The arts will take center stage this weekend as Artistic Fusion presents a Performing Arts Showcase. The event will be held Sunday at the Island Center for the Performing Arts on St. Croix, bringing together a dynamic collaboration of Exquisite Performing Arts Ensemble, Maestro Productions, and Movement 340.
Organizers Essi Gaston-Edwards who is a dance educator and founder of Exquisite Performing Arts and musician, service member, and educator Kevre Hendricks spoke with the Source about the event’s evolution. Gaston-Edwards shared that the showcase initially started as a dance-focused event in 2017. The showcase was put on hold after successfully hosting two years of performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now returning in an expanded format, the event will highlight not just dance, but all aspects of the performing arts.
“We noticed a need for more activities supporting the performing arts and the various clubs and organizations involved,” said Gaston-Edwards. “Everybody is in need of something when it comes to the arts.”
She was also inspired by an initiative Hendricks launched during the 72nd Crucian Christmas Festival Village when he raised funds to support the island’s music programs.
“With the spring semester underway, there aren’t many opportunities for students to perform,” Gaston-Edwards explained. “This showcase gives them something to prepare for after the festival season. It’s also a way to celebrate music, art, and the performing arts during the month of March, alongside V.I. History Month,” she said.
Hendricks emphasized the significance of the arts as an essential outlet for students, noting that they often do not get the opportunity to explore their full creative potential.
“A lot of times, schools focus on core subjects, but the arts develop critical thinking skills that enhance learning across all subjects,” he said. “Reinforcing initiatives like this is essential in reestablishing arts education standards across the territory, whether in dance or music. Giving students something to aspire to helps them build a future in the arts.”
As both an educator and a music producer, Hendricks also highlighted the importance of shifting the perception of the arts as merely a hobby.
“Many parents and professionals don’t see the arts as a viable source of income, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A skilled artist can generate multiple streams of income once they master their craft,” he said.
Among the participants in the showcase is the newly formed SLT Legacy Majorettes, led by directors Khalifa Antoine and Sharifa Armstrong. This will mark their first official performance as SLT Legacy Majorettes.
“This is more than just a debut — it’s the continuation of a dream, a tradition, and a powerful legacy,” said Antoine. “When our mother, Takiyah Antoine, founded the Sparkle Lite Twirlers in 2003, she created more than just a majorette group; she built a community where young people could grow in confidence, character, and sisterhood. For 11 years, she uplifted countless young women, leaving a lasting impact. Now, as her daughters, we proudly carry that torch forward, ensuring that her vision continues for future generations.”
She further explained that while their roots began as Sparkle Lite Twirlers, they have since evolved into SLT — Strength in Light and Tenacity Majorettes. “This transition represents more than a name change; it’s a renewed mission to instill resilience, passion, and purpose in every young person who joins us,” Antoine added. “SLT Legacy is more than a majorette group; we are a united force fueled by precision, perseverance, and the unwavering support of our community.”
The showcase will also feature performances by the UVI Dance Program, Pearl B. Larsen School, St. Croix Central High School Golden Voices, Claude O. Markoe Elementary School, Free Will Baptist School, and the St. Croix Educational Complex High School Choir, Band, and Dance Ensemble. The showcase will be hosted by Emcee Nay and will include special guest performances by Bugz Bugs and Blackest.
Tickets are priced at $10 before the event, with a slight increase at the gate. Gaston-Edwards stated that proceeds from ticket sales will support their annual initiative, which aims to assist a local club, organization, or school. This year, funds will benefit the St. Croix Educational Complex Dance Ensemble as they prepare for their upcoming dance tour in California. Any remaining funds will be used to create more opportunities for students interested in the arts.
“We want to support them in any way that we can,” Gaston-Edwards affirmed.
The event promises to be a night of creativity, talent, and community support, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in the Virgin Islands.
