It’s a Latin Dance takeover!

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Kalani Dance Institute, from April 9 to 14, hosted Trinidad and Tobago-born regional dance champion and Dance, Sport Ambassador Mr Delano Manganoo for its second week-long Latin Dancers’ Training Workshop at the Alliance Française. Classes ran from 6pm to 9pm daily and were open to dancers of all ages—successfully welcoming over 40 participants ranging in age from 16 to 82-years-old.

The Kalani Dance Institute’s motto reads: “Education. Inspiration. Exploration.” Holding true to this mandate, the Institute aims to provide workshops for all dancers on base movement, dance therapy, education and techniques. In a brief interview, the Institute’s Artistic Director, Lance Glasgow told the STAR, “This year, as well as last year, has been about getting people to understand and appreciate what we’re working towards, which is getting dancers from the Caribbean to compete on an international level.”

Glasgow explained that the group is currently laying the foundation by focusing on areas that international judges look for, like “poise, positioning and presentation, knowledge of dance history and so on”.

During last week’s five-day workshop, at a cost of $50 per day, participants were schooled in lead/follow techniques, styling, spins, footwork/shines and the tango.

The workshop culminated on Saturday April 14, with a gala and cocktail party at Royal Saint Lucia in Rodney Bay, giving everyone the opportunity to get dressed up and show off their skills! Scouting also took place on the night for potential contestants for a South American-based dance competition.