Theresa Collymore has dedicated many years to the Saint Lucia School of Music program, creating an exceptional dance institution designed to nurture and develop the talents of young and emerging artists.
Under her guidance, dancers, performers, and choreographic students have flourished, experiencing growth through her smooth and empathetic mentorship.
Theresa takes particular pride in the achievements of her students, including Richard Ambroise, a dynamic male dancer who has made a name for himself on the global stage.
On February 28, the Saint Lucia School of Ballet & Modern Dance held its 47th Independence Dance Concert at the Gros-Islet Human Resource Centre. The event, themed “Douvan Ansanm” (Moving Forward Together), honored the nation’s heritage by showcasing resilience and unity through dance and music.
In a vibrant ‘Lucian-style’ Independence celebratory mode, the evening featured a rich display of artistry, heritage, and national pride, culminating in the performance titled “The Ark – Art to Reverence The King.”
It was an enchanting night filled with dance, music, and reverence as performers collaborated with choreographers to celebrate and honor the nation’s journey through powerful movements and creative expression.
“This is more than a performance — it’s a celebration of identity, resilience, and culture. We’re not just an island; we are a nation in victorious motion!” declared the School of Ballet slogan.
Reflecting on the exhilarating performance, Collymore told The Voice, “We had a healthy turnout, and we are pleased to have exhibited our anniversary concert to a full-house audience.”
The institution is currently celebrating its 45th year and will conclude its 46th year in September, in preparation for its upcoming 47th anniversary.
In the performance, 52 dancers participated, including a collaboration with a Cuban classical guitarist who flew in for the show, along with trumpeters from the Saint Lucia School of Music, a steel pan player, and a video presentation from artist Donna Daniel, who produced a song and video addressing violence in Saint Lucia but was unable to attend due to illness.
Collymore expressed satisfaction with the adult dancers, particularly the Youth of Flames Dance Troupe, led by Floriana Combie, a past student known for her impressive choreography skills in classical and modern dance. Other notable participants included past students Richard Ambroise along with Miranda Serieux, a professional dancer from the United States.
“We were very happy with that collaboration,” she noted. “We wanted the Independence Concert to be a fusion of dance, music, and spirituality, glorifying our God.”
The performers ranged in age from as young as three years old to adults over 40 and received warm applause from representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in Saint Lucia.
Despite the evening’s success, Theresa remains focused on evolving the art form into a comprehensive dance format that can transform beginners into certified, professional dancers. She acknowledges the declining demand for young dancers in recent years.
Managing the School of Ballet as a private institution, Collymore actively reaches out to students across various academic and artistic backgrounds nationwide. She firmly believes that the art form is a fulfilling and profound way for individuals to express their talent.
Yet, she emphasizes the need for further progress: “We need to advance, and our service providers must understand their role in the production process to achieve success.”
Collymore plans to engage the authorities to discuss the future development of dance in Saint Lucia: “If we want to elevate Saint Lucia’s global presence in entertainment, it must be through the arts. This requires rigorous training, standards, and opportunities for those inclined toward the artistic side rather than traditional academic professions.”
She advocates for nurturing the arts from elementary school through to advanced levels in the performing arts, stressing, “We need to embrace new technologies and promote the arts more. I feel Saint Lucia is not fully engaging with the technological opportunities available through the education system.”
The school is renowned for engaging with artists and creating a vibrant artistic community. Through her commitment and passion, Theresa Collymore aims to elevate the standing of dance in Saint Lucia, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.