Inside The Studio with Courtney Celeste Fox: Lyford Cay International School

We spoke with Courtney Celeste Fox, Dance Department Chair and Director at Lyford Cay International School, to learn more about the school’s approach to education, dance training and the performing arts.

Founded in 1962, Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) is a fully accredited international school located in western New Providence. It is the only school in The Bahamas to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes from the earliest years through to Grade 12. 

Known for its strong academic programmes and outstanding facilities, LCIS provides a supportive learning environment. Graduates go on to attend leading colleges and universities around the world.

The school’s purpose-built campuses offer valuable opportunities for both students and the wider community. As part of its ongoing investment in the arts, LCIS opened a new performing arts centre, featuring a studio equipped with a Harlequin Flexity sprung floor topped with a Harlequin Cascade performance surface and Harlequin ballet barres.

What performing arts and dance opportunities are available to students at Lyford Cay International School?

LCIS boasts a vibrant and growing arts programme that includes music, acting and dance. The music department has been a cornerstone of the school for years, featuring a full student band composed of musicians across various age groups. Each year, LCIS stages annual musicals that provide students with meaningful opportunities to showcase and develop their artistic talents. 

We also have a new Bahamian Junkanoo Shack, a dedicated space within our arts centre that celebrates the heart of Bahamian culture. It has become a cornerstone of our students’ identity, bringing the community together.

How did dance become a popular part of the curriculum?

Dance became part of the programme after I moved from New York City, where I had the privilege of dancing with Alvin Ailey. Upon arriving at LCIS, I launched an after-school dance programme that quickly saw remarkable growth in student participation.

As the arts programme expanded, it became clear that our students needed a facility that matched their talent, dedication and passion. Today, our new state-of-the-art performing arts building features music classrooms, recording studios, practice rooms, choir spaces, and, thanks to Harlequin, a brand-new dance studio outfitted with sprung and vinyl floors as well as Harlequin ballet barres. This space truly supports and elevates the creativity and commitment of our student artists.

When did the new performing arts centre officially open, and how has it been received by students?

We had an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of October, held at the school’s Lower Campus. Before this, we already started welcoming dancers ranging in age from 2 to 14 into the space! Our older students even bussed down daily from the high school campus to take advantage of the new studios. It’s such a blessing to see their joy and pride. One student captured it best when they said, “I feel like a professional in here.” That was exactly the feeling we always hoped to create.

Why was it important for the new studio to be fitted with a Harlequin sprung and vinyl dance floor?

For as long as I’ve known about dance floors, I’ve known that Harlequin was the gold standard. The quality, the craftsmanship, and the longevity of their floors are unmatched. When it was time to design our new studio, I knew I wanted to invest in something that would last, a space that would set the tone for excellence and truly support the dancers who fill it.

I’ll never forget Harlequin’s generosity during COVID-19. When dancers around the world were stuck at home, they launched an initiative to send out pieces of vinyl so we could continue training safely. I remember the day it arrived at my door. That single piece of flooring meant the world, it gave me a sense of hope and reminded me that even in isolation, we were still connected through dance. That gesture stayed with me, and it’s one of the many reasons I’m so proud to now have Harlequin floors in our new studio.

From your perspective as a professional dancer, why is correct flooring specification so vital for both teaching and student development?

I once had a wonderful conversation with a dear friend of mine, Jon Taylor, who is currently the head of the wardrobe department at Alvin Ailey. When I asked him about his work, he said something that has always stayed with me. He said he was so detailed about his work because he didn’t want us as performers to be distracted or uncomfortable in any way while we were dancing. He paid close attention to every strap, bead and piece of fabric because he never wanted anything to distract the dancer from the greater art form. I think of the studio and its floor in exactly the same way he approached his work.

A good floor allows a dancer to focus solely on their training and artistry, not worrying about slipping because the surface is too slick, or holding back on a jump for fear of landing too hard. A good floor removes those physical hesitations. It gives you freedom. It gives you safety. It gives you confidence to go all in, to move fully, boldly and with intention. And perhaps most importantly, a good floor protects the dancer’s body for the long run, so they can continue doing what they love for years to come.

What does it mean to you personally to now have Harlequin floors at Lyford Cay International School?

To have Harlequin-quality barres and floors right here in The Bahamas is truly remarkable. It’s something so special, almost surreal, to see. I remember walking into the studio during the construction phase and spotting that roll of vinyl flooring for the first time. That moment made everything feel real. It was more than just a delivery, it was a dream coming to life. 

This studio is a blessing, not just for our school, but as part of the beautiful and growing arts scene in The Bahamas. It represents a new standard, a new level of care and excellence for our young dancers. And we’re just getting started.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes and ambitions for the future of dance in The Bahamas?

I want dance to continue to pour in and dance to continue being shared out! I want to see the international dance world come to our beautiful Bahamland and share their gifts in a world class theatre. I want to see our culture, our Junkanoo, our pride, our Bahamian dancers shining all over the world.

Image credits: Blair J Meadows and Lyford Cay International School