October 9, 2008 – Port of Spain, Trinidad:- Trinidad and Tobago’s audiences will be treated to two evenings of art, dance, music and song as Queen’s Hall opens its curtains to the Noble Douglas Dance Company Inc.’s (NDDCI’s) 23rd dance season, Blanchisseuse – “Dance…for the B.Holder”.  The contemporary modern dance company will honour the legacy of creativity and art of one of the Caribbean’s arts icons, the late Boscoe Holder, with a gala opening on Saturday October 18, 2008 under the auspices of Holder’s wife and muse, Sheila.

NDDCI’s founder and artistic director, Noble Douglas, has brought some of Trinidad and Tobago’s foremost choreographers, dancers and musicians together for this tribute.  The cabaret style show will run without intermission with a diverse offering of dance genres including contemporary modern, jazz and Holder’s signature French Creole folk style.  Heather Henderson-Gordon, who contributed hugely to Blanchisseuse’s choreography, saw this as her opportunity to capture the essence of Holder’s period of dance and music.  “I wanted to depict the style, music and most of all the attitude of Boscoe’s era.  I searched for music of that time and brought the grandeur and flamboyancy that was truly Boscoe to the stage,” she said.  Also showcased is the choreographic work of Adéle Bynoe as she recreates the attitude and flair of Bele’s forerunner, Beguine, which Holder was known for.

Until this season, the veteran dance company has taken a five-year hiatus from the development of its own productions.  Many of the company members who were retired from performing were inspired to return to stage to pay homage to the painter, musician, dancer and choreographer who they view as one of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Treasures.  In Douglas’s words, “We have made it our mission to educate the youth of this nation by educating them about our treasures.  This country does not remember or respect its treasures.”

Holder’s close relationship with Douglas and the company led him to work with them in their 1995 season, Continuum, which featured several pieces from his international dance and musical repertoire.  As Douglas reminisced about NDDCI’s time with Holder she said, “Boscoe often invited us to his home giving us history lessons about dance back in his day.  Boscoe was ‘special’.  He gave us a hard time but he was very generous.”  Upon the artist’s passing, the Holder family donated some of his classic period costumes to NDDCI, several of which will be used in the upcoming show. 

Blanchisseuse’s gala patrons will be welcomed with grand flair at a wine and cheese cocktail reception.  For the duration of the production, art enthusiasts can view an exhibition of select Holder paintings from the personal collection of art dealer and collector, Mark Pereira.  The show which offers something for all arts aficionados will showcase live music under the directorship of Patrick Johnson including the singing talent of multifaceted performer, Karla Gonzales and the musical works of the Boscoe Holder West Indian Orchestra.  

Tickets can be purchased at a price of $200.00 for the gala opening and $150.00 for the Sunday performance at Crosby’s Music Centre, the Queen’s Hall box office and from members of the dance company.  Part of the proceeds from the gala ticket sales will benefit the Noble Douglas Lilliput Foundation For The Arts.

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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 7:15 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)

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NDDCI 1 – Simone Camps and Jeffrey Carter performing Boscoe Holder’s choreography as part of the Brazilian Suite during NDDCI’s 1995 season, Continuum. 
NDDCI 2 – The comical side of the production during Heather Henderson-Gordon’s mime-inspired piece.
NDDCI 3 – Dave Williams executes the work of Sherid Mason.

NDDCI 1 courtesy Jeffrey Chock.  All other photos courtesy David Wears.