Jeanette Campbell, Contributor

Students of Tivoli Gardens High School performing their dance piece 'Flagarama' at the Jamaica Festival 2007 Dance Finals at the Little Theatre. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Last weekend, I spent a satisfying evening enjoying the wonderfully entertaining programme of dance offered by the Tivoli Gardens Dance Troupe. Billed 'Sweet Sixteen Affair', the show marked the 16th anniversary of the performing life of this nationally acclaimed company.

Artistic director Jennifer Morgan Garwood comments that "We have now approached the threshold of adulthood," but, in truth, the Tivoli Troupe came of age long ago. Anybody familiar with the dance theatre scene in Kingston is aware of the achievement of this group in performance, choreography and in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Festival of the Arts.

Got money's worth

The troupe lived up to its reputation. A nice package of music, performance, lovely costumes and some interesting exploration in choreography definitely gave the audience its money's worth. What we experienced at the Little Theatre represents the triumph of hard work, commitment and creativity from an environment that is offered no state funding, no national endowment for the arts. The performers and production personnel have, every year, to seek all necessary resources themselves.

So big up, Tivoli, you large! My only regret is that the choreographers for each dance were not acknowledged in the programme.

Watching the impressive charisma, energy, discipline, focus and concentration of these young dancers, I started to wonder about the 16 years. Who are the alumni of the Tivoli Gardens Dance Troupe? How many young men and women have performed over the years with the group? Where are you now? Are you still dancing? How has what you learned while with the troupe impacted on who you are now and what you are doing?

I am curious. If you feel to share with me, email jeanetterooona@yahoo.com.

And Jamaica, treat yourself to a vibrant evening of dance with the Tivoli Gardens Dance Troupe. You deserve it.