Beloved books and magazines will come to life through dance when Bermuda Dance Academy presents its latest production, Page to Stage.

The recital, directed by Nikia Manders, features dancers taking on a range of roles through choreography and movement.

“The programme blends storytelling with movement in a dynamic sequence of short dances inspired by literary works,” she said.

“It balances moments of humour, wonder and reflection with high-energy sequences that showcase the versatility and unity of the company.”

For senior performers, the production also marks the closing of an important chapter.

“I love to dance and have enjoyed my time at Bermuda Dance Academy,” said Kemya Wilson, who graduates from CedarBridge Academy this year.

“I started in ballet and later started hip-hop, which is my favourite class.”

Kemya said preparing for performances involved long hours of rehearsals and repetition to perfect routines ahead of showtime.

“Ms Manders stays on top of us to make sure we are all in sync on performance days and the hard work definitely pays off,” she said.

Among her favourite memories are performing in the Bermuda Day Parade and participating in the academy’s annual recitals.

“I danced with Bermuda Dance Academy during their first parade back in 2018 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have danced in the parade ever since,” she said.

“A second favourite of mine is our recital. I love that we have different themes each year.”

The dancer said she would miss the regular rehearsals, performances and friendships she formed at the academy.

After dancing with Bermuda Dance Academy since its inception, Kennedy Steeves will head to Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, this autumn to study biology.

One of her featured performances is a jazz routine.

“Our jazz dance is about the book Hidden Figures, which features powerful Black women in the 1960s working at Nasa,” she said.

“I think our spirited dance moves reflect the power that these women had.”

A favourite part of the production is a tap sequence performed alongside Sanziniah Raynor.

“It’s really complex but Niah and I are still able to do it in sync. We get our moves in sync by going over and over them again,” she said.

Kennedy enjoys the creative freedom that dancers at Bermuda Dance Academy are given.

“I feel like Ms Manders gives us a lot of creative capabilities when it comes to the choreography and I really appreciate that,” she said.

Alongside rehearsing for her own performances, Kennedy also assists with younger dancers at the academy.

“Some of the things they say during those classes are really funny,” she said.

Sanziniah, who has also danced with Bermuda Dance Academy since its inception, said she took on several roles throughout Page to Stage.

“In the recital, I play many characters, such as Kung Fu Panda, a little fairy, and a fearless boss,” she said.

She explained that each role required a different style of performance.

“My dance moves match their personality because they are confidently done, full of excitement, very flowy and continuous, and done with lots and lots of passion.”

One of her favourite routines is Too Lit, a high-energy dance that earned first place in the group division at the Revive Dance Convention and Competition in Orlando, Florida, in February.

“It was very upbeat, energetic, eye-catching, and it made me feel like I could connect with the audience and the dancers on stage,” she said.

Sanziniah said the rehearsals for Page to Stage were filled with plenty of laughs for the dancers.

“Every Wednesday we would forget the dance and would have to go back and try our hardest to remember the steps and transitions,” she said.

Ms Manders credited the Bermuda Dance Academy team — Shawnae Brangman, Imani Edwards, Makaylie Smith, Jaidah Bailey, Linda Manders, Nicole Crockwell and Sia Hayward — as well as the dancers and parents, for helping bring the production together.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to teachers, staff, our dancers, and parents for their hard work and dedication, which made this recital possible,” she said.

• Page to Stage will take place at 2pm and 7pm at The Berkeley Institute Cafetorium on June 6. Tickets are available throughptix.bmand at Bermuda Dance Academy at 26 Berkeley Road, Pembroke. For more information, visitwww.bermudadanceacademy.com