IN THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING of the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre’s roof deck, Trevor Pretty – Barbadian choreographer, producer, playwright and wearer of many other hats – launched his Back To Black Foundation aimed at helping teens who want to launch, develop and support their artistic careers internationally.
Pretty is no stranger to the arts. He went to the Alvin Ailey School of Dance where he said he “cried” for the whole four years trying to perfect his craft.
It is that passion that has led him to start a foundation that will develop and help aspiring actors, dancers and singers.
He asked why “the strong academic culture is enforced, but not the artistic?”
Pretty added that it was not good for artistes to be seen only at Christmas singing carols or at Crop Over as back-up dancers.
This foundation, he explained, is a school that will facilitiates dreams without the miles of red tape. He promises that it will be hard work but at the end, excellence will be rewarded.
He also said it will be up to each artiste to “bring it . . . . If you have any little bit of talent, it is your right to invest in your gift.”
He told the young and eager guests not to get discouraged – many will hear “no” but failure doesn’t mean giving up.
“I have heard it so many times . . . but rejection is an opportunity to get better.”
Pretty said the Back to Black programme has a standard and when participants are finished training, each one will have technique and a talent.
To help promote the Back to Black event, Pretty assembled an impressive panel of well known people in the industry – actor and activist Lamman Rucker, model Jose Pena, actor and model Andre King, songwriter and actor Steph Jones, and photographer Bryan Taylor Johnson all told their stories and gave advice to attendees.
Pretty has more to come because he is ready to invest in the creative spirit of his people, and anything artistic that helps the development of a creative spirit has his support. (NSH)
