Bean disappointed at lack of local support

Internationally recognized dancer and choreographer Eric Bean has spoken of his disappointment at the lack of attendance to his latest show on the island Through The Looking Glass. 

The Bermudian, who is at the top of the waiting list to perform in the globally successful Cirque De Soleil, told the Bermuda Sun that he might not be able to put on another show in Bermuda if this was anything to go by. “Though all who were in attendance for our 2013 production Through the Looking Glass were excited and inspired by the passion, skill and talent presented on stage by our company, a common feeling found among the audience members was that of disappointment in the attendance of each show. 

“One patron I had the opportunity to speak with felt that the Bermudian community should be ashamed of itself for not taking the opportunity to support a young man who is ‘not only making a name for himself and his country, but also makes it a point to give back to his community.’

“I too as the Artistic Director of Jaricco.Dance must admit that I am a bit discouraged by the attendance as well.”

Bean’s debut Bermuda production in, at the same time of year in 2011, Return To Paradise, financially broke even though it was only advertised via social media, a few posters and word of mouth. Bean said that despite all the promotional efforts this year ticket sales dropped by almost half. “It’s shocking to me personally because everyone I had spoken with constantly inquired about my current where abouts and career moves; and when informed of my charity’s plan to do a show this summer each person was ecstatic and assured me they would not miss it. 

“Yet most of the faces were the ones missing among the crowd in actual attendance. 

“This leads me to feel that we as a people and culture are ‘all talk’. 

“Everyone loves to talk the talk but so many of us don’t allow ourselves to go that one step further to stand out and make ourselves noticed for the good we can do and the talent that we possess.

Based on the attendance and numbers Jaricco.Dance is unclear of when it might be able to afford presenting another production such as this one. 

“Unless we manage to get major corporate sponsorships and donors, I can’t see how our charity can take the risk in the future which is a shame because I felt that we would really be able to showcase the local talent based solely on the support and funds generated from community’s participation and attendance. But unless there is a major turn of events, we as a company can not afford to take that risk again.” n

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