Bermudian Is Lord Of The Dance In UK

April 5, 2012

A rising star from Bermuda is being hailed as the new Lord of the Dance at Edge Hill University in Lancashire, England.

Malachi Simmons is now realising his dreams of becoming a top performer after being given a bursary from the National Dance Foundation of Bermuda to study in the UK.

A profile of Mr. Simmons [pictured] posted at the university’s website says his scholarship was in recognition of his talent and for being a “shining example of how dance instils confidence, discipline and commitment’.”

Mr. Simmons is well known in Bermuda for his acting and dancing ability, as well as starting a hip-hop dance troupe.

Since arriving at the Ormskirk campus the 19-year-old is already making a positive contribution in his new local community by setting up a street dance group and is making the most of the exciting opportunities available through the University’s Performing Arts Department.

Malachi Simmons dance concept video

Mr. Simmons, who is in his first year on the BA (Hons) degree in Dance, said: “When I first came to Edge Hill I was doing Dance and Drama but after a few weeks I realised I loved the dance element more and a lecturer said that I was a great dancer so I decided to switch to just Dance instead; and it has been brilliant.

“I’d not done ballet or contemporary dance in Bermuda before but I really enjoy all aspects, especially hip hop and street dance. I’ve even set up a group with three other students and we’ve been touring the region. Already they are like my Edge Hill University family because we all share the same drive and passion.

“I get so much support from the tutors, they are brilliant. Students have so many new opportunities to perform; only recently we were given the funding to tour in London, which was a fantastic experience.”

Before moving to the UK, Malachi trained with United Dance Productions in Bermuda. He taught hip hop at the school for a year before coming to Edge Hill University.

He said: “Moving to the UK has been a great move for me and when I came to Edge Hill I felt at home straight away because it is such a friendly environment and reminds me of Bermuda because it is also a close-knit community. It has helped me to focus on my talents and has totally changed my career aspirations.

“It’s been such an amazing and inspiring experience so far and I’ve been able to see other people’s work which has given me a real flavour of the variety of opportunities out there. I know that my future lies in dance.”

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Comments (12)

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Articles that link to this one:

  1. Bermuda Arts Council Scholarship Recipients | Bernews.com | July 25, 2013
  1. An acquaintance says:

    Well done dude, that’s some crazy stuff you’re doing.
    Proud of you, man.
    Keep it up

  2. St. David's says:

    That is absolutely beautiful to read. Good luck Malachi and know that Bermuda is cheering you on!

  3. Fed Up Bermudian says:

    I’ve been acquainted with Malachi since he was eight years old, and he’s grown up to be an exceptional young man. I am so proud of him. Keep up the work, you are just beautiful to watch!

  4. Kam says:

    Malachi,
    Well done, keep up the great work!!!

    To Bernews, are there any more videos of Malachi performing?

  5. Welldone says:

    Welldone.. Good to see and read positive posts.. Keep it up !!!

  6. Prayerful says:

    Not one negative or political comment.

    Great job Malachi, keep up the good work and make your family and Bermuda proud

  7. Kim Smith says:

    Well done Malachi. You are clearly a talented individual and it is matched by your attitude. No doubt you are a star!

  8. BTW says:

    Well done Malachi! I wish you all the best in your studies and your performing. God bless you!

  9. Malachi Simmons says:

    Thanks everyone for all the positive comments! They really mean so much.

    Just for clarity sake. There are many other scholarship committees which are not mentioned in the article for some reason such as:
    Peter Leitner Scholarship, BMDS, G&S and The Bermuda Shakespeare Festival.
    Also thanks to Trust for all the Arts, The Performing Arts Centre Project and Chewstick.