Gittens is Metamorphosis' dance patron

ACCLAIMED international dancer Céline Gittens is now patron of the Metamorphosis Dance Company. Gittens, who is from Point Fortin, was raised in Canada.

From a young age she was coached by her mother, Janet Gittens, and quickly rose to stardom, She joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet (UK) in 2006 and became its principal dancer in 2016, said a media release.

Gittens has won numerous international dance awards and performed major roles in popular ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet (pas de deux), The Nutcracker (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Swan Lake (Odette/Odile), with top-class ballet companies, in leading theatres around the world. She is also a choreographer and has mounted stunning solo pieces for her ballet company, the release said.

Artistic director of the Metamorphosis Dance Company Nancy Herrera, the release said, "is overjoyed at having Gittens become patron of the company." Herrera considers it a "wonderful show of support from such a well-accomplished Trinidadian."

Since inception, Metamorphosis has helped young talented dancers of the Caribbean School of Dancing to hone their skills and become competent dancers and moving on to professional dance careers, abroad, the release said. "Gittens as patron, is truly an inspiration for these young dancers," it said.

As patron, Gittens will be supporting Metamorphosis’ performances, development and activities to help inspire more dance enthusiasts and raise awareness of the beauty of dance.

Gittens said in the release:

“The creation of Metamorphosis Dance Company has provided TT with access to a professional dance company, therefore creating a platform for pre-professional dancers to transition into professional dance careers. I take this opportunity to thank each and every individual who has contributed to Metamorphosis Dance Company since its beginnings in 1994 and would like to wish the company a Happy 25th anniversary."

Gittens, who expressed her delight in becoming a patron of the company, referenced her career path and addressed the value and impact of dance.

"My journey from Point Fortin, Trinidad, to Vancouver, Canada, to Birmingham, United Kingdom, has seen me become a principal ballet dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, which is one of the premier classical ballet companies in the United Kingdom. The knowledge that I have gained throughout my pre-professional and professional career is invaluable, and I strongly believe in using this knowledge to educate and inspire dancers who are passionate about a career in dance. Dance and the arts provide us a space for 'reimagining' collective and individual existence. It is such an important part of our communities as it promotes creativity, which boosts our personalities, sparks conversation, allows us to dream, and gives us hope.”

For more info: www.metamorphosisdance.com or Facebook.