Philipsburg:--- On Tuesday, February 1, Imbali Center for Creative Movement will officially launch its revamped adult program, under the umbrella of its new Artist in Residence series.According to Imbali Founder and Director, Clara Reyes, the aim of the new Artist in Residence series is to allow adults the opportunity to sample from a range of dance genres in separated sessions, rather than have to commit to a whole year of one particular course.
"Before it was difficult for our adult students to be consistent with attendance, because they have their other obligations, including families, jobs, organizations, and such. They were always interested in dance, but were sometimes unable to attend regularly over the course of the year. This way they can choose which sessions they want to attend and stick with those for shorter periods of a month or a month and a half," Reyes said.
Reyes announced that the first session would be a month long Salsa course taught by instructor Greccy Toulen. Reyes explained that Toulen, who hailed from Venezuela, but has been residing on the island for almost two decades, was her only choice for teaching this class.
"I have been watching Greccy dance for years and always begging her to come and teach at Imbali, but somehow the timing was always off. I would go to Boo Boo Jam and be amazed by the way she glided across the floor with her dance partner Moose. So, since about 1999 I have been asking her to come and teach and now finally the time was right," Reyes said.
Toulen, who is based on the French side of the island, said that her unavailability over the years stemmed from her immersion into the islands languages. She said she first spent four years learning English at the University of St. Martin and then another four years learning French on the northern side of the island, in order to be able to integrate more successfully into local life.
Toulen said she had also spent some time in Guadeloupe in order to become certified to teach Salsa classes. She used to teach with the late Cees van Dolderen at Motiance Dance School in the 90s and in 2000 she attended the annual Salsa Congress held in Puerto Rico. In addition she also competed in several local competitions and went abroad to represent St. Maarten in 2001. Toulen's family is no stranger to the arts, particularly music and drama. She is the sister of local actress Karim Toulen and cousin of singer and stylist Miguel Alexander. She said that the three of them were a part of a theatre school in Venezuela in the 1970s when they were very young.
"But with Salsa, I've always known Salsa. Since I was five years old that is what my mother and father would teach us, how to dance. It used to be Karim, Miguel and I, learning all the moves and now I believe I have music in my veins. When I dance I feel happy, there is no stress and I am contented," Toulen said.
Toulen said she is eager to teach this course because most people here usually dance soca and zouk and now she will offer them an opportunity to sample the Latin side.
"I will be teaching rhythmic Salsa, not athletic, competitive moves, but movements you can enjoy when you go out at night to dance and have fun. I will mainly be using traditional salsa music and ballads, but I want to also put some spice in it and use Cha Cha Cha and so," Toulen said.
Toulen's session run on Tuesdays and Thursday from 7:30-8:45pm starting February 1-24. She said that anyone, at any skill level should come.
"These classes are for both men and women and focus on social dance. I'm not into teaching trick dancing I'm going to be focusing on soulful Salsa, so that everyone can enjoy it and enjoy movement. By the time people are done they should be comfortable dancing at any social event," Toulen said.
She said that students should wear pumps, with a nice heel and preferably a skirt. Jeans and sneaks limit the movement of the hips and feet and impede learning.
For more information about this course or to register, interested persons should contact Reyes at 554-9364 or Toulen at 00590690885689.
