THE Encore Dance Theatre’s first major production, Bloom! The Beginning, is much more than a dance concert.
It’s a celebration of the theatre’s accomplishments over the past three years, a tribute to the talent of its dancers and a testament to its commitment to cementing its place in Tobago’s cultural landscape.
“The Encore Dance Theatre needs to continue making a bold statement in the performing arts space, demonstrating our excellence,” founder and artistic director Tyrese Montano, 23, told Newsday on April 1.
[caption id="attachment_1148046" align="alignnone" width="768"] Tyrese Montano, founder and artistic director of the Encoré Dance Theatre.[/caption]
He said the two-hour show, which takes place on April 13 at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, Tobago, from 7 pm, explores the theme of growth in its various manifestations.
“It is about reflecting the beauty and challenges of transformation and patrons can expect to see, feel and hear stories of growth, whether it’s growth in love, growth out of love, overcoming challenges or the journey of becoming.
“We often acknowledge that growth is possible, but rarely do we consider what it truly takes to grow – the struggles, the sacrifices and breakthroughs.”
Montano said the production, which is divided into three acts, delves into the emotional side of growth. Act one, which focuses on contemporary dance, explores the raw, personal side of growth while the second act celebrates cultural roots and heritage through folk dance.
[caption id="attachment_1148043" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The Encoré Dance Theatre crew.[/caption]
Act three showcases the hip-hop and Afrobeat genres, reflecting the energy and resilience of transformation.
“Each act tells a unique story, revealing the overlooked and untold aspects of growth. This production is also a testament to the celebration of who we are and what we strive to be at the Encore dance Theatre.”
On a deeper level, Bloom! The Beginning is also Montano’s story – his journey as a young dancer and the trials he encountered before establishing his own dance company.
“It is about the backlash I faced and the doubt from those who didn’t believe in me. It’s a story of perseverance, vision and unwavering faith in growth despite the odds.”
A resident dancer with the Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC), Montano started in the artform at the age of five, “a common starting point for many dancers.”
He grew up in Pembroke, which is often regarded as the island’s cultural capital.
Montano told Newsday, “I have always felt that being a dancer and being a part of the performing arts world was predestined to me.
“I come from a family of creatives, whether it is dancing, singing, drumming, cooking or anything tied to culture and preservation on the island. That is my family. I am the grandchild of Cecil Jerry (a Tobago cultural icon) so this path was always in my blood.”
He recalled his neighbour Elvis Radgman, a former CEO of the TPAC and cultural activist, noticed his talent and volunteered to help him
