Ravi Cannonier-Watson giving back through dance
As an apprentice, Ravi Cannonier-Watson spent much of his time with The Royal Ballet finding his place. This year has been different. His first official season with the company brought featured performances, an international tour and connections he hopes will benefit young Bermudian artists.
His return to Bermuda next month for Dancing Under the Stars is part of that. The gala at the Earl Cameron Theatre will feature Ravi and fellow dancers from the Royal Ballet, his sister, Vidya, as well as performers from English National Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Dutch National Ballet, Hungarian National Ballet and Dominican National Ballet.
“We are bringing world-class dancers to Bermuda, celebrating Bermudian artists working internationally and giving young dancers the opportunity to see what is possible when talent is matched with training, support and determination,” Ravi said.
There were very few boys in Bermuda pursuing ballet seriously when he started lessons at the age of seven. Four years later, determined to make a career in dance, he applied to The Royal Ballet School and was one of just 12 students selected from 2,500 applicants for a place.
He credits his parents, Michael Watson and Sophia Cannonier, along with the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda, the Bermuda Arts Council and the Peter Leitner Scholarship Committee with helping him become a professional dancer with The Royal Ballet, “Britain’s flagship classical ballet company”.
“This has been my first official season with the company, so it’s been [quite a contrast with] my first season. I’ve been given lots more opportunities and am viewed as a professional dancer now, a solid professional with the company,” the 21-year-old said.
One of the season's biggest moments came with So Are We. With Casper Lench, he performed Pas de deux romantique throughout the production’s seven-show run this month at the Royal Opera House in London.
“There was no second cast. They said you are going to do all seven shows, and for me that was just unbelievable. To finish off my second season and really, my first official season with the company, it was the best way to end it,” he said.
The performance was so emotionally intense that only afterwards did he begin to appreciate the response it had received.
“It was one of those things where you just have to have that connection, and I think my partner and I, we were just so connected with each other that every time we came offstage, we could hardly remember how it went. We were just completely in the zone.”
The New York Times was among several publications to praise his performance, describing the pair as “touchingly lyrical”. Reviews in bachtrack.com, theartsdesk.com and gramilano.com were equally complimentary.
“The importance was put on the opening night, because there was a lot of pressure, and people didn't know how it was going to go, how the critics would review it and I think it's safe to say that everything just went absolutely the best it could have done,” Ravi said.
“But to be a part of it, and to be a part of the reviews, and to have people speak so highly of my involvement, and just the piece in general … I really can't be more grateful to have been given the opportunity to do something like that. I'm still processing it. It’s just been unbelievable.”
The Royal Ballet tours internationally on a regular basis. Next comes Japan, where Ravi will perform Giselle and La Fille mal gardée during a three-week tour.
In Bermuda, he wants young people interested in dance, music, theatre or any other creative discipline to see that success on the international stage is possible, provided they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
“My hope is that every young artist who experiences Dancing Under the Stars leaves understanding that their dream is not a lost cause. A professional career in the arts is possible — but it must be pursued wholeheartedly,” Ravi said.
“My role now as someone who has done that path, and has made it to where I am now, I would like to go back to the island and show parents of these kids that are in the arts, that it's possible although it takes a lot of work.”
• Dancing Under the Stars opens with a gala fundraiser at the Earl Cameron Theatre on July 24 at 7pm. Performances continue on July 25, with a 1pm matinee and a 7pm show. Tickets are available from Sophia Cannonier: SophiaCannonier@gmail.com or via WhatsApp on 799-6330. The Earl Cameron Box Office will also be open for ticket sales and collection from 11am to 2pm, July 22 to 24.Follow@DUTS.bda on Instagram
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