Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
In unison, both dancers perform well-choreographed moves. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
DAY THREE of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) National Dance Festival was as long as it was entertaining as it was noisy.
Featuring Classes Four (15 years and under) and Five (19 years and under) (intermediate level), the dancers competed in creative, modern contemporary, solo, quartet, small group, dance skit and popular dance. The day saw 42 entries performing at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive, St. Andrew, on Thursday.
Although Maria Smith, dance coordinator at the JCDC, said that this level usually lagged behind in comparison to the other levels, it was hard believe that this was possible.
Even she said they had done a good job. The costumes, as well as the choreography, were, for the most part, well done. St. Hilda's Diocesan High, which won best costume for Feline Feud, understood the importance of costuming.
Almost all the ladies were outfitted in tiger print body suits donned with tails, while the pink panther was in pink. Their skit, done to the Pink Panther's theme song, was as the name suggested cats fighting for the male. Other skits were not as straightforward.
Gaynstead High's Magic Thing was wonderful. This group incorporated a ladder in their routine which they climbed and danced on throughout the set. What also stood out about this group was tha they danced to soca, there was very little gyrating in the set.
The most lively and entertaining category was popular dance which also had the most entrants. The category, however, almost bordered on monotony as Let's Dance, Raging Bull, Rum Ram and Tek Wey Uself became the anthem for the section. A few inventive groups, however, diversified with Munga, Buju's Bogle and the Bug Riddim. There were two groups that went hip hop. Matrix Remix from Irwin High, dressed in spandex suits, was the epitome of a science-fiction movie.
Popular dance was also the category the students seemed to like best as they came alive; most were expressive, and the costumes, especially for the girls, were creative.
This category featured many all-male groups and all were in their element. Their choreography was refreshing; they were synchronised and creative.
Awards for Intermediate Level
Best Jamaican Folk - Morant Bay High, Bru Kumini
Best Other Folk - Gaynstead High, Magic Thing
Best Intermediate Solo - Mellanie Auld, Old Harbour High, Africanus
Best Small Group - Harbour View Dance Troupe, Triangles
Best Jamaican Popular Dance - Portmore Dancers Culture Club, Shock The Energy
Best Costume - St. Hilda's High
Most Outstanding Intermediate School or Group - Old Harbour High
Most Outstanding Intermediate Teacher - Portmore Dancers' Anthony Carson
Best Skit - Cornwall College Garrison Youths, This Is The Land of My Birth
Special Prize - Glenmuir High, Indian Mix
Irwin High School from St. James performs 'Skirt Fever' in the JCDC dance finals at the Little Theatre. - photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
St. Hilda's Diocesan High from St. Ann performing 'Feline Feud' in Dance Skit Class Four (15 years and under).
Colourful costumes were also a highlight. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Members of Harbour View Dance Troupe performing 'Triangles'. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Old Harbour High School perfoms 'Ol' Skool Party Bangarang'.
These dancers are enjoying every bit of their presentation at the festival. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
In the foreground this dancer seems to be visualising her next dance move at the Jamaica Festival 2007 dance finals at the Little Theatre.
St. Catherine-based Children and Community for Change doing 'Freeda'.
