Donation adds dance to UCCI offerings [Cayman Net News, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands]

Feb. 19--A recent donation of $4,200 from local reinsurance specialists, Greenlight Re. Ltd, will allow the University College Cayman Islands (UCCI) to launch its first dance troupe as part of the college's "Learning through the Arts" initiative.

Listening to lectures in a classroom, reading books, or surfing the Internet are not the only ways to learn, according to UCCI officials. The college's Creative Arts Department offerings enhance qualities such as discipline and confidence, while giving students outlets for self expression.

"In this region people are very rhythmic," said UCCI President Roy Bodden, "and we may be able to express some things artistically better than we ever could through language."

UCCI already offers choir and steel pan as extracurricular activities, and the Greenlight Re's donation will pay for the dance troupe's first 14 weeks of instruction with Kri Performing Arts Choreographer/Owner Kirk Rowe.

"We're really excited about this partnership," said Bart Hedges, Greenlight President and Chief Underwriting Officer, "because it fits into the youth, sports, environment and education categories we like to sponsor. Most of our employees have their families here with them and we believe these areas are critical to the development of the community in which we live."

Equally excited are the students who will be participating. Seventeen-year-old literary studies major Tiphanie Wilmot said that she has always wanted to dance: "It's something I've been interested in for many years, and I couldn't let this opportunity pass.

"I like the fact that it's open to everyone," she said, "even new dancers like me, and the techniques are so varied, including hip hop, reggaeton, salsa, jazz and contemporary dance."

Another troupe member, 21-year-old Shanique Gayle, started dancing at her church four years ago. Explaining her appreciation for the art form, she said "When I dance it's relaxing. It's like stress relief."

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