Born in Curaçao and raised in Sint. Maarten, Clara Reyes has devoted her life to the arts, culture, education, and preservation of St. Maarten’s heritage. Holder of a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography degree, Ms. Reyes is a distinguished dancer, choreographer, educator, storyteller, and cultural worker. She has conducted extensive research into Sint. Maarten’s traditional dance forms and played a significant role in resurrecting the historic Ponum Dance, associated with Emancipation Day in 1848.Her distinguished career includes teaching and leadership roles at several educational institutions, lecturing at the University of St. Maarten, and serving as an examiner for Theatre Arts with the Caribbean Examinations Council. She is also a former Director and Co-Founder of the National Institute of Arts, and for several years served as the Head of the Department of Culture of St. Maarten. Tonight, the SUNSHINE Awards Organization proudly honors Clara Reyes for her outstanding contribution to the arts, culture, education, and heritage of St. Maarten, with the 2026 SUNSHINE Award for the Performing Arts.