Mission:

Island Reflections Dance Theatre, Inc. works to illustrate the heritage and culture of the Caribbean through narrative dance with the emphasis on children and young adults. Research shows creative dance is a therapeutic way to help students express themselves.

Stephen D. Hankey, Artistic Director

Island Reflections Dance Theatre (IRDT) is a professional dance company that provides training to students throughout Connecticut ranging from ages 3 to adult. IRDT is led by Artistic Director Stephen D. Hankey. The company is dedicated to the improvement of society through the exploration of diversity and physical movement. The Company continues to flourish and educate the community cross-culturally about Caribbean Folk, Ballet, Modern/Contemporary, African, and other world dance styles. Mr. Hankey’s choreography is an extraction of the African experience with indigenous Indian, European and Asian influences, representative of a microcosm of the social history of the Caribbean and the world at large. The company has performed around the New England area creating partnerships with community-based organizations in various locales. The performances of IRDT beautifully depict stories that pay homage to ancestors and cultures worldwide through dance.

Discovering Dance

(3–5 yrs):

At this level, the training is geared to develop the student’s motor- skills, body posture, and self-awareness. By using the everyday sounds from the environment, the child will be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic rhythmic patterns in the world around them.

Beginners Level

(6 – 8 years):

At this level, students will explore the rudiments of the four forms of dance: ballet, modern, jazz, and social and cultural. The students will also use the basic concepts of structured improvisation and choreographic devices, to explore and create small group movement phrases, during class.

Intermediate Level

(9 – 12 yrs):

At this level, students will explore in a more detailed manner the four forms of dance: ballet, modern, jazz, and social and cultural. The students will use concepts of structured improvisation and choreographic devices at an intermediate level to explore and create large group movement phrases, during class.

Advanced Level

(13 – 17 years):

At this level, students will delve deeper into the study of the four forms of dance: ballet, modern, jazz, and social and cultural. The students will also use the concepts of structured improvisation and choreographic devices, to explore and create works that highlight an understanding of choreography.

Afro-Caribbean Dance

(Adult 18 + years):

At this level, students will explore at the introductory level Afro-Caribbean dances using a holistic approach of integrating movement, music history, costuming, and drama. This course explores Afro-Caribbean dances through the maze of influences from a diverse ethnological viewpoint. It includes an in-depth study of historical and cultural Afro-Caribbean dances, which are infused with drumming rhythms, and storytelling through movement.

Adult Ballet

(18+ years):

At this level, students will gain an understanding of ballet vocabulary/ terminology, body alignment, posturing, balance, core strength, coordination, and effective movement execution. Learn the progression of ballet class and its impact as it relates to performance skills.

Contact

Office (917) 553-5007
[email protected]

Board of Directors

  • Stephen D. Hankey – President
  • Annatouchur Kingland – Vice- President
  • Sandra Headley – Secretary
  • John Perkins – Treasurer
  • Denise Bostic – Director

Location

Eco-Space

224 Farmington Ave

Hartford CT. 06105