The job market for dancers has expanded worldwide, and choreographer Sandy Lyons, Dancer and Director for over 20 years here in the Virgin Islands, is also looking for emerging talents. Lyons’ versatility has kept her in demand in the Territory with training in jazz, tap, ballet and much more.

The 53 year-old choreographer was exposed to the art of dancing at the tender age of 6 while in her native hometown of Stewart Florida and was a vibrant member of the Royal Academy of Dance in London. During her time at the Academy, she made her presence felt through performances throughout the eastern and mid western United States.

One of her many achievements as a renowned Dance Director is being the founder of the Conservatory of Dance Arts in Florida, where she taught over 300 students each year.

Since Lyons’ arrival in the territory in 1987, it dawned on her to extend her knowledge of the arts by opening a dance school. She was given an opportunity to each dance at a local school operated by artist and businessman, Vernon Pickering, who is presently the Publisher of Island Sun.

“I started out with 15 students at the time before he (Pickering) handed it over to me because of his job responsibilities,” Lyons added.

Since then Lyons has operated The BVI Dance School based at the Cutting Edge Gym in RoadTown, where she teaches approximately 200 children ranging from ages 4-16 in addition to the well-known talented teen sensation Raja Pemberton, who has blossomed under her guidance since joining the school at the age of 9.

“It is just amazing to watch this thing grow, but we have limited space, I have a list with over 40 youngsters waiting in line. I cannot take them on right now,” she noted.

Lyons said that the Government is looking at a proposed building in the near future that will not house only her dancers, but other groups in the Territory.

“I am very excited about the possibilities of finishing the building as a community dance facility, we want it to be real soon,” she urged.

Lyons, who is no stranger in creating a bond with many dance groups, spearheaded the BVI Children’s Dance Fest which has now grown into an annual project since its conception in 2000. The Dance Fest is used as a medium to showcase the various dance groups throughout the Territory – sharing one stage at a single event. The ‘Fest’ is a combination package featuring energetic individuals from the BVI Dance School, Praise Angels of the New Life Baptist Church, The Bethany Baptist Dancers and the St. Georges Liturgical.

Dance classes are held six days per week under the added tutelage of Lisa Cattalano and Sarah Penny, who is a very active member of the CADA Theatrical Group.

The BVI Dance Fest Committee is a non-profit organization which helps to raise funds for causes relating to young dancers.

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