Who has the best dance moves?

The island’s hottest talent will be competing in Bermuda, So You Think You Can Dance.

Launched by Inter-Island Communications — parent company of HOTT 107.5FM —  the contest will see dancers competing for the winning accolade and prize money.

They will get to test their best dance moves in all genres including modern jazz, hip hop, salsa, or classical.

There are eleven contestants; Dara Palmer, Hay Smitty, J&J, Teresa Whitter and Marshall Weller, Victoria DaPonte, Precious Cooper, Greashena Spence and Ricky Spence, Miguel Postlethwaite, Call Us What Ya Want, Malichi Simmons and Kioshi Burgess. 

Also, there will be guest performances by Sia Spence, John Seymour and United Dance Production Men.

Contestants have been chosen from open auditions will compete during the Finals for $5,700 in total prize money. The Ruth Seaton James Centre will “come alive” at 8pm on Saturday, June 1. The doors open at 7:30pm.

All are invited to help support Bermuda’s local talent. Tickets are available from HOTT 107.5, Gorham’s Ltd, Music Box iClick.

Meet the Contestants:

Last week the Bermuda Sun ran bios on eight of the contestants and today we bring you the rest of the field:

Hay Smitty

This group is cleverly named after the original members of the group, MeShalaé Hayward, Alexis Smith and Marcus Smith. They formed towards the end of 2011 for Bermuda’s Youth Got Talent.

After placing third overall in the competition, Hay Smitty moved on to broaden their horizons. They’ve performed at various events such as the PLP Pep Rally, The Annual Senior’s Tea, The Bermuda Glee Showcase, Harbour Nights and St. Paul AME’s Missionary Fair.

Upon hearing positive feedback on the progress of the group, they decided to expand to a May 24th group, while continue to perform as the originals as well. 

They hope to gain even more exposure from Bermuda, So You Think You Can Dance and someday perform internationally.

Dara Palmer

I am currently studying Dance at Cornish College of the Arts. I am pursuing a Bachelor of fine arts in Dance. 

I will be a sophomore in September 2013. I started at  United Dance Productions from the age of four before moving moved on to In Motions School of Dance and continued my training.

 I became a member of senior company in September 2009. I have performed for many local events including the Premier’s concert in both 2011 and 2012 as well as  the Rubber Ducky Derby, Christmas Parade, Nutcracker Show case and and Agriculture Exhibition. While attending In Motions I did work study assisting the teacher’s with kids between the agesof 5 and 6.  I have also taken part in Summer Dance Intensive with In Motion School of Dance for summer 2009 and summer 2011. 

My inspiration for dance actually comes from music, I want to perform and show others the expressions that dance can have from the music that is being played. A dancer’s body is their instrument and the dance floor is there home. I feel I have the passion, hard work and dedication to be a dancer and performer.

Teresa Whitter & Marshall Weller

Teresa began her Latin dance journey in 2005 at Sabor Dance School as a student, learning Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha, Argentine Tango, Ballroom and the hustle. She progressed to instructor status within 9 months of her initial learning, and spent seven years employed by SaborDance School and BermudaSalsa.com as and instructor, assistant director, and operations manager.

 She founded SalsaGoddess.Me in October 2012, and continues to provide private lessons that are thorough, inspiring, and of course, fun.

She travels regularly to salsa congresses and competitions around the world, and recently won second place in a “Jack & Jill” salsa competition in Florida in March 2013.

She uses every opportunity to spread her passion for Salsa, as is evident in her teaching and dancing.

 She is also known for her fire-spinning antics with Rockfire Bermuda, of which she is Creative Director.

In her “spare” time she can can be found reading, sewing, cooking dabbling in sports and other dance forms.

Marshall started his salsa journey after taking a reluctant trip to Cuba over 10 years ago.

Little did he know that this trip would change his life and light a fire for Latin dance that would almost take over his life. Almost immediately after this trip he began taking lessons and only after two semesters he was asked to instruct the class.

After two years of joining the local dance community he helped create the BermudaSalsa.com Group which included a Latin website, Sabor Dance School and SalsaMania Productions the event portion of the company.

Marshall was instrumental in creating and organizing many big salsa events and parties.

He danced in many performances local and international for the school and also was the first to create a choreography for the very first student group of the school.

Now as an independent teacher and promoter his goal is to pass on to others his passion to keep this fire of Latin dance alive in the island.

Now lets dance.