Full name: Clifford Alexander Bernard Henry
St. Maarten nickname: Elastico Henry
Age: 30
City and country of residence today: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
What St. Maarten district are you from?
Philipsburg – Down Street, they would say.
Where on St. Maarten did you go to school?
I attended Oranje Primary School and Milton Peters College
Describe yourself in five words.
Loving / Kind / Funny / Strong / Powerful.
What are your favourite St. Maarten memories?
Waking up that Saturday morning for my first ballet dance class with Teacher Clara and trying hard to follow her every move, then rushing to change for Teacher Rudy’s African class and pushing myself to get each and every move exactly like him; then sneaking into Teacher Arlene’s class and trying to copy everything she was teaching the company dancers. I imagined the dance school as my home – a place where I could always be myself.
How long have you been gone?
I’ve been gone for approximately two weeks and I still have ahead of me a long journey, which is going to be very exciting.
Tell us about studying abroad.
I am studying at Amsterdam Hogeschool voor de Kunsten where I am learning to better my technical dance skills, technique and teaching skills, and working towards becoming one of the best choreographers in the world.
Tell us about your short- and long-term aspirations.
My aspirations are to succeed in what I believe in; work and strive hard towards my goals and dreams; learn a lot so I can contribute towards my future; gain knowledge from every teacher so I can be successful at what I love to do.
What are three of the most important lessons you have learned?
(1) To work hard and never give up; (2) Pursue your dreams; (3) Don't let the best of anyone get to you.
Where do you see your life in 10 years?
I see myself 10 years from now running my own dance school; doing what I love to do, which is teaching dance; and giving as much information as possible; giving back to my society and the community; making a new change in the dance rules and regulations by allowing any student of any race to dance and feel welcome; and ensuring as much respect towards teachers and students.
What would you say to people who are nervous about the idea of leaving?
It’s okay to be nervous as it's a big step; sooner or later you will understand, but once you get out there, go and do what you were meant to do. Work on becoming that doctor, teacher, lawyer, judge, physical therapist, scientist or whatever. If you stumble or fall, dust yourself off and get right back up again, and work even harder and don't stop until you've succeeded. Always keep your head up and believe that you can do it and you will get through it.
What do you do when you are not studying or working?
I am reading dance books or books out the body, listening to music, and stretching.
Any advice for young people hoping to follow in your footsteps?
Just stay focused and never give up on what you believe in. Don't let anyone get the best of you. Always have a positive mind and remember what you want to do.
Tell us about three experiences abroad that have made a lasting impression and for what reason.
(1) The Washington, D.C., trip: Dashuan, Celina and I, with the Generation New Status group, were selected to go and represent St. Maarten along with Miss Nicole De Weever, who is the founder of Art Saves Lives, where the dancers learned choreography from stepping and cheering and the Generation New Status drummers learned the different beats which they had to display with our choreography which we later presented to the University.
(2) The trip to Seattle where I was sent to improve my teaching and learning skills so I could gain and learn the different ways and steps to teach infants, toddlers, juniors, teens and adults.
(3) The trip to Jamaica where we attended a dance intense programme which lasted one month. We had various dance teachers from all over the globe passing on information to us. We also attended various performances by the different companies and we came across some famous artists and visited Bob Marley’s neighbourhood and the place where he was.
The reason is so that I could get as much information as possible and gain all the knowledge I would be needing later on.
In a movie about the story of your life, who should portray you?
Zack Phipps of St. Maarten Academy.
Want to nominate someone for the Check-Me-Out? Send their name and contact info along with why they should be featured to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
