Philipsburg:--- This Friday, September 9, will be a busy one for Imbali Center for Creative Movement, this according to Imbali Founder and Director, Clara Reyes.Reyes explained that there would be gymnastic trials for children ages 6-18 years old beginning at 2pm. These trials, which would be supervised by gymnastics instructor Grattiene Riom, will determine who will be eligible to attend regular classes throughout the year. Reyes said it is her intention to have Imbali students compete at highest levels in gymnastics on local, regional and international levels.
"Just as we have wanted to upgrade our students in the areas of dance, so too do we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to do the same in gymnastics and so a specialist as brought in for this area. Also in dance these days it is important to be able to combine certain levels of artistry and athleticism in order to be a well-rounded artist, so this was also a consideration for this venture," Reyes said.
Reyes said that there are a number of young people on the Dutch side of island who are interested in gymnastics and who have the aptitude for it, but have not been able to explore it as of yet. She explained that this class would be ideal for such youngsters, because they would be learning a number of skills including tumbling, handsprings, summersaults, hands and no-hands floor work, etc.
"This class will be a combination of gymnastics and cheerleading and is guaranteed that the calibre is of highest level, this is why we have decided to hold try outs prior to starting the class," Reyes said.
Reyes also explained that in the evening at 6:30-8pm a belly dancing workshop would be offered as part of the annual Imbali $1 Community Outreach and Open house Program. This workshop will be hosted by Anguilla based instructor Gina Grell.
Grell, who has participated in workshops at the Edna Manley College of Visual & Performing Arts, in Jamaica and numerous others in New York, has a special affinity for belly dancing.
"Belly dance speaks to the soul of a woman," Grell said, "yes, it will make your torso more flexible, build strength in your spine, legs and arms, but belly dance is also organic in nature for a woman, belly dance releases those spaces to exhale and nurtures those feelings of empowerment for women."
Reyes encourages women to come out and experience movement through this class and promises it will be an up-tempo one.
"We are always trying to find ways to bring new, exciting classes to our Imbali student body, whether youth or adult and these two classes are indicative of that. We urge everyone to come out and become more involved in the world of creative movement," Reyes said.
More information about either or both events can be obtained by passing by the Imbali office at the John Larmonie Center on Longwall Road, Philipsburg or contacting Reyes by calling 554-9364 or via FaceBook or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
