Klassique Academy of Dance and Performing Arts Anguilla (KADPAA)
Klassique Academy of Dance and Performing Arts Anguilla (KADPAA) is a non-profit organisation catering to persons ages three years to adulthood. KADPAA began operations in 2007 with six members under the stewardship of its cofounders Girdon Connor (Managing Director) and then Artistic Director Valencia Prentice.
At KADPAA, a wide range of dance styles are taught including but not limited to hip hop, ballet, jazz, tap, gymnastics, afro-Caribbean and soca. In addition to smaller events, KADPAA tries to execute at least two major productions annually; namely, a students’ recital and MOVE, which is a regional dance show now in its fifth year. Recognising the unique opportunity that the tourism industry affords through its demand for a wide range of entertainment offerings, KADPAA has been approached and have offered dance services by performing at various restaurants, hotels and villas across the island while at the same time allowing students the opportunity to showcase their talents as they network and market Anguilla in a positive way while at the same time building character.
When asked about the best advice he ever received Girdon stated “One of my business partners said you don’t have to be the best or directly involved in something to effectively run a business.” He continued, “every time I meet someone from overseas – they want to know how I am running this big dance school and I don’t dance. I smile because I know it is just a matter of making the right decisions.”
He smiled as he described giving back as the biggest benefit of running the Academy. “We are excited to give members the opportunity to perform and escape the negativity. That has always been our focus,” he said.
This business is also proud of its tangible contribution to Anguilla’s socio- economic development albeit small. They employ instructors, rent space, entertain guests who come to the island and help with marketing the island through the groups they bring in to perform and through their overseas performances in St. Kitts, St. Maarten, St.Barths, Virgin Gorda and Guyana among others and most importantly, train young people to be model citizens of society while promoting the arts.
A major challenge identified by Girdon is a lack of suited for purpose facilities and studio space to do the things they want to do at the Academy. Setting up a venue for a performance costs thousands of dollars. Girdon said “we want to do more but we are limited. We are hoping that the size of our school and other schools will drive Government or a private stakeholder to see the value of the whole spectrum of arts to the island and put in place measures and facilities to support its advancement.”
Girdon’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is “you have to believe in your product, take the risk and be willing to make the investment in the product. Rise above setbacks and obstacles. If you don’t do that you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to allow the business to prosper. It is not only about the profits, it is about what you put in and hopefully after a number of years you will begin to see the returns.”
As for distinguishing KADPAA from competitors he said “the market is big enough for all of us. They have their style and we have our style. We try to stay focus on our strategies and what we are trying to achieve. We offer a range of styles and seek to diversify what we do as much as possible. We try to give anyone the opportunity to be a part of our family.”
Girdon stated, “The response from the public has been surprisingly amazing. Dance wasn’t taken seriously before. The academy keeps growing and almost all of our events are well attended. It indicates that we are filling a need in the community.”
Looking to the future he shared, “We want to keep growing and giving back which includes owning our own studio and giving students a way out with dance scholarships and financial assistance.”
To the General Public:
‘Klassique is a progressive organisation. Participants in carnival and other shows regularly come from our Academy and do amazing things not seen before. We put on the types of performances not previously seen on Anguilla. We want parents to know how grateful we are for your time and support. Our sponsors whether you are giving hundreds or thousands of dollars, gifts in kind or simply the bare minimum, thank you for believing in us and continuing to contribute to what we are doing. To the public, thank you for supporting all of our events. Please continue to support and be part of this progressive movement because we will continue to develop, showcase and give back the best from our programme to the Community.”
