2023 Season presents
"The Legend of Tallo Taman Tree"
The Tallo Taman Tree stood on St. Thomas for 300 years and legend has it that you should never
fall asleep under the Tamarind Tree after dark or the Jumbies will follow you home.
Watch and see what happens when the children fall asleep under the Tallo Taman Tree!!
Previous Cast Members
Meet Elowyn Sage...
Elowyn is a 3rd year company member who is homeschooled and is a 9 year old 3rd grader. Elowyn began dancing at the age of 3 and has studied ballet and acrobatics. The most amazing place she traveled was when she sailed to Turkey. Her hobbies include diving with her daddy, art, fabricating with cardboard, and camping. She would like to be something magical when she grows up. She joined the dance company because she enjoys ballet with her friends and loves Ms. Lisa's fun choreography.
Meet J'hia-Li...
J'hia is a 3rd year company member who attends Calvary Christian Academy. She is 12 years old and in the 7th grade. J'hia began dancing at the age of 8 and has studied hip hop, ballet, acrobatics, contemporary and pointe. The most amazing place she has visited is Orlando, Florida. She would love to travel to Arizona some day. Her hobbies include dance, arts and crafts, and acrobatics/gymnastics. When she grows up she would like to be a dance teacher. She joined the company because she LOVES TO DANCE!!!
Meet J'hia-Li...
J'hia is a 3rd year company member who attends Calvary Christian Academy. She is 12 years old and in the 7th grade. J'hia began dancing at the age of 8 and has studied hip hop, ballet, acrobatics, contemporary and pointe. The most amazing place she has visited is Orlando, Florida. She would love to travel to Arizona some day. Her hobbies include dance, arts and crafts, and acrobatics/gymnastics. When she grows up she would like to be a dance teacher. She joined the company because she LOVES TO DANCE!!!
Meet Jeneyah...
Jeneyah is a first year company member who attends Ulla Muller Elementary. She is 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. Jeneyah has been dancing since the age of 6 and has studied ballet and liturgical dancing. The most amazing place she has traveled to is California. She would love to travel to Australia one day. Her hobbies include singing and dancing. She would like to be a dancer when she grows up. She joined the dance company so she could learn how to be a better dancer.
Meet Avery...
Avery is a first year company member who is homeschooled. She is an 8 year old 2nd grader. Avery began her dance training at the age of 3 and has studied ballet. The most amazing place she has visited is Colorado. Some day she would love to travel to France. Her hobbies include sailing and dance. She isn's sure what she wants to be when she grows up, but she joined the dance company because she loves to dance!
Meet Scarlett...
Scarlett is a first year company member who is homeschooled. She is a 7 year old 2nd grader. Scarlett began her dance training at the age of 3 and has studied hip hop, tap, acrobatics and ballet. She would like to be a craft chemist when she grows up. The most amazing place she has traveled in Ireland. Some day she would like to visit New York. Her hobbies include crafting, dance and tumbling. She has no fear and her nickname in class is "Dare Devil Poss". She joined the company because it will make her a better dancer and she likes to dance.
Meet Arielle...
Arielle is a 2nd year company member who attends Montessori. She is a 9 year old 4th grader. She began her dance training at the age of 2 and has studied ballet, tap and jazz. She would like to be a biologist when she grows up. The most amazing place she has visited is Montana. She would love to visit China one day. Her hobbies include art, dance, singing and sports. She joined the ballet company because she loves to dance and she is good at it, AND it makes her happy.
Meet Kinsley...
Kinsley is a 3rd year company member who is homeschooled. She is 9 years old and in the 4th grade. Kinsley began her dance training at the age of 4 and has studied ballet, tap, and acrobatics. When she grows up she would like to be an inventor, ballerina and a soccer player. The most amazing place she has traveled is to St. Thomas, USVI, which just happens to be her home. One day she would love to travel to The Sea Glass Beach in Russian. Her hobbies include soccer and ballet. She joined the company because she loves dancing and performing on stage and loves the dances Ms. Lisa picks.
Meet Leah...
Leah is a 2nd year company member who is homeschooled. She is a 9 year old 4th grader. Leah started dancing at the age of 2 and has studied jazz, ballet, tap and acrobatics. She would like to be a chef when she grows up. The most amazing place she has travel is St. Lucia and Puerto Rico. Some day she would like to visit Alaska. Her hobbies include chess and dance. She joined the ballet company because she has always loved dancing and she loves meeting new people.
Meet Montez....
Montez is an adult company member and this is her 1st year in the company. Montez started her dance training at the age of 20 and she has studied West African dance, Cuban, Haitian, Brazilian, and ballet. She currently studies at YouTube University and her goal is to be debt free. The most amazing places she has visited is Ethiopia and Virgin Gorda, BVI. One of these days she plans to visit Fiji. Her hobbies include guitar, botanical illustrations, dance, and sewing. She joined the ballet company to improve her skills and to help assist the children in the company.
Montez is an adult company member and this is her 1st year in the company. Montez started her dance training at the age of 20 and she has studied West African dance, Cuban, Haitian, Brazilian, and ballet. She currently studies at YouTube University and her goal is to be debt free. The most amazing places she has visited is Ethiopia and Virgin Gorda, BVI. One of these days she plans to visit Fiji. Her hobbies include guitar, botanical illustrations, dance, and sewing. She joined the ballet company to improve her skills and to help assist the children in the company.
Meet Ms. Lisa...
Ms. Lisa is the director and choreographer of the Children's Ballet Theatre of St. Thomas. She started dancing at the age of 14 and has studied ballet, pointe, pas de deux, modern, tap, jazz, hip hop, swing, pilates, zumba, and contemporary dance. She followed her dance dreams and has worked professionally in dance since 1985. The most amazing places she has ever visited is St. Petersburg, Russia. Her goal is to see the Grand Canyon this Spring. Her hobbies include snorkeling, genealogy, history, physical fitness, anatomical research/injury prevention, and looking at the amazing island views. She would like to see the company dancers be an inspiration to the audience and help them grow an appreciation for the art of dance.
Dance Company Information:
Wanted: Ballet dancers, age 7 - adults, to join The Children’s Ballet Theatre of St. Thomas. Both children and adult dancers are needed for this years production. Each year the company performs a ballet theatrical production based on classic Caribbean folklore.
This year’s production is entitled, “The Legend of Tallo Taman Tree”.
Company Mission: Our mission is to provide local children and adult ballet dancers with the opportunity for artistic express through theatrical ballet productions inspired by classic Caribbean folklore. This will be accomplished in a positive, accepting environment that welcomes anyone with a passion for ballet and the drive to perform for a Virgin Islands audience.
Collaboration: We are always looking for visual artist, storytellers, photographers, or theatrical groups that are interested in building a relationship with us to help enrich our community through the arts.
Company Requirements: Dancers, age 7+, with a minimum of 1 year of ballet training. Must currently be enrolled in a ballet class in the community to maintain your technique. There is a place in this group for dancers of all levels and abilities.
Company Member Fee: $100 per dancer. This covers the cost of all rehearsals for the 2020 season.
Audition Requirements: Please email the director a head shot, 1 minute video clip of you dancing, and a short narrative on why you would like to join the performance company. DEADLINE January 10, 2020, Rehearsals begin Friday, January 17 from 6:40-7:55pm. Call/text Ms. Lisa 340-998-2467 or [email protected]
2019 "Anansi and the Guavaberry Tart"
Performance Schedule 2019:
2/23 Saturday: 2:15-3:15pm Youth Get Fit Day at UVI Recreation Center
2/23 Saturday: 7pm Military Ball 2019
3/2 Saturday: Tutu Park Mall, Time: 2-2:30pm
3/5 Tuesday: Girl Scouts Antilles 5:30-6:30pm
3/16 Saturday: Princess Tea and Tart Party, E's Garden Teahouse, 1-2:30pm. Tickets: $TBA
4/2 Tuesday: Girl Scouts Montessori 4:30-5:30pm
4/5 Friday: Friday Art Event in St. John, Bajo del Sol Art Gallery courtyard. 7pm
4/12 Friday: Virgin Islands Children's Museum, members night, 6:30pm
3/5 Tuesday: Girl Scouts Antilles 5:30-6:30pm
3/16 Saturday: Princess Tea and Tart Party, E's Garden Teahouse, 1-2:30pm. Tickets: $TBA
4/2 Tuesday: Girl Scouts Montessori 4:30-5:30pm
4/5 Friday: Friday Art Event in St. John, Bajo del Sol Art Gallery courtyard. 7pm
4/12 Friday: Virgin Islands Children's Museum, members night, 6:30pm
Meet the 2019 Cast of "Anansi and the Guavaberry Tart"
Meet Leah... She plays a "Butterfly" in this year's production.
I am 8 years old and I am homeschooled. I want to be a chef I grow up. I was inspired to dance because my sister went to dance class. My favorite type of dance is ballet and hip hop.
Meet Chloe... She plays a "Butterfly" in this year's production.
I am an 8 year old second grader at V.I. Montessori. I began dancing at the age of 5 and study ballet and hip hop. I love dancing, acting and singing, as well as visual arts.
Meet LaRicya... She plays a "Butterfly" in this year's production.
I am a 9 year old, 4th grade student at Calvary Christian Academy. I've been dancing since I was 4. I'm also a member of: Girl Scouts, Girls on the Go, and Sebastien Majorettes. My favorite colors are: purple, blue, gold, and black. I enjoy eating pizza, chicken and rice, with a nice strawberry fruit smoothie and macaroons for dessert. I fill my free time with art and gymnastics.
Meet Arielle... She plays a "Butterfly" in this year's production.
I am an 8 year old, 3rd grader at V.I. Montesorri. I have been dancing since the age of 2 and study ballet, tap and jazz. My future career goal is to be in the Nutcracker Ballet. My hobbies include gymnastics, dance, singing, modeling and art.
Meet Elowyn Sage... She plays a "Parakeet" in this year's production.
I am almost 8 years old and was born and raised on St.Thomas! I am homeschooled and have enjoyed ballet dancing since I was 5 years old. I love my island life and culture, I love anything to do with the ocean, outdoor barefoot adventures, animals and nature, making things out of cardboard, writing messages, imaginary magical play and my family. I am very excited to be a part of the Anansi cast!
Meet Kinsley... She plays the "Gongolo" in this year's production.
I am 8 years old and in the 3rd grade. I homeschool and love ballet. I’ve been dancing since I was 2 1/2 in the mom and me class. I love island life and dancing with Ms. Lisa.
Meet J'hia-Li... She plays the "Mongoose" in this year's production.
My name is J'hia and I am 11 years old and in the 6th grade. I love to dance to nice music. My favorite kind of dancing is hip hop. I go to Calvary Christian Academy. I am a kind person with a lot of friends. Oranges are my favorite fruit and I like pizza, chicken, and chocolate. I play on a basketball team at my school for JV girls and I'm good on the volleyball team, too. I also like soccer, tennis and swimming. I try my best on getting good grades and I also love board games, card games and racing. My dog's name is Nina and I love her because she cheers me up when I'm sad.
Meet Alianna... She plays the "Iguana" in this year's production.
I am a nine-year-old fourth grader at the New Testament Academy. I was born on Saint Thomas and have lived here all of my life. I live with my mom, dad, grandparents, and a sweet pitbull named Tyke. I am a passionate dancer and hope one day to be able to travel the world and do what I love best...dance. I have been dancing for 2.5 years and really enjoy growing and developing my skill set in ballet, tap, and hip-hop. In my free time I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with my family, and going on adventures with my god-sister.
Meet Angela... She plays the "Chef" in this year's production.
I am 16 years old and I am from St.Thomas. I am currently attending Antilles School as a junior. I began dancing at six years old with the French Academy of Performing Arts(FAPA). I have performed in Cinderella, the Nutcracker and Swan Lake. I have also attended the Joffrey Ballet summer intensive 2018 and performed in the end of summer program modern ballet and contemporary show.
Meet Ms. Lisa... She plays "Anansi" the spider trickster in this year's production.
Hello, my name Ms. Lisa and I am the director of the Children's Ballet Theatre of St. Thomas and I have been dancing since I was 14 years old (1984.) I have studied ballet, pointe, pas de deux, hip hop, tap, modern and several ballroom styles. My hobbies are going to the beach/snorkeling, enjoying nature, genealogy, learning about the culture and history of the island, working out, and traveling. I am the mother of two grown children, a son, age 27 and a daughter, age 26. I love the freedom in my soul that dance provides and I love performing and enlightening the audience with my passion for dance.
Meet the 2018 Cast of The Tale of Cow Foot Lady...
Meet Alianna... She plays a "Child" and "Butterfly" in the production.
Hello, my name is Alianna Rose and I am 8 years old. My favorite hobbies are going to the beach and traveling with my family. I love dancing and started taking hip hop, tap and ballet when I was 7. Dancing is wonderful. I love dancing because it is fun and makes me feel like I can do anything!
Meet Elowyn Sage... She plays a "Child" and "Butterfly" in the production.
Hello, my name is Elowyn Sage and I am 7 years old. I started my ballet training when I was 5 years old. My hobbies include everything about horses, bunnies, arts and crafts and being outside on fairy trails or in the ocean snorkeling and treasure searching. I love dancing because it makes me happy and I feel proud when I see that I learn and progress!!
Meet J'hia Li ... She plays a "Child" in the production.
Hello, my name is J'hia Li and I am 10 years old. I started taking ballet, hip hop and tap when I was 8 years old. My hobbies include volleyball, dress up, TV, baking, and making slime. I am a Black Belt, a true princess warrior. I like to dance because it is fun to learn new dances.
Meet Kinsley... She plays a "Child" in the production.
Hello, my name is Kinsley and I am 7 years old. I love and prefer ballet. I started dancing at age 2.5 in the mommy and me classes and I haven't stopped yet. My hobbies include ballet, playing outside, making friendship bracelets, and helping out at the humane society. "I just like ballet because it's fun and I love it."
Meet Shaiah... She plays a "Mother" in the production.
Meet Marilyn... She plays a "Mother" in the production.
Hello, my name is Marilyn and I started dancing when I was 5 years old and have been dancing for 33 years. When I am not dancing, I am a full time professor of Marine Science at the University of the Virgin Islands. I am married with two children, an infant daughter and a 4 year old son. I have studied ballet, pointe, modern and ballroom dance. I dance because I have never walked away from a dance class feeling unhappy.
Meet Ms. Lisa... She plays the "Cow Foot Lady" in the production.
Hello, my name Ms. Lisa and I am the director of the Children's Ballet Theatre of St. Thomas and I have been dancing since I was 14 years old (1984.) I have studied ballet, pointe, pas de deux, hip hop, tap, modern and several ballroom styles. My hobbies are going to the beach/snorkeling, hiking, working out, and traveling. I am the mother of two grown children, a son, age 26 and a daughter, age 25. I love the freedom in my soul that dance provides and I love performing and enlightening the audience with my passion for dance.
