by Curlan Campbell
- Conception Dance Theatre founded by Cecilia Griffith
- Marks its 18th season with intergenerational show titled “The Path We Dance”
- Over nearly 20 years, hundreds of students have passed through studio’s doors
When Conception Dance Theatre takes the stage on Sunday, 6 July at the Grenada Trade Centre, it won’t just be another performance. It will be a celebration of legacy, growth, and a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of Grenadian dancers.
The dance school, under the leadership of founder and artistic director Cecilia Griffith, marks its 18th season with a show titled “The Path We Dance.”
For Griffith, the milestone is deeply personal. “I started dancing quite young, before I was even 6,” Griffith shared. “My mom enrolled me at the Grenada School of Dance, where I trained with Dr Cheryl Barnabe-Bishop. Back then, it was more of a Saturday activity. What I brought that was different was the after-school dance programme.”
That innovation, offering children a structured, enriching space to dance after school hours, has grown into a full-fledged institution, with classes running 6 days a week, with students from age 3 up to adults.
Over nearly 2 decades, hundreds of students have passed through the studio’s doors. “We have 2 dancers who started in the baby class and are now part of the company,” Griffith said. “It’s been hundreds over the years.”
This year’s production promises a wide-ranging, intergenerational showcase. “We’re featuring the entire school, from pre-ballet to adults, and our performance company,” Griffith said. “We’ll have everything from classical ballet to street dance, Caribbean, modern, and contemporary.” Griffith emphasised that this is more than just a performance; it’s a community space. “It’s an inclusive space we create for our students,” she said. “An evening of celebrating children, excellence through dance, Grenadian culture, and artistry.”
The choreography is no longer just in her hands. This season’s pieces come from a mix of veteran and emerging talent: Leah Joseph, Michaela Noel, Keith Williams, Fayola Moore-Edwards, Noyda Noel, Andria Esdaille, and even a young street dance artist named Prince Andrew. “We have upcoming choreographers now,” Griffith said proudly. That vision of sustainability and mentorship is at the heart of Griffith’s hopes for the future. “I would like to see myself taking a more backseat and allowing the younger dance teachers to propel the dance school into the future,” she stated.
For Griffith, success isn’t defined by how many students become professional dancers. “Our aim is to grow women through dance. If they want to become performers, we’ll prepare them — but really, it’s about using dance to build character, discipline, and confidence.”
“We’re ready to grow,” she said. “We’ve come a long way, and this show reflects that journey.” As she looks toward the next chapter, she leaves the community with a heartfelt invitation: “Come to the Trade Centre on Sunday, 6 July. You’ll be nourished visually, artistically. It’s wholesome entertainment for the entire family.”
The next generation of dancers is already stepping forward. Joseph, one of Conception’s choreographers and teachers, brings over 3 decades of experience and personal growth to her creative work. “Dance has been my go-to thing. It has taken me through many challenging times in my life — grief, you know — and it has taken me places,” she shared. “Being able to choreograph and showcase regionally and internationally is remarkable.” Her contribution this year is a modern-contemporary piece titled “Rid the Clock.” “It’s about us as people trying to pursue our dreams no matter the age or stage. Sometimes we put a timeline on things; we think the dream has died,” Joseph said. “But I want the dance to encourage the audience to get rid of that clock. Start now. Anything is possible.”
Williams, choreographer and teacher of Conception’s adult group, has been with the institution for years following his time at Veni Vwai La Grenade and the Grenada School of Dance. He brings vibrant energy and flair to this year’s show with a Soca-based piece. “I call my dancers the Divas because they are adults; they are mature people,” Williams said with pride. “I have a diverse landscape of abilities, and I treat them with respect. This year, people just have to come out and see what these adults can do.” His aim is also about inspiration. “I hope it will inspire others who think they cannot dance, or they’re too old to dance, to really come out and try something new.”
Company dancer and teacher Noel has been with Conception since her early teens and now teaches both ballet and modern classes. For her, dance has been healing. “Dance became my safe haven away from the outside world,” she said. “It gets my mind off whatever is bothering me. Dance always makes you feel better.” Noel promises the audience can expect storytelling, passion, and dedication from this year’s cast. “You’ll see the students putting in the work they’ve done throughout the term and having fun performing for their friends and their parents.”
Esdaille, who teaches Grade 3 modern dance and is a member of the performance company, is another product of Conception’s nurturing environment. She began attending summer camps at the age of 8 before officially joining at 13. “Dance for me has allowed me to express myself creatively,” she said. “It helped me grow as a person and gave me opportunities to travel regionally and internationally.” Audiences can expect a rich performance from the entire company. “We’ve been working really hard to bring something fresh. Yes, you might know the songs, but you’ll see them in a different way — through our pieces,” she said. “It will be entertaining, thought-provoking, emotional… a show that will have you feeling all the feels.”
Moore-Edwards, the school’s Acro dance teacher, brings a unique hybrid of athleticism and expression to the stage. “Acro dance is the combining of 2 disciplines — dance with acrobatics,” she explained. “They’re both spectacle disciplines, and they work very well together.” Her students range from 4 to 15 years old. “My dancers are very passionate. They love this art form. They’re very flexible and enthusiastic about their skills,” Moore-Edwards said. “You’re going to see a couple of acrobatic skills and a few stunts as well. Each dance tells a story, and my children are happy to be part of that story.”
A key feature of the show will be an underwater-inspired ballet based on the sea creatures of Grenada. Another highlight is “Sunrise on the Serengeti,” a modern dance piece for youth, alongside additional performances that will address topics related to mental health and peer pressure.
