By Tanya Batson, Staff Reporter
Rochelle gives a hint of her enigmatic smile. - Contributed
FOR THOSE Jamaicans living outside of Kingston's inner-city areas, the dominant image which may come to mind when we hear the word 'Tivoli' is often a negative one. Nonetheless, groups like the Tivoli Gardens' High School Dance Troupe have been doing a lot to clear some of the blot that has been steadily smearing that community's name over the years.
Seventeen-year-old Rochelle Campbell is one of the dancers in this troupe. Her easy, unassuming smile is one that easily removes any stereotypes we may try to place on her due to her school's geographical location. At present, Rochelle is in fifth form, aiming to sit CXC exams in human and social biology, social studies and mathematics.
She already holds a certificate in computer studies at that level. This is not surprising, as she enjoys computer studies more than her other subjects. So although she does not own a computer, Rochelle is quick to make use of the ones available at her school. Furthermore, Rochelle sees a career as either a computer programmer or analyst in her future and, as such, she intends to go on to teacher's college after high school. She also intends to study tourism, which intrigues her.
Rochelle's dancing career began in 1994, when she was a student at Pembroke Hall Primary. When she started to attend Tivoli Gardens High and saw a poster which asked: "Are you disciplined, dedicated, and motivated?", she was intrigued.
Her interest in the poster has paid off very well, as Rochelle has found her involvement in dance very rewarding. She points out that through the Tivoli dance troupe she has met a variety of public figures, ranging from the Prime Minister to Lisa Hanna. Additionally, the troupe has also given her travelling experience, as they have performed across the island and even in New York.
THE THREE DS
Furthermore, the group has allowed her to develop the troupe's three ds - dedication, determination and discipline. Without these you cannot remain in the group, Rochelle explained. Through her involvement with the troupe, Rochelle has also learnt greater respect for herself and her peers.
These lessons have come through a woman Rochelle admires very much - her dance teacher, Jennifer Garwood. "Mrs. Garwood is mother, counsellor, preacher. She is like an idol to us," she enthused. "Though not the kind you praise," she was quick to add. Her emotional attachment to Mrs. Garwood has Rochelle going on at length. "My role model is my dance teacher. I just love her so much. She is so brave!" she exclaims.
Despite her love for dancing and her love for her teacher, Rochelle doesn't wish to dance professionally. "I just want to dance," she says, "and I want to learn something new each day." But she doesn't see herself stopping either. "I will continue dancing until the day I say dance no more," Rochelle said.
Rochelle also enjoys her performances at the yearly charity shows at which the dance troupe performs. "It makes me feel good that we can give people what they want and not because of cash, but because we love to dance and want to share our talent," she said.
If it is not yet evident that Rochelle is quite an intriguing young woman, her revelation that in her spare time she likes to talk to herself should do the trick. With quite a bit of self-confidence, she points out that this in no way makes her crazy. Instead, she remarks, that it is a way of getting to know herself better. By talking to herself, she becomes aware of what she is capable of doing.
