Interview with Courtney Celeste Spears
Ahead of the premiere of her exciting, new choreographic work and performance at Iconique, Bahamas, 2025, we interviewed Emmy nominee, Courtney Celeste Spears. From performing for two sitting US Presidents to what inspires her, this interview is a must read.
Courtney Celeste Spears, of Bahamian descent, is a professional dancer and dance educator with the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and has performed in over 15 countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and The Netherlands.
Courtney has performed for two sitting US presidents, for President Barack Obama at the G7 summit in Germany in 2015 and for President Joe Biden & First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the 2023 Governors Association at The White House.
Her work has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, The New York Times, Shondaland, and Vanity Fair and she was a leading figure in The Black Iris Project's "A Mother's Rite" choreographed by artistic director Jeremy McQueen, which was nominated for a New York Emmy.
Ahead of our second Iconique Gala taking place in Nassau, Bahamas, we caught up with award winning, Courtney to discover more about the new and exciting piece she is creating to première on 7 & 8 March 2025.
She shares what impact working with Jazz composer Giveton Gelin has had upon her choreography, to what inspires her most about returning to the stage to dance. We cannot wait to watch Courtney’s Dicky Buckle funded creation in March.
Photo credit: NYC Dance Project
Please tell us what new work you have been creating for Covent Garden Dance Company.
This new work highlights my love of modern dance with jazz music. The full story line is being developed now, but its a solo followed by a duet. It’s set to an original score by Giveton Gelin, Bahamian jazz artist and composer. With costumes designed by Bahamian designer Phylicia Ellis and danced with Bahamian dancer Vernal Adderley.
How did the piece came about?
I was first introduced to Covent Garden Dance, Director, Matt Brady, via word of mouth on the island. In his incredible work with dance, people suggested he connect with me! What’s funny is that Matt thought that when he was coming to meet a “ballet teacher, who’s retired from Alvin Ailey, and lived in New York City for over a decade,” and he was coming to meet an older lady whose dance career was way behind them. As he described it, “in walks, this young beautiful lady,” who he immediately asks “why aren’t you performing?!” I laughed and told him I’d left the stage and was absolutely content in my role as an educator. Well, if you know Matt, you know that his kind spirit and bubbly personality is persuasive and by the end, I was convinced.
What inspired you to create this piece?
I wanted to highlight Bahamian creatives in a way that allows us to show our connection to spirit and soul. This piece was heavily inspired by the music created by Giveton Gelin and I wanted to allow myself the freedom to be inspired by the art around me and go from there.
What has been your favourite moment whilst preparing this piece?
Honestly, rehearsing with Vernal has been such a treat. It’s been so priceless to be in the studio again getting to work. Vernal is an exceptional dancer and an even more exceptional partner! He’s so strong, so caring, and so attentive. Moving like this again has been a gift.
What are you looking forward to most about performing this piece in March 2025?
I’m excited to dance with all that I’ve gained over the last year. I left Alvin Ailey about a year and a half ago and have evolved so much since then. I feel like a different person, having gained so much in my time as a full-time educator. I always believed that who you are as a person and your life experiences directly impact the artist you are on stage. I’m excited to return as who I am now at this season of life.
When you’re dancing this piece how does it make you feel?
Full. Empowered. blessed.
Please tell us about the piece of music you are using.
Giveton Gelin and I came together and I described some imagery to get him started. This piece of music is a beautiful blend of his love of jazz with my understanding of modern dance. It’s absolutely sensational!
How important are charities like the Dicky Buckle Fund for the future of dance?
Funds like these support artists and allow us to do what we love… Create. It’s imperative to the forward momentum of our industry. Their importance of the Dicky Buckle Fund can’t be put into words!
Where will you be taking this piece next?
Hopefully around the world!
You will be performing alongside some wonderful artists from all around the world this year, who are you most looking forward to watching perform?
All of them! Live art is truly life changing and especially to have that here in the Bahamas. It’s so inspiring to watch.
What do you like most about performing in ballet galas such as Iconique?
It allows for so much diversity in what you’re seeing! Going to the theatre to see one ballet company is truly spectacular, but when you get to see multiple dancers from different backgrounds in one setting, it’s a different experience. And it has the ability to bring dance to places that may not always have access!
Can you share three things people don’t know about you?
I love school and academics. I went to Harvard Business School’s “Crossover Into Business” Programme for professional athletes and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fordham University with a degree in Dance & Communications.
I’ve performed for two sitting US presidents, President Barack Obama & President Joe Biden, and had the pleasure of meeting President Joe Biden in the Oval Office after performing at The White House.
I recently got engaged! My fiancé is incredible and he is the most supportive of my dreams. We’re getting married in 2025.
Interview with Beatrice & Max
Ahead of an exciting international tour, we caught up with Birmingham Royal Ballet partners and Principals Beatrice Parma and Max Maslen.
Ahead of an exciting international tour and fresh from her promotion to Principal in March, we caught up with Birmingham Royal Ballet partners, Beatrice Parma and Principal, Max Maslen.
Beatrice & Max dancing Hobson’s Choice by David Bintley.
Photo credit: Bill Cooper.
Italian born, Beatrice Parma is a Principal dancer with Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB). Originally from Livorno, Italy, she trained at Accadamia Teatro alla Scala and English National Ballet School. Upon graduating, Beatrice worked for three years in Turkey in a company in Mersin, before joining the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
Her partner in life and on the stage, Max Maslen, Principal of BRB, was born in Bradford where he trained locally until the age of 16, before moving to London to train full time at Central School of Ballet.
Can you tell us three things people don’t know about you?
“I am a hobbyist DJ, I play guitar in a band and I can’t sing!”
Max“I’m the happiest by the sea, I love watching Formula 1, I can’t go to bed without fluffing the sofa’s cushions.”
Beatrice
What has been your favourite role that you have danced?
“Juliet is without a doubt my favourite role that I’ve performed so far. I love how in MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet the choreography meets the music perfectly. Performing this role is always so special as you can bring so much individuality to it.”
Beatrice
“My favourite role I have performed would have to be Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. The sword fighting, the drama and fun make each show unique!”
Max
What role would you most like to dance that you are yet to debut?
“A dream role of mine has always been Marguerite in the Lady of the Camellias by John Neumeier. I remember watching it at the Teatro alla Scala when I was younger and completely falling in love with the role. The choreography is absolutely stunning and I would love the challenge of performing such a complex and dramatic role.”
Beatrice“The role I would love to perform is Sergeant Francis Troy in David Bintley’s Far from the Madding Crowd. Some of the pas de deux are extremely challenging and I’d love to have a chance to dig deep into the character.”
Max
What has been the highlight of your year with BRB?
Carlos Acosta promoting Beatrice to Principal
Photo credit: Birmingham Royal Ballet
“My highlight of the season has to be watching my girlfriend get promoted to Principal dancer on stage after her performance of Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. It’s a special moment for anyone and even more so knowing all the hard work and dedication that she put in.”
Max“Getting promoted to principal was not only the most special moment of this season with BRB, but of my career. Carlos walking on stage and announcing the promotion after my Aurora show is a moment I will forever cherish. I never expected to get to the top so I’m so grateful and honoured to start next season as a Principal dancer of the company.”
Beatrice
What are you looking forward to most about dancing at Hatch House with the Covent Garden Dance Company this year?
“Galas are always a great opportunity to meet new people and dancers. I’m looking forward to dancing in such a beautiful location and get inspired by all the other dancers performing there.”
Beatrice“I’m looking forward to being able to meet other artists from around the world and to try and learn and take inspiration from them.”
Max
Beatrice Parma - Nutcracker
Photo credit: Bill Cooper
What will you be dancing?
“We will be performing Sir Frederick Ashton’s wedding pas de deux from La Fille Mal Gardée and another Ashton iconic pas de deux - Rhapsody.”
Beatrice
What inspired you to dance these pieces?
“We chose these pieces as we’ve performed them before, got to grips with the way they move and flow, and now can push them to go further.”
Max“We are about to perform La Fille Mal Gardée with BRB next season so we thought it would also be a nice addition to the evening as it’s just a beautiful pas de deux.”
Beatrice
When you’re dancing these pieces together how does it make you feel?
“Being together in life, it’s always nice to share moments not only off stages, but on as well. It adds onto memories we’ve built together.”
Beatrice“We’ve always enjoyed performing together! it’s usually only outside of the company that we get to choose what repertoire we dance together as well!”
Max
Beatrice in Juliano Nunes’ Interlinked
Photo credit: Tristan Kenton
You will be performing alongside some wonderful artists from all around the world this year, who are you most looking forward to watching perform?
“I’m excited to watch everyone perform, there’s always things you can learn from different dancers and get inspired in a different ways”
Beatrice“I wouldn’t want to say individually who I’m looking forward to see perform, but more the collective and how each artist will bring something completely different to the evenings.”
Max
What do you like most about performing for events such as this?
“I’d say the most special thing about Galas like this one, is how dancers from all over the world come together for a few days sharing what we love.”
Beatrice