Sharefil Gaillard December 24, 2021 11:31 AM ET
School of Ballet Director, Theresa Collymore, Ballet Students and Minister for Education, Shawn Edward
The Saint Lucia School of Ballet and Modern Dance celebrates the success of the candidates who sat the Royal Academy of Dance Classical Ballet Examination. The School of Ballet and Modern Dance, follows the syllabi of the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, both of which are based in the United Kingdom. Both entries are the largest examining bodies for classical ballet in the world. On December 11, 2021, there was a presentation of certificates for the seven students who sat the Royal Academy of Dance Classical Ballet Examination.
Tutor and Director of the School of Ballet, Teresa Collymore stated that despite the hindrance of the ongoing pandemic, the academy remained flexible and consistent. “Despite COVID-19, we’ve been consistently doing classes online and also in the studio, adopting the hybrid method,” Collymore said. “The examination was prepared for the end of July and we are now giving out the results. Everyone passed, and has done exceptionally well.”
Minister for Education, Honorable Sean Edward was present at the ceremony, and offered his congratulations to the students.
“My only regret is the fact that what happens here has not been replicated on a much larger scale, to incorporate students from every nook and cranny of this country,” Edwards said. Edwards stated that while the country might have significant social issues, those issues cannot be arrested by pumping money into the police force. He notes that investment in children from an early age, the aforementioned social problems would cease to exist. In agreement, Collymore added that Saint Lucia is filled with untapped talent, and similar programs provide a framework to develop students.
The Saint Lucia School of Ballet has produced several well known dancers and performers who live and work in Saint Lucia, and abroad.