Dance takes us from slavery to freedom

United Dance Productions will host a one-night only heritage themed performance this weekend.

On Friday night, the Heritage Journey Performance will be held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre

The showcase will feature dancers from the inception of UDP up until now.

Founder Suzette Harvey explained the concept of the showcase Slave Girls.

“The dances will reflect our strength as a people, how far we have come and to remind us of our future and how we must inspire and motivate one another through these trying times as our history is rich, diverse and soulful.

“All of the repertoire will be uplifting and powerful as it takes us from slavery to freedom opening with Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,  Trying Times, A tribute to Ailey and much more.

Emotional journey

“The dances will take you on an emotional journey with pieces like Motherless Child performed by the males performers and Pep Talk performed by our young stars.

“Every dance was selected specifically to make this performance powerful and to remind us of our rich heritage.”

Asked what will make this year’s performance special, Harvey said: “What is so special is that we are highlighting our youths along with many of the older original dancers that have made UDP strong and vibrant over the last 20 years and have continued to prove to our younger generation that hard work, discipline, and dedication can take you a long way.

“This performance will be the last performance for many of the older dancers that have been so committed to the school and the community.”

The ages of the dancers range from six-years-old to 40.

Asked why she continues to teach after two decades, Harvey said: “It’s very important to perform every year to show the students progression and how they move from strength to strength.  

“Performing is what we work hard for all year, it’s what an artist lives to do and works hard for months to perfect every step and nuance.

“Performing helps to build self esteem and it gives the students something to work towards.”

She continued: “We actually perform two major showcases a year.  

“The annual recital, which is for all students that attend the school, is done at the end of the school year and performances like this one we  audition students who show promise and want the extra push.

“Dance is hard work and if you are forced to do it, it’s like pulling teeth.

Speaking on the costumes for the event, she said: “The costumes are reflective of the story that is being told.

“This performance consists of dancers from all generations of UDP since its inception. This will be a showstopper.”

Harvey encourages Bermudians to come out and support the young people.

She called the event a performance for the people.

“It will leave you feeling good and hopeful, it will remind us where we have been and how we should continue to be from all the hard work our ancestors pathed before us.

“This will be an incredible performance you don’t want to miss.”

The event will be one night only on Friday night at 7pm.

Patron tickets are $50 and general admission is $35 and available on www.brownpapertickets.com. 

For more information email [email protected] or call 541-9933.