&5678 Dance Studio Premieres Cosmic Dance Journey ‘Outta This World’

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For Immediate Release

 

&5678 Dance Studio Premieres Cosmic Dance Journey ‘Outta This World’

An Interstellar Odyssey of Self-Discovery and Unity Awaits at Naparima Bowl this December

A moment of mesmerising folklore: Zara Adams embodies the eerie legend in Penelope Kalloo’s haunting choreography, Soucouyant, performed in &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 production, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

December 3, 2025 – San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago… &5678 Dance Studio invites audiences on a breathtaking journey from the mundane to the magnificent with its 2025 production, Outta This World. This original dance spectacle will transform the stage of the Naparima Bowl into a vibrant cosmos, exploring profound themes of curiosity, struggle and the divine light within us all. The production runs for three nights starting on Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m., and continuing on Saturday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m.

From front to back – Alyssa Balgobin, Jordann Ifill and Sanjana Ramnath are a delight in this 2019 flashback to Afiya Babb’s Villagers from A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

A vibrant moment of celebration and community from &5678 Dance Studio’s archives. Dancers bring Afiya Babb’s energetic folk presentation, Villagers, to life in the 2019 presentation, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

The story launches from a place of everyday monotony, where a group of explorers yearns for something more. Guided by a mysterious and powerful figure known as The Enigma, they are propelled on an extraordinary voyage into the deepest reaches of the universe. This immersive journey will see them traverse stunning celestial landscapes, from the dreamlike birthplaces of stars to the majestic realms of distant planets, each embodying powerful forces of the human experience.

The expressive Pripriyeh Warriors captivate in Charlene Harris’s modern piece, part of the dance studio’s 2019 repertoire for A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

But the path to enlightenment is paved with challenges. As the explorers venture further into the unknown, they must confront the vast, haunting shadows of space and their own inner doubts. It is a transformative tale of despair and hope, darkness and light, ultimately leading to a profound revelation about their own place in the cosmos.

Clockwise from left to right – The audience is drawn in as Alyssa Balgobin, Saskia Scott and Victoria Keane are captured in a moment of suspended embrace during Megan Tannous’s contemporary piece, Lost Souls, from &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 production, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

“‘Outta This World’ is more than a dance show; it’s a spiritual and visual experience,” said Charlene Harris, Founder and Artistic Director of &5678 Dance Studio. “We are using the universal language of movement to tell a story that we believe resonates deeply with the human spirit – the search for meaning, the confrontation with doubt and the ultimate, beautiful realisation that we are all connected, we are all loved, and we are all, in our own way, outta this world.”

Alyssa Balgobin is captured in a poignant moment of release in Megan Tannous’s Lost Souls from &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 repertoire, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

Through a powerful fusion of ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Caribbean and Hip-Hop dance styles, the production promises to be a feast for the senses. Elaborate costumes, innovative lighting and a sweeping musical score will engulf the audience in this cosmic parable.

From left to right – Lara Adams and Jade Fuentes embody emotion in the contemporary movement of Lost Souls by Megan Tannous during the dance studio’s 2019 presentation, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

Tickets for Outta This World are $200 and available for purchase at the dance school, located at Level 2, Carlton Court, Carlton Centre, St. James Street, San Fernando. For more information, call (868) 464-5678, email 5678dancestudiott@gmail.com, or connect with the studio via its website at www.5678dancestudiott.com, and on Instagram and Facebook @5678dancestudiott.

A moment of airborne triumph: This breathtaking lift captures the energy and expectation of Aviance Samuel’s contemporary choreography, Fairy Maids, from &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 production, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

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About &5678 Dance Studio:

Founded by Charlene Harris, &5678 Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education and artistic expression in San Fernando for over a decade. The studio is dedicated to nurturing technical proficiency, artistic creativity and personal growth in dancers of all ages and levels. Under Harris’s leadership, a team of dedicated, accomplished and certified instructors provides expert training with a focus on the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus in a wide range of disciplines, including ballet, contemporary, modern, Limón, Horton, folk and Hip-Hop. The studio’s philosophy centres on building confidence, discipline and a lifelong love for the art of dance, fostering a supportive community where every student can find their rhythm and shine.

A moment of lunar magic: Dancer, Sherelle Ishmael, leaves a lasting impression of awe and wonder in Nathalia Molina-Springer’s Limón piece, Full Moon, from the dance studio’s 2019 repertoire, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

 

WHAT:          Outta This World
WHO:            &5678 Dance Studio
WHEN:         Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:      Naparima Bowl, San Fernando
TICKETS:     $200.00

Available at &5678 Dance Studio, Level 2, Carlton Court, Carlton Centre,

St. James Street, San Fernando

INFO:            (868) 464-5678 | 5678dancestudiott@gmail.com | www.5678dancestudiott.com | @5678dancestudiott on Instagram & Facebook

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

 

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

p: +1 (868) 367-5295

e: liza@estuaryPR.com

ACES Dance Academy Brings Mental Health to Centre Stage with ‘Behind The Smile’    

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACES Dance Academy Brings Mental Health to Centre Stage with ‘Behind The Smile’

World Mental Health Day Premiere Uses Powerful Choreography to Spotlight the Urgent Challenges Facing Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth

Dance Theatre ProductionACES’s senior dancer, Samantha Johnson, is captured in a striking moment from Ripples, a piece featured in the academy’s 2023 production, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

October 5, 2025 – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago… ACES Dance Academy (ACES) will lift the curtain on a pastiche of thought-provoking compositions in its 2025 dance season, Behind The Smile. Timely and relevant, the production coincides with World Mental Health Day to spotlight the pressing mental-health issues confronting Trinidad and Tobago’s young people. Directed by ACES’s co-founder, artistic director and choreographer, Akeisha Byng-Danzell, the performances run on Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Queen's Hall.  

From left to right: Anasofia Crouch, Samantha Johnson and Sahara Byng in a touching scene from Ripples during ACES’s 2023 dance season, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

A 2020 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) report underscores the urgency of Trinidad and Tobago’s growing mental-health crisis. Among children aged five to 15, conduct disorders, anxiety and headaches account for 17% of the mental health burden. By age 20, anxiety, depression and self-harm rise to 48%, with suicide representing one quarter of the burden among 20- to 35-year-olds.

Tiny troublemakers on the big stage! These Naughty Mice steal the spotlight in ACES’s 2023 dance season, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

ACES’s Christmas Angels display poised elegance on stage during the 2023 presentation, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

Against this backdrop, Behind The Smile debuts at a pivotal moment. Byng-Danzell and her choreographic team urge audiences to reflect by using the language of dance to raise awareness and spark national dialogue on challenges affecting youth. “I am driven to encourage young people to be kind, empathetic, compassionate and grateful. We must listen to, support and lift each other,” Byng-Danzell said. “At ACES, we strive to create a safe space where our students can express themselves, and develop resilience and coping strategies.”

With dynamic intensity, Samantha Johnson soars through Evergreen electrifying audiences in ACES’s 2023 dance production, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

Through choreography, music and expression, ACES seeks to explore what lies “behind the smile,” addressing issues of bullying, depression and suicide, and fusing classical, indigenous and urban dance genres into modern lyrical, jazz contemporary, Hip-Hop, Indian, ballet and folk compositions. The diverse musical score features soca-fusion star Nailah Blackman and jazz trumpeter/composer Etienne Charles.

Counter clockwise from left to right: Senior dancers, Sahara Byng, Mckayla Sealey, Chloe Claxton, Kristen Low and Sian Ramsay, bring emotion and storytelling to life in ACES’s 2023 dance season, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

At each performance, patrons will have access to free mental-health screenings provided by Serenitas Mental Health Services, along with the chance to win a voucher for three psychotherapy sessions, valued at $1,200, with clinical therapist, Donika Byng-Jeffrey, MSW, CSW. Tickets for Behind The Smile are $250 and available at the school at #3 Longden Street, Port of Spain, and at the Queen’s Hall box office. For more information, connect with ACES on Instagram and Facebook (@acesdanceacademy), email acesdanceacademy@gmail.com or call (868) 276-3422.

Niemah Caseman captivates in the powerful performance, Morena Osha, for ACES’s 2023 dance production, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

Founded in 2014, ACES Dance Academy offers training in ballet, modern, contemporary, folk and Hip-Hop for students as young as four years old. With family and community at its core, ACES fosters resilience, discipline, confidence and self-expression in its students. Akeisha Byng-Danzell, certified as an Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) instructor, leads the faculty alongside Janeal James, Whitneyann Baptiste, Matthew McClean and Marissa Johnson, who together bring a wealth of experience and creativity to nurture well-rounded, technically proficient and artistically expressive dancers prepared for both stage and life.

The glorious choreography of the piece, Morena Osha, performed by senior dancer, Niemah Caseman, in ACE’s 2023 presentation, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

WHAT:       Behind The Smile

WHO:        ACES Dance Academy

WHEN:      Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: General admission - $250

ACES Dance Academy, #3 Longden Street, Port of Spain -

(868) 276-3422

Queen’s Hall box office – (868) 624-1284

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

m: +1 (868) 367-5295 

e: liza@estuaryPR.com

Republic Bank Funding Delivers better Equine Therapy Access to Children in Tobago

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2025

Republic Bank Funding Delivers better Equine Therapy Access to Children in Tobago

Real change is underway at Healing With Horses in Buccoo. A generous $100,000 TTD donation is helping expand the Equine Natural Therapy for Children, which provides inclusive, horse-assisted therapy to support emotional and developmental growth. This project was made possible through the generosity of Republic Bank Limited, as part of its Power to Make a Difference Programme.

The donation is helping the organization strengthen and sustain this program, including support for therapy horse care, safe facility access, and inclusive staffing.

The first $50,000 TTD disbursed has already supported:

  • Stipends for five differently-abled adults
  • Training for eight youth participants in the HWH Empowerment Program
  • Repairs to fencing, plumbing, and animal enclosures
  • Daily care for more than 30 therapy animals
  • Monthly events that invite the public into a healing, inclusive space

The second installment will support free equine therapy for frontline workers and continued improvements across the park.

“This funding creates momentum we’ve never had before,” said Veronika Danzer LaFortune, Director of Healing With Horses. “It’s helping us hire, train, heal, and rebuild—with purpose.”

Healing With Horses is a registered non-profit in Tobago that provides inclusive equine-assisted therapy and nature-based programs for differently-abled individuals, youth, and the wider community. The organization also offers safe haven to rescued horses and other animals in need of urgent care.

Despite the recent support, the sanctuary is operating with significant financial strain and is in urgent need of continued donations to keep up with rising costs, rescue care, and volunteer stipends.

Representatives from Republic Bank will visit the site on April 24 to see the progress firsthand.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Veronika Johanna Danzer-La Fortune
CEO / Founder

"The Love & Magic Information Center"

HEALING WITH HORSES FOUNDATION
10-14 Galla Trace Buccoo Scarborough 901131
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Office hours Monday - Saturday 8.00am  - 4.00pm
Office-001-868-639-0953
Cell - 001-868-307-3425

www.healing-with-horses.org
info@healing-with-horses.org
support@healing-with-horses.org
www.being-with-horses.com

 

Is Carnival Band Launch Season Trinidad’s Fashion Week?

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Trinidad Carnival Fashion Week is Band Launch Season
Trinidad Carnival Fashion Week 4
  • The Lost Tribe: https://losttribecarnival.com/mirror-monday/
  • Stefan Justin Sealy - Designer - Mirror Monday: https://www.instagram.com/stefanjustinsealy/
  • Mirror Monday Insight:  https://x.com/LTCarnival/status/1840874716443050047
  • Naballah Chi - Designer: https://naballahchi.com/ , https://www.instagram.com/naballahchi/?hl=en
  • Ryan Chan - Designer: https://www.instagram.com/theryanchan_/
  • Tobye Melissa Gill - Designer - Wyld Fleur: https://blisscarnival.com/wyld-fleur/ , https://tobyegill.com/about-us/
Trinidad Carnival Fashion Week 3
Trinidad Carnival Fashion Week is Band Launch Season 2
  • Amethyst Bliss Carnival - Tribe - Designer - Humzee: https://www.blisscarnival.com/amethyst/
  • Humzee: https://www.instagram.com/humzee_/?hl=en
  • Humzee Behind the Scenes: https://www.facebook.com/reel/889435572611521
  • Sandi's Angels - Sandra Hordatt - Designer : https://sandisangels.com/
  • Reclaim the Dame - Vianne Singh: https://www.instagram.com/wear.vkara/
  • Solange Govia - Designer speaks at First Citizens Girls First https://www.instagram.com/solangegovia/reel/C-AlEoJOETJ/
  • Mele Destinations: https://meledestinations.com/

Amayah’s Debut Book Launch and Book Fair! – Press Release

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 Celebrate Literacy and Creativity at Amayah’s Debut Book Launch and Book Fair!

 

Curepe, Trinidad and Tobago – July 11, 2024 – Amayah Wallace-Aniebonam, an exceptional 8-year-old student at Curepe Fatima RC Primary School, is set to unveil her debut book in a grand celebration of literacy and creativity.

Amayah first captured hearts at the age of 7 with her enchanting Facebook page and YouTube channel, "Reading with Amayah" where she brought to life the pages of Trinidad and Tobago's beloved children's books through animated readings. Her dedication and creativity have culminated in the authorship of "Amayah’s Quest for the Golden Diamond: A Magical Adventure in Three Portals", a book that will be available in English, Spanish, and French versions, complemented by bilingual colouring/activity books

To commemorate Amayah's literary accomplishment and promote a love for reading among our nation’s children, we are thrilled to announce Amayah's Debut Book Launch and Book Fair. This event will take place on July 28th, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Our Lady of Fatima RC Church parish hall, Bushe St., Curepe, embracing a vibrant "back-to-school" theme. The fair aims to nurture reading enthusiasm among our youth and support educational initiatives by fostering literacy in multiple languages.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Launch of Amayah's debut books
  • Sales of Amayah’s debut books at near-production cost
  • Book signing session by Amayah
  • Book exchange to encourage reading diversity
  • Participation of other local children's authors
  • Vision screening
  • Refreshments on-sale by Curepe Fatima RC Primary school as a fundraiser
  • Giveaways of back-to-school items, gift vouchers, etc
  • Fun activities including bouncy castles, face painting, balloons, and live readings

In addition to celebrating Amayah's achievements and purchasing her books for your loved ones, we encourage the purchase of premium book packages comprising the various versions of Amayah’s books. These packages will be generously donated to local schools, public libraries, children’s homes, and underprivileged members of our community, spreading the joy of reading far and wide.

We invite you to join us in supporting Amayah in this endeavor. Your presence will contribute to nurturing a love for reading among our youth and inspiring future authors. It promises to be an unforgettable fun-filled experience for everyone involved!

For more information on how to participate, contribute, or make large purchases to be donated, please email readingwithamayah@gmail.com. You can keep updated and follow Amayah's inspiring journey on her social media channels, YouTube, and Facebook at “Reading with Amayah”. Visit, Follow, Subscribe and Share! Catch up on all her captivating videos!

What: Amayah's Debut Book Launch and Book Fair

Who: Amayah Wallace-Aniebonam

When: July 28th, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM

Where: Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, the parish hall, Bushe Street Curepe

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Alisha Wallace

Mom and Manager

p: +1 (868) - 461-3559

e:  readingwithamayah@gmail.com

https://linktr.ee/reading_with_amayah

 

Trini Christmas Wish List – To Do

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If you are visiting Trinidad and Tobago for the Holidays there are many things to do to enjoy a true Trini Christmas. The people of Trinidad and Tobago are very creative. This boldfaced creativity is anything but seasonal. Anyone interested in the destination can spot this creative energy in the food, the music, the everyday lifestyle, the way the locals work and the way they party. Popular festivals such as Carnival highlight this creativity but the far lesser known and perhaps even captivating festivity also occurs during the Holidays, a pre-cursor to Trinidad Carnival.

Here are our Editor’s Top Picks for The Trini Christmas Wish List – Things to Do

“Up to Now” – Solo Exhibition by Nicholas Huggins

Are you captivated by creative murals and artistic direction that moves your soul? Nicholas Huggins is a local creative director and digital artist that you need to know. He has earned his stripes in the region for his creativity working with several established private and public sector entities. His career highlight came when he teamed up with Lennox Boogsie Sharpe (Pan Soloist), Etienne Charles (Composer)and Mick Seegobin (Motion Design) to create a Google Doodle for Google in celebration of steelpan. Nicholas’ design aesthetic is his signature love mark on this world. It is so distinct that even the untrained designer eye can identify it. If you have not fallen in love with his work yet there is still a chance that you will.  Nicholas Huggins is hosting a solo art exhibition, “Up to Now” featuring prints from his digital work, paintings, drawings and  so much more.  This is an exclusive experience because this is his first ever solo exhibition. We promise that when you fall head over heels with his work you are going to want to grow in love with his pieces. Nicholas makes your wish come true this season as his exhibiting pieces are also available for sale. This means that you can take them home with you. It also means they are the quintessential Trini souvenir and gift for your loved ones away or for your best friends who enjoy representing their nationality by showcasing their patriotism.

"Up to Now" - Event Details

  • Date: 19th to 23rd December 2023
  • Location: Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Federation Park
  • Opening Night: Tuesday 19th December 2023, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Exhibit Continues: Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd December 2023, 12 noon – 6 pm daily
RSVP

Paramin for Christmas, “The Experience”                                                Hosted by Nakita Henry of Patriotic TT

If you enjoy a stayover in Trinidad and Tobago, here’s an all-inclusive experience that depicts an immersive tale of the origins and heritage that help define a Trini Christmas. The cocoa panyols (espanols) settled in several communities throughout the island when they brought their expertise in cocoa farming to the cocoa estate and industry. Cocoa panyols influenced Trini Christmas by sharing their traditions of music, food and festivity. One such community located in the pristine hills of Paramin  is situated amidst some of the most spectacular scenic views. Tourists can expect to engage with the locals and see firsthand the preparations of an authentic Trini Christmas. Fortunately, Patriotic TT, a reputable company known for their patriotism and passion for Trinidad and Tobago has organized a tour this December that can’t be missed. Paramin for Christmas, The Experience has to be on the checklist for things to do in Trinidad this Christmas.

  • Date: 21st December 2023
  • Time: 1pm to 6pm
  • Prices: TT$400/adult, TT$275/kid
  • Features: La Vigie Lookout, Caves, Church
  • Food & Drink: Bread and Ham, Pastelle, Sorrel, Local Wines
  • Experience: Traditional Cooking Artform for Trini Christmas Ham – Ham Boiling in Pitch Oil Tin
  • Listen: Live Parang Music
  • Bookings: patriotictt.com/paramin-tours
  • Phone: +1 868 – 784 – 5269
Book Now

UpMarket - Trini Christmas Market

The creative work of  Trinbagonians; the creative entrepreneurs, the artists, the designers and the artisans is loud enough to speak volumes of the nation’s creative imagination. Creative markets are events that highlight art, craft, food and unique finds and take place throughout the calendar year. The adept hosts of creative markets in Trinidad and Tobago offer a Christmas twist for the holidays with festive creations inspired by local culture. Any visitor looking for the real treasure of the islands will find the bounty at these markets. The creative energy at these markets is so invigorating that one has to experience it to believe it. Visitors will find bespoke designs, rare keepsakes and design inspiration there. There are lots of markets to choose from with each offering a convenient location and an incredible mix of artisans and creativity. UpMarket is the first established and longest standing creative market in Trinidad and Tobago. The market curator, Janet Bloom Fabres positions the UpMarket experience as the premier market in the destination. This Christmas visitors enjoy flexible shopping with day and night time markets at The Lions Cultural Centre in Woodbrook.

Day Markets - 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Sunday 17th Dec. 2023
  • Saturday 23rd Dec. 2023
  • Sunday 24th  Dec. 2023

Night Markets -  3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday 20th Dec. 2023
  • Thursday 21st Dec. 2023
  • Friday 22nd Dec. 2023
Go There

Happy Holidays!