Dance, visual and audio illusion, combined with humor and nonstop surprises in 16 remarkable dance stories created Silver Shadow’s “Dance Mirage” was staged at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday 29th January 2012.
Business was initially dawdling but as the start time drew ever nearer, audiences increased in number and the show soon took in a full house. In attendance were Dame Pearlette Louisy, Kennedy Samuel, and Jerry George among other well-known public figures.
According to Barry George, the producer of Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy’s 5th major production, “Dance Mirage is staged in an urban setting revealing chronicles of urban life from an artistic point of view.”
Mr George also took some time to point out that this production also highlights the journey of Silver Shadow Dancers who have struggled to stay alive after 21 years in existence. Dance Mirage is a Contemporary dance production which highlights the unique talents of St Lucian dancers created in choreographic illusions using dance forms such as, modern dance, contemporary, hip hop, Ethnic, African and Caribbean, while exploring the movement in tasteful breathtaking moments.
The show started off with an intro into the creative industry, what it is and what it can do for young talented St Lucians. This was followed by a thought-provoking performance in dance called “vocea.” The third act blazed even more when dancers performed to the remix of Super Sick–Angels and Demons which had the crowd sitting at the tip of their chair. Later in the first half of the show was the best and most captivating performance of the night— “Family Portrait” was performed by Gideon Ambrose, Soriah John and Akina Randolph. This performance depicted the societal family issues that are hidden away in the closets of many families for fear of what may happen should the truth emerge.
George also told the story in dance of the lives of the St Lucian youth who would end up “on the block” finding nothing but trouble. It depicts the frustration among young people in the absence of mediums to express themselves creatively and how idleness can lead to some of our social ills.
Finally, George turned his “Urban Controversy” into a coded message to send to the relevant authorities saying, “they don’t really care about us.” This was a military themed dance performance of Michael Jackson’s “They don’t really care about us.” The dance and choreography was of course, similar in many ways to Michael Jackson’s.
Speaking after the show ended on a high note, the producer expressed satisfaction with his team members.
“I feel relieved and happy because I think our team, the dance company executed and that was the result I was looking for,” he said. When asked about the last performance, the producer smiled before saying, “I have made it very clear; they don’t care about us.” George expressed disappointment with St Lucians who, according to him, “only know Silver Shadow when they want to have their cocktail parties or their functions, they just want to pay us to dance.” He further stated that these same individuals or companies would be approached for sponsorship and would refuse to help with the development or production of the group.
George explained that this show cost nearly
EC$30, 000 to produce but by opening time, they had only managed to raise EC$12,000. “We were hoping that the gate receipts would cover our bills and that will not happen,” said George. Nevertheless, the producer said this is not about the money but rather it is about the impact.
“I’m hoping it can generate or stimulate something that people would invest in as time goes by.”
George encouraged young people to make use of this art.
“We are trying to encourage children from four years and adults to join our after school program at the old Girls Vocational School from Monday to Saturday.
So, what’s next for Silver Shadow?
George hinted this may be his last production but added, “if we obtain enough resources to keep the arts alive, then I will be glad to continue but for now . . . it may be my last.”
Silver Shadows has received a number of awards nationally in the performing arts category. Like the earlier masterpieces, Dance Mirage was well planned and the crew ensured that there was continuity throughout the entire show. Fourteen senior dancers were featured in the production including, Crystal Octave, Iva Satney, Ron Gill and Macy Brisfere. Some junior dances were also in the last few pieces.
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