Picture of the Week: National Institute of Arts Calendar Special Series “Dance“ – Mila Grandtner
The SHTA Events Calendar not just highlights St. Maarten / St. Martin events, but is designed as an instrument to promote local culture and creativity in the process. No surprise that as partner for its celebratory 10th (2026) edition, the National Institute of Arts was selected, as the institute serves as a“cultural motor” for the island. Apart from “Cultural Icon’ status, a first as previously only individual artists were selected, the many disciplines were highlighted in individual photo sessions on Fort Amsterdam. The choice for arrangement, as well as the photos, were done by the Institute itself in collaboration with Digital Island. A story worth highlighting, which we do in a series of six “Photo of the Week” blogs to honor their great work.
As is the case with Shiloh Bedminister in last week’s highlight, Mila Grandtner represented drama in the NIA photo series, though her passion and hard work is rooted in dance. Hailing from a well known creative family, she was recognized on her own merits by the St. Maarten Positive Youth Association (SMPYA) as Young Artist/Athlete of the Month in the art of dance in 2021. She has performed as a solo dancer, including in the 2025 Spotlight Soirée, alongside other NIA dancers. She also participated in an Inter-Caribbean dance competition, where an NIA group including Mila Grandtner, Nyah Kalmera, Lya Hennique and Amalia Rodriguez received first prize in an “Other Styles” category.
Mila’s individual picture, taken on a cannon carriage at Fort Amsterdam with arriving cruise visitors in the background, is a great composition of the old and the modern, form and content. She seems to exude not just drama, but dance and music too. Mila enjoyed being a sort of celebrity over the first nine months of the year. “Seeing our pictures on the calendar all over the island feels incredible and exciting! It’s been so much fun having friends recognize me and call it out whenever they spot the poster hanging. It feels amazing to represent NIA like this, especially because I truly appreciate everything they do for me and others.”
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