Dancer’s desire to give back to Bermuda

A Bermudian dancer has pursued his love for performing and is now dancing with a fusion dance company in Amsterdam.

Rikkai Scott has been dancing for 20 years and is currently home in Bermuda for the holidays. He started at United Dance Productions 15 years ago and received various dance scholarships while studying at London Contemporary Dance School including the National Dance Foundation, Ross “Blackie” Talbot, Peter Leitner Arts scholarship and Bermuda Arts Council.

The 23-year-old dances with de KISS moves, a diverse company with many types of dances including ballet, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, folk and break dancing.

“I dance because it has been my first passion from the time I could walk. I love to entertain and show my skills in every way possible.

“I also dance because it helps me to express myself through movement and send a positive message to my audience — especially to kids.

“I plan to stay overseas for as long as possible to get more experience. I plan to move to Belgium or Germany to find a bigger and better job to meet different people and create more ideas for a showcase that I plan to have in the future.”

Scott said when he first started dancing, his style was hip-hop and tap, but in university, he studied contemporary dance.

Asked what inspired him, he said: “The people who have inspired me to have this career for so many years are my family, friends and I have received the support from the people in my country — Bermuda.

“All these special people help me to push and keep focused on my career and how it is important to make things possible if you work hard at what you do.”

Scott said as far as his schedule goes, he is in rehearsals and performing for adults and kids. 

He travels within the Netherlands and to other countries including Belgium, France and Israel.

He also does workshops throughout the Netherlands with many different schools.

While he is home, Scott teaches with Troika and Dancesations.

“In the future, I would like to teach throughout the whole of Bermuda’s dance schools including my first ever dance school, United Dance Productions”, he added.

Asked for advice he would give to Bermudians who aspire to dance, Scott said: “My advice to any Bermudian dancers who are trying to make it as a entertainer is to stay focused on yourself and show what you can bring to the table with confidence.

“To make sure you have a plan and keep the faith because it is possible even in defeat.

“If you work extremely hard, you will get where you want to be, but keep in mind the dance world can be difficult if you aren’t focused.

“Just fight for the prize.”