La Gracia Dance Company impresses with Xpressionz

The La Gracia Dance Company, with its dancers ozing professionalism and raw talent, last weekend produced an excellent show, worthy of an encore.{{more}}

Under the title “Xpressionz”, La Gracia held their fund-raising showcase last Saturday at the Dzia Sports Centre and Bar in Questelles.

For an affordable price of $10, the dance company urged persons to come out and support their venture, with the proceeds to aid in funding their trip to Barbados to participate in the Universal Expressions Dance Festival.

“This show is worth more than $10, but we wanted to give you a treat,” the Master of Ceremonies said.

Founded in 2002 by Maxine Browne, La Gracia is an amateur troupe that melds dance with theatre and music, through creative and innovative performances.

As the show progressed, with two packed segments of entertainment and beautifully choreographed pieces, few empty chairs could be observed.

La Gracia made good use of their 100 dancers, who range in age from four to 27, with a repertoire consisting of dances that reflect the local culture, as well as being thoughtful and entertaining.

“We’ve been preparing for this since last year,” said Kelsey-Ann Williams, a senior dancer.

Former Minister of Culture, Rene Baptiste honoured the group’s founder, who will soon be graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Arts Management.

“You have to lift people up when you find them,” Baptiste said, as she told the story of how she had discovered Browne working at the Questelles Government School, before promptly stealing her to work at the Ministry of Culture.

Baptiste presented a plaque from the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers to a dancer, who received it on Browne’s behalf. The plaque was in recognition of the contribution that Browne has made to dance in St Vincent and the Grenadines as the founder, artistic director and choreographer of the La Gracia Dance Company, which has been recognised both locally and regionally.

To entertain the audience during the breaks, the Police Drama Club performed a slow, albeit funny play about a youngster caught up in drugs, gambling and the wrong company. As the play progressed, he was shown what his life could be like without being involved in these activities.

SVG’s own boy group, New Starzz, also represented themselves well, giving an outstanding performance of their latest single, “Corner Block”.

Other guest performances included dance routines from the Supreme Dream Team and Groundbreakers. Soca artiste Madd Skull also shared his latest song, with which he will compete in the New Song Competition on May 4.

Guided by their motto “Only the best is good enough”, La Gracia has produced six major productions since their debut in 2002. Widely renowned, the company has added being featured on American Entertainment Television A&E “Breakfast with the Arts” and placing 3rd in the Caribbean Dance Festival to their growing list of achievements.

La Gracia will leave this month to take part in the Universal Expressions Dance Festival. (BK)