Baby Ice ready to blaze trail across Europe

Multitalented entertainer Baby Ice is preparing to take dancehall across borders with his first European tour, Legacy Lives On, which kicks off October 14 in Slovakia. Running through to December, the tour will not only showcase his artistry, but also honour the late Black Roses Crew dancer, Ice, from whom he adopted his stage name.

The tour promises an immersive experience, featuring workshops, a structured set of songs and moves, along with a video presentation, including exclusive interviews and Ice's only known biography--compiled through family accounts and Baby Ice's own research.

"It a guh be a memorable experience," he told THE STAR.

Though excited about exploring European landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Baby Ice admitted he feels some nerves ahead of the journey.

"Mi a fret," he laughed. "Not about the turnout, but a lot a dancers who paved the way for us got bookings or help from promoters. Mi a duh dis ting pon mi own. Suh mi a think 'bout dem 26-hour bus ride deh, and it's in a country weh mi nuh speak dem language. So I'm bracing for the challenges and di experiences, not just for the students, but for me as well, because it's a cultural exchange."

Born Stephan Ledgister, the Waterhouse, St Andrew native said the Legacy Lives On tour is designed to deliver a culturally rich exploration of dancehall, tracing the lineage of popular moves, while paying homage to the man who inspired his name.

After delving into the life of the 'Gully Creepa' creator, Baby Ice felt compelled to use his first official international outing to give him his long overdue recognition.

"He might not be on the same level as [the late dancer] Bogle, but Ice took it on a different level, and incorporated different genres. Him mek di dance moves look more fluent like pop and tap, and mek the dance have a total different look," he explained.

Baby Ice began dancing professionally in 2009, having been inspired by his older brother. He has since been guided by manager Cornelius Grant of Good Vybz Entertainment. Over the years, he has grown into a versatile entertainer, credited with signature moves like ''Walla Balla', 'Finish Him', and 'Simple As Yu Seet'. His ambition extends beyond choreography; he wants to remind the world of dancehall's cultural roots.

"A just dis trap-dancehall thing now is the focus, both in the music and in dancing as well. So going overseas and doing this cultural exchange, yuh can show persons where yuh culture is coming from to where it is now, and they'll appreciate the culture more," he said.

The Jamaica College graduate believes the tour will help cement his place on the international stage, while spreading his positive energy.

"I realise the level of joy that entertainment brings and that's why I really love [it]; to get the emotions and happiness outta people, and dat a weh mi a look forward to. I just want to make that positive impact and stamp mi name in the world, [because] this is literally a dream come true," the entertainer said.