Elite dancers representing various prestigious ballet companies have travelled to Bermuda to share their passion for dance with the island.

Dancing Under the Stars, celebrating Bermudian talent, also features international guests in their performances.

The recital at the Earl Cameron Theatre at Hamilton City Hall includes both classical and contemporary ballet, choreography by the dancers, and music from Bermudian artists.

Former dancer Sophia Cannonier, whose three children are all dancers, felt it was important to highlight Bermuda’s art community.

Her eldest son, Ravi Cannonier-Watson, was the first Bermudian to complete the full eight-year programme at The Royal Ballet School in London and is a dancer with the company.

Her eldest daughter, Vidya Cannonier-Watson, is entering the graduate programme at The English National Ballet School, and her youngest daughter, Inanna Cannonier-Watson, is to train at the Legat Dance Academy in England.

Other local talent featured includes ten-year-old Penelope Barker, a young Bermudian living overseas who is about to begin training at The Royal Ballet School.

There will also be performances by award-winning dancers such as Precious Adams, first soloist with The English National Ballet, and Jakob Wheway Hughes, a 2025 Prix de Lausanne gold medal-winner with The English National Ballet.

Andrea Renee Long-Naidu, a former dancer with the New York City Ballet and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, has accompanied the group to serve as their coach.

Ms Long-Naidu, who was invited by Ms Cannonier to take up the role, was excited to showcase a diverse cast of accomplished dancers to the island.

“When they see this, they are going to want to support the arts, especially dancing,” she said. “To have such talent coming out of Bermuda is incredible.

“They get to see themselves on stage; representation matters. They get to see the beautiful different colour hues and different dancers. It’s not everyone having to look the same.”

The dancers have travelled to the island courtesy of Rosewood Tucker’s Point and after an appearance at Harbour Nights tomorrow evening, they will perform at an invitation-only gala at the resort on Thursday.

They will perform at the Earl Cameron Theatre this Friday and teach a free workshop on Saturday.

Ms Long-Naidu added: “We’re so grateful to Rosewood Tucker’s Point. They saw the vision and helped us bring it to life — for locals and visitors alike. We are already discussing partnering with them next year.”

Two tables for the Rosewood gala are available for purchase and interested persons should contact Rosewood Bermuda for more information.

• Watch Ravi and Vidya Cannonier-Watson and their friends at the Earl Cameron Theatre from 7pm to 9pm on Friday. General admission is $25; patron tickets are $75 and include a pre-show reception. To reserve tickets call 799-6330 or e-mail sophiacannonier@gmail.com

• Video by Joaquin O’Connor (RG Intern)