Through dance, students paid tribute to the careers of music stars such as Missy Elliott, Usher, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber
Núcleo Extremo Dance Center once again demonstrated why it is a pioneer and for urban dance in the Dominican Republic with its end-of-year show “Icons” which exceeded all expectations thanks to a high-level artistic production in which more than a hundred students shone on stage with original choreographies.
With directors Jonathan Castillo and Larybel Olivero leading the production, the students paid tribute through dance to the careers of music stars such as Missy Elliott, Usher, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber.
With an overflowing charge of energy and a stage display that moved many spectators to tears, the event was not only a showcase of the students’ talent, but also of the pedagogical and artistic vision of Núcleo Extremo, the only urban dance academy in the country that has a team of four-time world champion teachers and is home to the renowned international group Da Republik.
Last Sunday, in a packed theater, the atmosphere was charged with emotion, discipline, and passion, reaffirming the academy’s commitment to the artistic and human development of its students.
“I am very moved, happy, and speechless at the considerable efforts made by both the teachers and our children. I am very proud of everyone”, said a mother as she left the event. Another attendee said: “The choreography was spectacular, without a single mistake. Everything was very professional, worthy of an international stage”.
With this show, Núcleo Extremo not only celebrated the end of a training cycle but also opened the door to a new stage where students will continue to develop their talent with excellence and international projection.
A pioneering academy in urban dance in the Dominican Republic
Founded in 2008, Núcleo Extremo has trained more than 2,000 Dominican dancers during its 16 years of existence, implementing the first time a formal academic program in urban dance in the country. The academy’s success cannot be understood without its directors: Jonathan Castillo, an internationally renowned choreographer, winner of the Soberano Award for Dancer of the Year, with more than 11 years of experience in the Dominican National Ballet and many successes on the world stage. At his side, his wife, Larybel Olivero, artistic director and producer, has mentored generations of young people, combining discipline and vision to project Dominican talent onto international stages.
Together with a teaching team made up of Carlos David Mejía (Moro), Adrián Jiménez, Shayr Montero, Raymundo Rodríguez, Naomy Severino, Junior Rodríguez, and María Gabriela Contreras, they have built a unique teaching model in the Dominican Republic, which not only trains dancers, but also dance athletes, leaders, and well-rounded artists.
Núcleo Extremo is also home to Da Republik, internationally recognized as four-time world runner-up in Hip Hop Dance and semifinalist on America’s Got Talent, whose excellence inspires students to dream big and strive for their best.
