A performance fit for the most prestigious stages was delivered when one of the island’s finest dancers gave a free exhibition of his skills on the steps of City Hall on Saturday.

Ravi Cannonier-Watson will join The Royal Ballet as a professional dancer next month, having been a student at the Royal Ballet School in London since the age of 11.

The 19-year-old flew out to the British capital on Saturday night to start the next chapter of an increasingly promising career.

Before leaving his island home, Mr Cannonier-Watson gave a demonstration of the power of dance.

The performance was his personal thank-you to a community that has helped him achieve a dream held since childhood.

Mr Cannonier-Watson was accompanied by fellow Royal Ballet School graduate Katie Robertson, from Bristol in England, who was also signed up by The Royal Ballet company.

The duo showcased jetés, bourrées, and arabesques in a performance of physicality, strength, energy and grace.

Shelley Lightbourne, a young mother, was drawn to the spectacle as she walked past City Hall.

“I don’t know what they’re doing or how they do it, but it’s just so beautiful to watch,” she said.

Julia Kempe, of the Bermuda Dance Foundation, was also a fan.

She said: “Not only is Ravi one of our boys, he’s our Bermudian kid who’s done so well.

“He’s actually an absolutely phenomenal, world-class dancer and he’s proved himself by going all the way through the school and now being offered to come into the Royal Ballet company.

“It’s a huge honour, hugely prestigious and we’re just so proud of him.

“Being in the arts is not an easy thing and it’s always been less appreciated than other disciplines. But when you actually go and see dance, you’re mesmerised and blown away by it.

“Ravi can help promote that for Bermuda and the world. He’s a shining example.”

Keishunda Curtis, an administrator, saw the performance as “a representation of a bigger message”.

She said: “It was like God was running through him unfettered. It’s the most beautiful thing. I feel so moved.

“I’m proud that we have people in our country that are showing us a different perspective, a new way to live life, a way to follow our dreams.”

After his performance, Mr Cannonier-Watson told The Royal Gazette that his success was achieved through a support network of family and friends.

He said: “I can’t accept this on my own. I’m immensely proud of myself and the things I’ve gone through and achieved but it’s a group effort and I’m just the product of that effort.

“It’s a Bermuda effort.”

The dancer lamented what he saw as a decline in the performing arts on the island.

“I want to change that, because the arts are always a good investment. They set you free,” he said.

Although he will now be based in London, he pledged to return to Bermuda with fellow professional dancers to inspire a new generation.

He said: “It’s about expressing yourself.

“Why would you want to stop people expressing themselves – especially at a time in Bermuda when people are going through so much strife?

“It’s so important that we all keep expressing ourselves rather than keep locking things up. The arts shouldn’t be seen as luxury items, they’re invaluable to our society.”

One member of the audience summed up: “You don’t have to understand ballet to be able to feel and experience the beauty of it. And beauty is priceless.”