St James Amphitheatre, explores the classical ballet technique danced to traditional drumming. Robert Las Heras has done costumes for Chrysalis as well as for Wilson’s duet, and John Christopher is designing for one of Wilson’s pieces. Others include Simone Phillips, who has designed for Metamorphosis every year.

Tickets for “Trodding On” are available at 2A Dere Street, Port-of-Spain, and at the Queen’s Hall Box Office during the week leading up to the performances. For reservations and information call Nariba Robinson 785-9096. With children specially in mind the Company has priced tickets for the Thursday 6.30 p.m. show at just $50.00. Friday and Saturday (7.30 pm) and Sunday matinee at 6.30 pm will cost $100.00.