The World’s Best Astound at the World’s Most Beautiful Location

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Elegance, precision and majestic movements highlighted two nights of priceless ballet set along the backdrop of the Great Lawn at Old Fort Bay Club on February 14 and 16 as some of the world’s greatest ballet dancers put on showstopping performances for the ‘Iconique’ Dinner Banquet Gala. 

The intimate evening of Classical, Neo-Classical and Contemporary performance ballet featured dancers from one of the world’s most revered ballet companies – Covent Garden Dance, along with an all-inclusive dinner and top wines at Old Fort Bay Club for a first-of-its-kind performance in The Bahamas.

Audience members were left in no doubt of the standard of the programme from the moment the two royal Danish principles took to the stage for the opening piece. World famous British dancer Xander Parish, internationally acclaimed Lucia Lacarra and Prix de Lausanne winner Matthew Golding were just a few of the names to grace the stage.

Covent Garden Dance Director Matt Brady said of the once-in-a-lifetime evening of ballet “When the stars align in this way, in that location with that backdrop.. it is nothing short of perfection.“  the Nassau community welcomed the highly anticipated show with open arms and an appreciation. We have never felt so welcome in a place!”

“Seeing the reception of the first show by the Bahamian audience was nothing short of exceptional,” Brady said after what he described as a magical night one. “The warmth and generosity, their reaction to the production, has left myself and the cast feeling genuinely moved. It’s one of the greatest nights that we’ve ever done in a location that is without doubt, probably our most beautiful theater location we’ve ever created.”

Wendy Mills, an ardent lover of ballet, spent her Valentine’s evening enjoying the performances and described the night as the perfect way to enjoy the day of love. 

“It is simply fantastic,” Mills said. “I am an avid ballet watcher. I’ve attended many ballet shows and performances all over the world. The performance was as exquisite as you can imagine. I love that it’s here at home in The Bahamas, I love that they brought this quality performance here. It is absolutely worth every penny as this is not something we have in The Bahamas. And what’s more special about it is its on Valentine’s Day. I had no idea what I would have done or where we would have gone. But this is absolutely worth it.”

From scene to scene of riveting performance, the dancers took the audience on a journey through beauty and grace. 

British High Commissioner Tom Hartley was instrumental in the performance coming to The Bahamas and said he was left extremely proud. 

“What an incredible evening this was,” Hartley said as he applauded the world-class performance. “None of us could really believe this night would be as special as it was. It was beyond expectations, I think, for anyone. However much you love ballet, I think tonight was a special night. I’m so proud. The Bahamas is a very special place and you have to bring something special to really add value to The Bahamas. And I’m proud that Matt has already committed to doing it another year, next year, and I feel this really adds value to the rich culture already in The Bahamas. The British High Commission played a tiny part in that and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

Covent Garden Dance is world-renowned for its ability to produce and present some of the most acclaimed and admired ballet and dance gala programs. 

The company of dancers, during its trip, also took time to meet and inspire local students who were interested in learning more about the craft of ballet. The local dancers left with a sense of pride and further interest in developing their gift of movement. 

While this was the first ‘Iconique’ performance, Brady announced that the show would return to The Bahamas for a second year and is hoping to work with a non-profit organization to bring the show to Freeport too.