Anna and Mercedes Caribbean Dancers

The Caribbean School of Dance houses Metamorphosis Dance Company, one of the most well-known in the country. Started in 1995, Metamorphosis is the official dance company of the School, creating opportunities for young and talented dancers to participate in performances across the spectrum of classical ballet, modern, postmodern and Afro-Caribbean dance. The School itself however, dates back to 1957 with a fascinating history that pre-dates even our birth as a nation. During those many years since, the Caribbean School of Dancing has produced many dancers, including those who have achieved soloist status in their respective dance companies across North and South America as well as Europe.

With that high-level of distinction among past students, many of whom return to teach, coach or guide, it is little wonder that both Mercedes and Anna were selected for a Summer School programme with the renowned Joffrey Ballet School in New York this coming July. The programme requires an audition tape for international applicants but an

in-person audition for others and is open to dancers around the globe who wish to become more focused in their practice. Both girls are also aiming to attend the school for the four-year full-time program.

Mercedes explains, “It’s a full professional programme – essentially like going to University to study dance. The only difference is that you graduate with a Certi cate in dance and not a degree.” A certificate, we ask? After four years? She adds with a smile, “Yes but from one of the best dance schools in the world.”

Mercedes and Anna, both attendees at the British Academy have danced, practically since birth. Mercedes tells us, “I started dance when I was three, with Noble Douglas. My mom was a dancer before me too, also with Noble Douglas. It was something I was always passionate about – it was more fun in primary school and yes it did get stricter over the years but I never lost a love for it.”

Anna offers a counterpoint, “I started around the same time, but I did stop. I lost interest and didn’t want to do it anymore. But then I went to a school dance where I saw my sister perform and I started to cry. I was about ten or so at the time. She was my role model and I wanted to be just like her so I started again. “

Both girls are full-time students in respective studies of subjects like most young adults their own age – from French to Spanish, English, Math, Business studies and Art. Yet even in the midst of a regular teenage student life, dance requires at least four technique classes perweek at the school and on eve of their upcoming show at Queen’s Hall, practice is daily.

In fact, on this muggy Tuesday evening there is a room full of young and talented dancers going through their routine over and over, likely after a long day of studies or work.

Even more remarkable too, is that Mercedes and Anna also found time to dabble in other extra and co-curricular activities. “I used to love to do yoga on the side twice a week. And also used to play water polo. I wanted to do everything!” Mercedes says with a laugh. Anna adds, “Yup, I used to swim as well and was also doing gymnastics. Then I started volleyball but dance took over my schedule.”

So why dance we ask? Both girls respond almost simultaneously, “It’s dance or nothing!” Then Anna adds, “It’s like Eat Sleep School Dance! That’s life!”

Both young women as well are aware of the competitive nature of dance as well as the short nature of a dancer’s career. “By the time you’re in your 30’s, you’re too old.” Anna says, before pausing and looking at me. “Good thing I’m not a dancer then.” I respond. They both laugh. She continues, “On stage they would want a younger face and well you’re not as flexible either at that age.” Mercedes adds, “Dancing is something that has a short career span, even shorter than some sports but the good thing is you can always teach after. You can be an art director or mentor or teacher. I don’t mind doing something like that after -- dance management.” Both girls too have their eyes set on the big city life of New York City. “The competition is high, everyone wants to be a dancer and sometimes you think, what if I don’t get in, but it would be great to work for a big Broadway production,” says Anna.

As we talk, it’s clear that both these young dancers are highly self-motivated, inspired and overwhelmingly positive individuals, always quick to some serious laughter with each
other despite hectic demands and schedules. “My mom is a significant part of that outlook for me,” Mercedes credits. But the teachers and everyone else around me adds to that too. My mom encourages me to be thankful everyday for what I have and to be
thankful that I’m doing what I love.”

Anna draws inspiration from Svetlana Zakharova, the 35-year old Russian prima ballerina, “She is just perfect – and she still has all that grace and physique even after having her first child!” Ironically too, her daughter’s name is Anna. Mercedes admires Misty Copelin, the 32-year old ballet dancer attached to the American Ballet Theatre who is also the third African-American soloist and first in two decades to join that company. No doubt both girls are close behind the light steps of their mentors. Mercedes was also
awarded the highest honour in the Metamorphosis Dance Company – the Kathleen Armstrong Kilgour Scholarship that she is applying to her studies in New York this
summer. The Dance Scholarship assists upcoming dancers to become performance ready by attaining the necessary qualifications for eligibility into full-time professional dance training.

As we conclude our quick interview with these promising dancers and the sun closes on another day, leaving no reprieve however from the heat of the day, both girls head off to another practice session at 6.30pm, amazingly with the same enthusiasm and gusto as when we first sat down.

If you are like most Trinis and only know one form of dance (in a fete) be sure to check out the Metamorphosis Dance Company’s show from this Thursday until Sunday. Tickets
are available at Caribbean School of Dancing, Queen’s Hall Box Office and members of Metamorphosis Dance Company.