From Pirouettes to Progress: Celebrating 16 Years of Unique Arts’ Dance Legacy

What started off with pointed toes and pounding hearts in the early days of their journey to create a dance school has now grown into one of Guyana’s top-tier dance institutions.
The Unique Arts Dance School, once a humble collective of passionate dancers, has transformed into a vibrant movement that spans continents and generations—captivating audiences with every beat and body roll.
Whether it’s the elegance of a classical ballet pirouette or the raw power of Afro-inspired stomps, Unique Arts has never been afraid to push boundaries.
This fearless artistic spirit is largely due to the visionary leadership of Kelton Jennings—Founder and Director of the dance school—which has become a beacon of creativity and cultural pride, with a legacy built to last for generations.

Speaking to this publication in a recent telephone interview, Jennings highlighted how the dance school has grown over the years into a nationally recognised and respected institution.
“What we’re able to do today—the opportunities, the impact—it’s miles away from where we started. Our story has reached far beyond Guyana’s borders. Unique Arts Dance School has represented Guyanese culture with pride in Suriname, Jamaica, and the United States (US), with aspirations to bring its artistry to even more international stages in the near future.”
According to Jennings, the group has undertaken everything from community outreach and school programmes to cultural showcases, Mashramani celebrations, and charity performances—bringing the spirit of dance into schools, auditoriums, and hearts across Guyana.
He also added that the dance school has served as a compass for many individuals, guiding them toward success and self-discovery.
“Under this direction, we’ve nurtured and mentored countless children. Dance became our transformative tool—instilling discipline, creativity and pride in identity. Our footprints stretch beyond Guyana’s borders.”
As Unique Arts Dance School marks another milestone, the celebration is more than just a look back—it’s a full-bodied, high-energy tribute to impact and a call for the community to move, connect and dance in joy.
To mark the occasion, Unique Arts is launching a cultural celebration like no other—a true “mixtural cultural bubbling pot” at Queen’s College. The event promises to blend traditions, sounds and movements into one electrifying Caribbean fusion.
Speaking excitedly about the initiative, Jennings who is also a teacher at Queen’s College, shared that one of the most powerful aspects of the celebration is the launch of a workshop at Queen’s College for both current students and recent graduates. “Well, I’m a teacher at Queen’s College currently and we have a programme happening where we are hosting a workshop for students who just left school and those currently enrolled. We’re teaching them folk dances from Jamaica.”
He mentioned that Jamaican nationals are currently in Guyana to help facilitate the workshop. “We’re teaching them traditional Jamaican folk dances—which is why we’ve brought Jamaican nationals here to Guyana. The workshop starts next week.”
But this is about more than choreography—it’s about cultural connection and shared experiences. “The results of the workshop will be featured in a production showcasing the students. It’s a true Caribbean cultural exchange. The students will learn Jamaican culture, and we will teach them ours. That’s how we grow—by learning from each other.”
He emphasised that this anniversary is not just about marking time—it’s about celebrating transformation.
“Our anniversary is not just about years for us. It’s about lives we’ve changed, barriers we’ve broken, and a legacy built on love, resilience and rhythm. We’ve faced challenges—but together, we conquered them all. To every dancer who has passed through our studio doors, every parent who trusted us, every supporter who clapped in the audience—you are part of this movement. And we thank you.”
Jennings went on to describe how Unique Arts has played a central role in promoting regional cultural exchange. It began with the school sending 30 young people from Guyana to Jamaica to work in the entertainment industry. Some stayed in Jamaica for up to two years, and a few are still there. Others returned to Guyana, bringing back valuable experience and renewed inspiration.
He later expanded these efforts by building relationships in Trinidad, where he connected with local talent and brought some Trinidadians to work in Jamaica as well. Some of them stayed, while others returned home—each contributing to a growing network of regional cultural exchange.