Body Language

 

“People who show their body language to you can reveal their feelings and meanings. Mirroring body language of someone else indicates that they are understood. Body language may provide clues as to the attitude or state of mind of a person. It may indicate aggression, attentiveness, boredom, relaxed state, pleasure, amusement, intoxication. It can reveal a lot about your feelings and meaning to others and also how others feel about you. Body language signals happen on a conscious and unconscious level.”  It is through the gift of dancing, and exploring artistic forms of self expression, that each individual who dares to challenge themselves to the feat, is able to rise above themselves, in order to become more. Dancing allows us to speak without words, to break the language barriers and communicate with the masses, and, to shout out from the mountain tops, giving more than we knew was possible to give.  Body language is a contagious freedom, and our youth are being nurtured to share this inspiring sense of self with you and the world.

In the second week of June 2013, students of the Lois Seiler Academy, along with special guest dancers and their choreographers will take stage at the Regency Theater to present a dance concert entitled “BODY LANGUAGE”. For decades, Lois Seiler has continued to keep art enthusiasts thrilled and entertained by her dedication to not only training and educating a grand body of dancers, but, also preparing a great deal of choreographic works, ranging from classical ballet to modern jazz. She has inspired many generations to become dancers and artists by teaching the value of self through body language. Her students are raised to become poised elegant and distinct dancers, many of whom have, with inspiration, gone on for further training, to become professional dancers, teachers, and choreographers.

Dance gives a voice to our physical nature and empowers our silence of mind and spirit to come through and live in that moment of dance. Many of Lois Seiler’s more advanced dancers have been with her for most of their lives, and she has watched them grow, advancing more and more each year with particular training. This year’s celebration of Body Language is truly that, a collection of dancers and their costumes and featured dances and music, all that tell stories of the journey of that year or more spent dancing at the Lois Seiler Academy. Choreographies depicting what was learned, and how far each student has come individually and collectively, a rhythmic story of creative movement to show and tell, by children of all ages. A gift to audience of parents, family, and friends, proud to see their loved ones showing the world what dance has taught them each about life, self expression, poise, technique, attentiveness, grace, and attitude.

Featuring students of the Lois Seiler Academy of Dance in their showcase of diversity in styles of dance ranging from ballet to jazz, tap to hip hop, and the varying ages of the youngest children in creative movement to those professionals level dancers in advanced ballet. The show promises to be action packed, as talented groups hit the stage on the two busy evenings of Saturday, June 15th and Sunday June 16th. Aside from Lois Seiler’s Choreography, those featured will also be dancing the choreographies of Garret Seiler in ballet , jazz and modern dance, and Rico Thompson’s selection of hip hop, along with the Xclusive Crew and b-boy troupe,a snappy tap piece Sophie Paine and Katie Hindley, and a contemporary work by Lawson Pinder.

A full house of talented individuals, many of Seiler’s top dancers are well seasoned performers, grounded in the arts not only as dancers, but also as singers, actors, models, and well rounded performing artists in general, constantly seeking new ways to empower their own body language. As a matter of fact, many of Lois Seiler’s classically trained dancers spread their wings to embrace the variations in the art form, working with choreographers such as Jullion Collie of the Bahamas Dance Theatre and The New Wave Dancers, and also with Georgia’s School of Dance, each with their own niche. Georgia is known for a specialty in lyrical dance, with her own production of the Lion King as featured earlier this year, and for Mr. Collie, a more urban style of dance, encouraging many of the hip hop artists such as those in the Xclusive Crew.

This year’s showcase, “Body Language” promises to be a tasteful exhibition of artistic qualities in largely diversified quantities. A favourite to look forward to is the ballet inspired version of the jazzy ensemble entitled “Rhapsody in Blue”, where Lois Seiler strikingly encompasses years of her own personal stylistic techniques and preferences for the two classical dances, ballet with a twist of jazz for a unique variable interpretation of the classical ballet. It is a full length performance of the charming birdie melody by Gershwin, a pleasure full sixteen minute rendition including flirty gestures and gracious dances in pas de deux of the corps de ballet. A must see ballet choreography by Lois Seiler showcasing some of the best and brightest classically trained dancers in the Bahamas. It is a quite sensual number and genuinely a treat for the awakening of senses. Who knew that ballet could be so… enticingly mouthwatering_ but, that’s all in the glory of ‘BODY LANGUAGE’ . (June 15th &16th)

Scarlett Wilson and Rico Thompson will keep the entertainment flowing as versatile M.C.’s. Tickets for the concert may be purchased at the G.B. Fitness Center and Animale in Port Lucaya.

 

The Backyard Farmer

Luckner Timothee
The Backyard Farmer
Photo by Kadeem Wildgoose
Graphic Artistry

Luckner Timothee is well known as a model, most recognized in the “BTC Dudes and Diva’s” campaign, and an artist of dance and acting amongst our local community in the Bahamas, contributing to the works of choreographers such as Lois Seiler, and Jullion Collie’s New Wave Dancers, acting as a member of The Freeport Players Guild and the productions of Jackie Dack.  Yet, the zealous Luckner is rapidly gaining reputation for his ambitious work as a Backyard Farmer, a project that, although began only three years ago, is now booming in more ways than one.  Besides working in his very own backyard farm as ode to the original trademark, “Backyard Farmer”, Luck also works to help others throughout Grand Bahama Island to produce their own garden farmland in the quarters of their homes and neighborhoods. 

Photo by Kadeem Wildgoose
Graphic Artistry

 

The idea of backyard farming is quickly catching on as many people in Grand Bahama are becoming more and more interested in producing their very own farmland in their backyard.  Luck also works with schools, helping them to prepare gardens on campus to aid in the agricultural education of students.  Luckner loves to educate others about the benefits of backyard farming and self-sustained agriculture.  A self taught farmer, he learned through reading books, researching the internet, and via simple experiments and recorded tests.  He has, over the years acquired so much information that he now writes a column for the Bahamas weekly online and takes any opportunity to share his diverse knowledge. 

Tomatoes

What is so special about the methods of this particular farmer is the intimate and interpersonal approach of his work. Luck is completely organic and his food is pesticide free, as he believes that every part of the environment and ecosystem, including bugs, is important and that we should try to understand and respect all of nature instead of trying to alter what is natural with poisonous and harmful chemicals.  His organic farmland is also completely produced with local soil which he highly endorses, recommending that using natural soil which has actually been pulled away from the earth when the land is cleared for building and then sold to big companies and bought back by Bahamian farmers like himself, is a well worth it investment, because the natural soil is actually best for the native environment and climate in the Bahamian ecosystem for agriculture. 

Planting garden beds with school kids

One of the many benefits of being a backyard farmer, he explained, is the ability to control the small scale garden rather than on a large scale, when involving weather conditions, where in the Bahamas, the seasonal harsh heat and heavy rains including hurricanes, can be a hazard that causes large scale farmers to lose a ton of money each year. Dealing with the elements such as winds and rains and hurricanes makes large scale farming on Grand Bahama rather impossible to sustain as farmers lose gardens and lose money each year, but are not compensated by the government or able to ensure the land for their losses. He therefore suggests small gardens.  The government is not investing enough in agriculture, but even still, they should shift their focus from large scale to “Backyard Farms” because not only does it make crops easier to salvage when storms and floods destroy, but that way everyone can get involved with farming and agriculture in their own way!

Bananas

The trend toward backyard farming is beginning to catch on as there are only 12 industry farmers on Grand Bahama Island, and people spend so much time and effort focusing solely on tourism and relying on tourists, which is a dangerous feat because in that way the Bahamas will never be self-sustained and always dependent on outsourcing.  Through Luck Tmothy’s “Backyard Farming” program, kids are being educated and learning of the importance of not only focusing their future on the possibility of tourism, but also to grow and evolve as a nation toward the uplifting of ourselves in a new industry, agriculture and farming, even if we begin with only one small garden bed in our own back yards.   Passionate about sharing this lifestyle with visitors, and coupled with his Pinder’s Point farm’s proximity to the landmark Lighthouse on Grand Bahama Island, Luckner is suggesting the possibility of setting his farmland as a venue for tourist tours where he can showcase his crops proudly and share the art of Bahamian agriculture with visitors from around the world.  This arrangement is also being made to the Lucayan International School kids with invitation to a guided tour of the original “Backyard Farm”.

 

Farming Toward A Healthier Bahamas

The Backyard Farmers motto “Farming Towards a Healthier Bahamas”, Is one that he certainly lives by, an enterprise that began just three years ago, farming every day after he got off from his main job, Luck made a great deal of sacrifices in order to suit his passion for agriculture.  Now that his hard work is beginning to pay off with beautiful fresh produce, we can all see that it was a great venture and well worth it.  The knowledge that Luck has acquired over the years and the productivity of his success foes to benefit many people throughout our community, including patrons of the farmers market, which he helps to promote through social media, school kids and educators, helping with campus gardens, and assisting homeowners hoping to grow their own backyard farm spaces, while finding time to aid government officials who currently seek lucrative farming opportunities. 

Lettuce

Wholesome and healthy is his first order of business.  The attentive gardener works from home with his younger brother at his side to help in the production of onions, swiss chards, corn, carrots, sweet potato, beets, watermelon, pumpkin, lettuce, eggplant, sugar cane, cassava, bananas, tomatoes, strawberries, parsley, sweet peppers, kale, jalapenos, banana peppers, cayenne peppers, and basil.  He endorses methods of growing that are completely organic, raising fruits and veggies that are pesticide free.  He believes in recycling everything from seeds, to cut grass and fallen leaves for mulch, which helps to keep the earth moist especially in the summer.

Luck in the Garden

In his garden, there is so much life, filled with so much knowledge.  There are bed gardens, vine gardens, crate gardens, and pipe gardens.  He also has a garden laboratory that he dedicates to experimenting on new crops or new methods for growing, recording all of his findings and sometimes sharing new discoveries to social media or as references in his Bahamas Weekly column.   His natural resources include using compost pile to make new soil, using collard greens to attract bugs so that they wont feed on any other plants, and using the nitrogenous sweet potatoes to add nitrogen and nutrient richness into the soil, when other plants strip soil of nutrients.   He knows to appreciate when the birds come and eat the fruit and spread the seeds throughout the garden, and the way certain insects help to oxygenate the soil and keep the ecosystem balanced although he does warn against fruit flies that they could be destructive and do more harm than good.  Also, using only Bahamian soil which he describes as rich and organic, though stripped from the land. 

Cassava

Working from home and on his own farm, Luck has learned so much about farming from simple experiments, testing growth and productivity of various produce in changing seasons and for the local climate, and learning to understand through recording details, logging the agricultural habitat, and how things are affected.   He looks forward to expanding his work in an upcoming project on ten acres of farmland called “Local Organics” with Tiffany Dickenson, in a method called the Hydroponic Stacker/Verdigo System that is said to be hurricane safe, and weather resistant, because of the transporting/mobile greenhouse type of methods that will be used.  You can contact Luck Timothy at backyardfarmers@live.com.  Also, look out for his column “Lets Grow Bahamas” in Bahamas Weekly Online.

 

Backyard Farming

Mint/Herbs

Fever Grass

Garden Greens

 

Behold Bahamian

 

Shakara Ledard and Rick Fox
On Location, Children's Bay, Exuma

Bahamian born celebrities Shakara Ledard and Rick Fox are working as Ministry of Tourism spokespersons in a multi-million dollar advertising campaign that aims to present the Bahamas to an international audience, showcasing the beauty and culture of the Bahamas to the world.  The concept of the campaign is for Bahamian faces who have made a name for themselves internationally, to represent their country as the images portraying stories being told of the beauty and culture and people of these islands.  The year round marketing campaign features the prominent Bahamian faces of international supermodel, Shakara Ledard, and former NBA star player, Rick Fox, with a goal of regaining prominence for the country to be known as the premier warm weather destination.
 

Shakara Ledard and Rick Fox on set of production
with Minister of Tourism, Obie Wilchcombe

“Behold” is the title of the campaign whose premier commercial aired during the Superbowl 2013.  Shot on location in January of this year, it celebrates the turquoise waters, stunning beaches, friendly people, and laid back lifestyle of the Bahamas, showcasing celebrities as they interact with the outstanding beauty of island life.  Poised to offer authentic hospitality, world class sailing, fishing, diving, and more, Fox and Ledard, who both spent their childhood in Nassau, are most familiar with the lifestyle of the Bahamas, with its appealing and absolute sense of escape. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

From the commercial "Behold"
The Islands of The Bahamas

 

From the commercial "Behold"
Featuring Shakara Ledard

Behold, a most poetic commercial that features the voice of a masculine Bahamian native, speaking of the natural beauty that soars above the heavens and dives below the sea, water so blue that it merges with the sky, sand so soft that it is remnant of a stroll in the clouds, and of the people, smiles that invite you to behold the “face of an entire nation.”  In this visual, Shakara, who can be seen walking out of the waters of the Children’s Bay, Exuma Cays, onto secluded beaches lined with palm trees, has been modeling since the age of 14.  Of her career as a model for top houses such as Sports Illustrated, Victoria’s Secret, Loreal, Levi’s, and Liz Claiborne, she has also been a film actress, and appeared in superstar music videos.

From the commercial "Behold"
Featuring Shakara Ledard

Proud to be Bahamian because of the morals, values, respect and honour of the people and community, Ledard says, “We need more of that in the world.”  She perceives that the Bahamas needs a boost in order to counteract the plunge in world economy and get back on top and says, “No matter where you are, don’t forget your roots.”  The mother of two young kids now resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina with her husband, and is very family oriented, coming from a close knit family herself.  “I am so proud to call this country my home”, says Shakara.

From the commercial "Behold"
Featuring Rick Fox

“Behold, the Bahamas are right next door and totally within your reach.” –Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism.  He goes on to say that “We are Bahamians, proud of our people, and with our people we are able to build our country collectively.”  Minister Wilchcombe also emphasizes that showing various aspects and components encourages investors.  Rick Fox who believes that “The Bahamas is a star in itself” promises that when we continue to send the message of seeing and experiencing the Bahamas, “it’s just gonna spread like wildfire.”

From the commercial "Behold"
Featuring Rick Fox

This commercial campaign featuring trailblazers Shakara Ledard and Rick Fox, is the first of many in a long term commitment to upgrade the promotion of the Bahamas and can be seen throughout the United States on television, billboards, and print ads, in many major American cities. (Link to youtube.com)

From the commercial "Behold"
The Islands of The Bahamas

Beyonce Bahamas

Beyonce Carter, in her campaign for H&M, has left her mark in this sand; the Bahamian sun sea and sand that is, in her music video commercial called, “Standing in the Sun.” (link to youtube)

 

Standing in the Sun
Beyoncé Carter
Campaign for H&M

On a white sand beach in the Bahamas, Beyonce showcases serene and exotic movements, in a cohesive bond with nature, as she can be seen singing and dancing.  In the wind as it blows, the fabric of her weightless gown propels in a surreal fantasy of the elements.  As the video shows, while dancing she kicks up the sand, throwing it in the air as she dances freely, getting grains on her skin, and in her hair, adorned by the fabric of life.  Then in the crystal clear blue waters, there she is splashing waves onto herself, perhaps seeking the cool refresh from the warmth of the sun shining and glistening down on her and the turquoise waters.  Finally, the tribal fires are burning in the contrasted darkness of the night, as she sings and dances, while modeling H&M swimsuits and dresses that flirt with the elements of mother nature.

 

 

“Can you feel the heat on my skin?’ she asks, as she portrays the most ethereal form and appears like a goddess of sun sand and sea, before us.  The calypso sounding song created for the H&M brand is hypnotic, as the video is actually a visual stimulant.  While she asks us if we can feel the heat, she is also asking if we can feel the sand and the wind and the water.  It is an entire experience that emphasizes the balance and harmony of nature’s elements, the way everything falls into place and flows into one song.  This song, meant to make us feel and be moved and react is filled with passion and the textured vibrations of life.

 

We welcome Mrs. Carter home to our tropical paradisiacal embassy of islands, fortress of sun sand and sea, as she becomes the star of our streets, making this house her home.  The proud mother to daughter Blue Ivy, was gifted by her husband, Jay-Z aka Sean Carter, with a 360 acre private island in the Bahamas as a 5-year anniversary gift.  The name of the island located near north Abaco is “Strangers Cay”, but they will be the most familiar faces around, certainly not strangers!  Rumored to have a Bahamian bloodline from her father, Matthew Knowles, Beyonce will have no trouble making this land her own.  We can look forward to many more visits from the Carter family, as they will surely be welcomed with Bahamaland hospitality on their return. 

 

For now, we can look out for more from the Beyonce/Mrs. Carter dynasty as she continues to make music and tour the world, as well as expanding her film career as the latest from this mega-superstar of the Bahamas is her role in the animated film, “Epic.”

Chantal Bethel's Egg

Chantal Bethel
Portrait by Lyndah Wells

Chantal Bethel is the premier contemporary artist of the Bahamas, well known, admired and respected, for her collections of soulful, intimate pieces.  She is “enticed to capture moods, emotions, the subtleties of human experience.”  I have found her body of work to possess depth, innocence, a sophisticated naivety, feminine beauty, and a rich allure. She is filled with life, character, and intuit creating works of individual harmony, the essence of soul.  The creative process of this Hatian born artist is a very spiritual one.  She draws upon her vision to give room to intuition, listening to her inner voice, as she connects with nature, seeing beyond what is there.  Particularly when sculpting, she is “challenged to give primitive forms humanist content.”

Freedom, by Chantal Bethel
"In the Spirit" Collection

Her latest collection, “In the Spirit” is a mixed media body of work that explores the concept of love, wisdom, strength, and beauty, which she believes to be the primary attributes of spirit and the very substance of who we are.  It is a Bahamian flamingo story showcasing passionate brush strokes and compelling textures, with an emphasis on feelings that are tender and emotional.  The assortment features colourful portraits with titles such as “Lovers”, “Friends”, “Hope”, “Freedom”, “Conversation”, and “Sweet Dream”, all of which give a sense of culture, charm, and charisma, with the warmth of inviting colours contrasted with a cooling calm.

 

 

Friends, by Chantal Bethel
"In the Spirit" Collection
 

“Their beauty can be compared to that of the human soul”, she says of her pink flamingos painted on canvas near flowing waters.  They are like dancing lovers with a delicate graceful appearance.  These colourful pink, coral birds are oddly flexible, but in this awkwardness, they have a distinguished character and a most interesting subject matter.  I find it to be a love story; a story of hope for the world, a story of light and life.  The human soul is infinite and wants to break free of the shell that contains it, so that it may grow to spread its wings and fly, as such is the depiction of the egg as shown in this collection.  A story of birth into a most beautiful world, these flamingos represent relationships and friendships and family; all of the things that we live for, and all of the reasons that we love and grow and evolve.

Lovers, by Chantal Bethel
"In the Spirit" Collection

Chantal’s reputation speaks for itself.  She is soulful and expressively passionate.  Her work emanates feeling and has its own emotional energy that draws you to it.  Mrs. Bethel is filled with such strength and vigor that in her works you can see that she is a fighter for freedom in the world, hoping to see the best in all and the goodness in all things.  She has previously embraced a dark subject matter after the earthquake in Haiti, addressing the pain and struggles of her people, singing a song of survival and redemption through her works.  It was a tragedy that had affected her for years, and, she is now at a place in her life where she is embracing beauty again as she can now “exhale from the soul.”  This is clearly seen in her graceful transitions toward light, “In the Spirit.”
 

Sweet Dream, by Chantal Bethel
"In the Spirit" Collection

A modernist, inspired by the healing power of art, she appreciates and loves all types of art without prejudice, but is fascinated by texture on paintings as mixed media.  With a passionate love for God as ultimate artist and creator, she says “one always needs to look beyond the surface to discover the whole truth.  I am still exploring.”  The woman of great wisdom and honour, Chantal Bethel, also says, “the sun cannot set if it did not rise.”  She believes that the role of an artist is to uplift and to be honest, and shares, “I like to emotionally touch my viewer and let them feel my thoughts.”  A lover of Junkanoo, art, love itself, and “the blue green water of the Bahamas”, her portrait of the soul named “In the Spirit” is a light hearted body of work, and for her, a most rewarding soul exercise.” God bless her.

Hope, by Chantal Bethel
"In the Spirit" Collection

 

"In the Spirit" Collection
by Chantal Bethel

 

 

Introducing Lyndah Wells

Inspiring the younger generations of empowered female photographers in the Bahamas such as Piaget moss, Nicole Leblanc, and Katie Hindley, to say the least, Lyndah Wells, has certainly set her place in stone as one of the most respected photographers and overall artists within this region. She has contributed to the extensive growth of the arts industry of the Bahamas, and her reputation precedes her gracefully. Highly sought after for her intriguing work as a fashion, lifestyle, portrait, interiors, landscaping, travel, and wedding photographer, Lyndah Wells thrives in her niche, showcasing a dynamic series of variety; an individualistic display of class and good taste.

Lyndah Wells
Portrait Photography by Evan Hunt

Lyndah Wells is a wedding, lifestyle, and fashion photographer based on Grand Bahama Island, and is certainly becoming a national treasure.  Born in Lagos Nigeria and raised in London England, she met her Bahamian born husband while on vacation here in the Bahamas, and she relocated to be close to him.  She is now living in bliss and a proud new mother to her beautiful daughter, Layla.  Lyndah Well’s work has a vision that comes from the diverse background from which she comes.  As she tells, “I bring to my work a unique background in fashion and design.”  By offering her experiences in the varying exposures to cultures and people, with an eye for fashion and design, and a flare for feel and sensuality, she creates images that are most memorable.  As an interior designer who then became a photographer, Lyndah is influenced by structured and definite elements of design, toward a style of photography that is of detailed simplicity, a strategic process that appears as finished effortlessness.

Portrait Photography by Evan Hunt
Caption by Lyndah Wells

Best known for her work as a wedding photographer, Lyndah’s images are those of a narrator; she captures elements of mood and emotive feeling, and showcases in an honest way, human connections in relationships, the atmosphere of an event and her perspective is that of a deliberate view, depicting the elements of surprise, creating cherished memories that are both priceless and timeless.  Her images are storytelling symphonies possessing a certain magic that is of classic intelligence and of ultimate relevance; always remaining regal and elegant, even when she shows a more edgy perspective, which is usually in her seen in her most cool fashion photography that has been published in numerous top magazines of the Bahamas and Internationally.

Portrait Photography by Evan Hunt
Featuring Layla Wells

A collection of work that depicts a sense of clarity and refined reality, there is a noble demeanor that shines as a certain truth.  Her execution of the elements of design through a photographic ingenuity is a synchronized flow of dimension that is liberated by her extended knowledge of worldly characteristics.  People, places, and especially the arts and diversities of subject matter, she is educated through travel, lifestyle, and experience.  Like a cultured pearl, she has a strong eye and a firm hand, a shell that gently opens to reveal its potent oyster.  The perspective of work shows a definite sense of self and an assured identity.  Confidence is a true characteristic of Lyndah Wells, and it comes through in her emphatic creations, like a strong handshake and a welcoming smile.

Layla Wells
Portrait Photography by Evan Hunt

There is so much infinity and dimension in her candid sense of art that depicts humanity at its best, but also, just as we really are; through the eyes of Lyndah Wells, we are just as we should be seen, in our own element, without fabrication or layers to hide behind, and free from the excess of walls that stand between us and the truth of our own reflections as self images. Moments of time stand still to be captured by her adept nature in a series of works, unlimited in nature, that are enchanting, capturing a dynamic essence that is unforgettable.  She captures life the way it really is, most beautifully so, as though through a looking glass, or a window, where she can see our most intimate moments, hopes, dreams, passions, and fears.  Eyes tell no lies to Lyndah Wells behind the camera, in a session that is like telling secrets to your best friend, the story of your life, creating memories that are priceless, timeless.

Portrait Photography Story of Lyndah and Layla
By Evan Hunt Photography

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FAME: The Musical

Comedy, drama, and a bit of romance, are on the menu in this theatrical showcase, featuring many first time performers of the Freeport Player’s Guild. Making their stage debuts as students of The High School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this performance tells the story of the last class to graduate from the 46th Street school before moving uptown to Lincoln Center in 1984. A school of the performing arts, teaching acting, music, and dance, FAME is a paramount story of the painstaking pursuit of passion. Have you any idea what it takes to make it? The production team of Gloria McGlone, director/producer Ivy Eldon, choreographer Lois Seiler, and musical director Sheena Moree, have together been responsible for preparing this showcase that aspires to inspire you. 

No theatre worth visiting exists without a body of actors well suited to take on the various roles available to them. FAME stands out due to its well cast performers, trained by director Gloria McGlone, and provided with everything else they could possibly need by producer, Ivy Eldon. The mentorship of such ladies has provided for these pupils of the theatre, a groundbreaking platform that they can only now grow from, extending upward into greatness. So much talent is exhibited here, principally, the role of Tyrone, played by Luke Ignace and Deltin Sejour. This character will sweep you off your feet with his upbeat hip-hop super-style in dance and phrasing. His collective vibe of electric energy and on stage chemistry will entice you.

A dynamic choreography by Lois Seiler mixes Jazz and Ballet with a modern twist in a series of combinations that are amusing, uplifting, and electrifying. Although there are only a few obviously highly trained dancers in this cast, particularly in the role of Iris, played by ballerina alternates, Katie Hindley and Alexis DeGregory, many of the dancers cast in this show are only able to execute basic classical dance moves, which makes Seiler’s choice of choreography ideal for this group. Her focus is more about the dramatization of grand and exciting movement that helps the stage play to come alive with vibrant synchronized feelings of expression. Frankly, the cast of this show, in motion, do give the impression that they were highly trained, perhaps due to the quality of excellence in choreography and expert instruction by Lois Seiler.

The body of singers, many possessing a great deal of natural talent, have found their voices. Under the tutelage of Gloria McGlone the altos, sopranos, tenors, and basses of this group have all learned to harmonize well together. The music is enjoyably stirring and brings the entire show together in a riveting wave of vibrations. One particular character to watch is Carmen, played by Marlena Leonard and Eden Gaitor, with understudy Jade Barnett. All three of these young ladies are immensely talented, not only as singers, but as overall performers, bringing life and strength of character to the multi-dimensional Carmen. 

Sheena Moree has also done an amazing job honing the young players into virtuosos. This show boasts a live body of musicians who are able to synchronize their individual instruments as though a noble orchestra, bouncing the tones of keys and strings and percussion instruments, ringing spectacularly through the air. A harmonic symphony of live music at a theatrical performance about a body of super talented kids who are able to dance and sing and act and play musical instruments is the final touch… the glue that holds it all together. The fusing variation of talent is contagious at the house of FAME. You don’t want to miss this highly stylized off-broadway musical treat, presented right here in Freeport Bahamas. 

“FAME” reminds you of the struggles in life during the dynamics of adolescence. It is about the journey of trying to find yourself, and aspiring to become everything that you believe you were born to be. True to life, the kids at this school believe that they were made for FAME, and the teachers at this school will do everything that they can to help that dream to come true. FAME is definitely a performance worth seeing. It is a show that you will be sure to enjoy. This dynamic supports our youth and their eagerness to embrace the arts and its culture, and is a move in the right direction toward keeping the theatrical arts “a la vie” in Freeport. 

A dynamic summer spent ‘camping out’ at the Regency Theatre, since the onset of productions. From auditions and casting, choir practice, dance rehearsals, drilling lines and discovering how to bring characters to life, the kids in this production have assembled the pieces and are ready to take to the stage in order to tell the story of their quest for FAME.

(Photos Courtesy of Ana-Alicia Carroll)