Veteran Contemporary Modern Dance Company Pays Tribute To Trinidad And Tobago’s Art Icon, Boscoe Holder

September 19, 2008 – Port of Spain, Trinidad… Trinidad and Tobago’s premier contemporary modern dance company, the Noble Douglas Dance Company Inc. (NDDCI), will present a tribute to one of the country’s foremost luminaries in the field of the arts, the late Boscoe Holder.  On Saturday October 18, 2008, the veteran dance company will open its 2008 season, Blanchisseuse – “Dance…for the B. Holder”, with grand flair at Queen’s Hall with a gala night including a welcome cocktail reception and exhibition under the patronage of Holder’s wife and muse, Sheila Holder.

For this project, company founder and artistic director Noble Douglas joined choreographic forces with some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most talented and accomplished choreographers.  In collaboration with Heather Henderson-Gordon, Allan Balfour, Dave Williams, Sherid Mason, Arlene Frank and Norway-based David Byer, Douglas created a cabaret-style production paying homage to Holder’s legacy of creativity and art.  A veritable dance feast, Blanchisseuse – “Dance…for the B. Holder”, will be performed by a decorated cast, including Charlene Harris, Louanna Martin, Denise Dickson-Cunningham, Charlene Rollock, Karla Gonzales, Kevin Jack, Sunil and Kwasi Romero.

The show – named after one of Holder’s most loved landscapes – features a diverse array of dance forms, live music and numerous authentic period costumes which were donated to NDDCI upon the artist’s passing.  Holder, an internationally acclaimed artist, musician, choreographer and dancer, shared a long, deep and fun-loving relationship with Douglas and NDDCI.  This relationship inspired him to create new paintings and re-mount some popular dance pieces from his international repertoire with the veteran company.  NDDCI was honoured to collaborate with Holder during its 1995 dance season Continuum, staging works showcasing Holder’s folk cabaret choreographic style accompanied by the artist’s singing and musical skills. 

Blanchisseuse’s patrons will have the opportunity to view a select collection of Holder’s unsold pieces from the personal collection of art dealer and collector, Mark Pereira. 

Dance and art enthusiasts can look forward to purchasing tickets in September at a price of $200.00 for the gala opening and $150.00 for the Sunday performance.  Part of the proceeds from the gala ticket sales will benefit the Noble Douglas Lilliput Foundation For The Arts.

NDDCI 1 – The entire company rehearses a piece choreographed by Arlene Frank.
NDDCI 2 – Karla Gonzales passionately belts out the lyrics of Summertime amidst the dancers’ interpretation of David Byer’s choreography.
NDDCI 3 – Delicate balance is achieved as Allan Balfour supports Charlene Harris during their execution of his creative work.
NDDCI 4 – Allan Balfour raises his head in supplication as he executes Sherid Mason’s choreography.
All photography courtesy Eric Grims

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WHAT:         Blanchisseuse “Dance…for the B. Holder”

                     A tribute to Boscoe Holder (1921 – 2007)

WHO:           Noble Douglas Dance Company Inc.

WHEN:         Gala Opening, Saturday October 18, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

                     Sunday October 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Queen’s Hall, St. Anns, Port of Spain

TICKETS:     Gala Opening, Saturday - $200.00

                     Sunday -   $150.00

Crosby’s Music Centre, St. James, members of NDDCI or Queen’s Hall box office (the week of the production)