Tanya Ellis, Gleaner Writer

Left: 'The Dancer in Me': These dancers from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts perform the closing of this selected piece at the CHASE-sponsored 'Moulding Minds, Moving Bodies'. Right: The eclectic finale to a colourful 1960's jazz piece choreographed by Sandra Rose for 'Moulding Minds, Moving Bodies', held at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts last Sunday. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

"This is the day that the Lord has made we will dance and be glad in it." This was the prelude to the opening prayer by Orville McFarline to commence 'Moulding Minds; Moving Bodies,' the final production of the CHASE-Sponsored workshop in dance education and stage craft at the Studio Theatre, Edna Manley School of Dance last Sunday.

Despite the very late start, what was to follow would be a revival of story telling done through the rhythmic art of dance. From the spiritual movements of culture to the poetic chanting of the drums, both the individual and group performances were engulfed in the essence of native-style Jamaican folk dancing. Added to these was a body of work that flowed directly from an African heritage.

This included inspiration from the gloom of death, battles, sacraments and the hubbub of everyday life to classic ballet performances and schoolyard jingles.

The performances reflected contemporary and challenging pieces to the standard intrinsic dance styles presented at the highest level.

Proud associations

This was well noted by Renée Robinson, programme director at Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, who said that the quality of work by the dance coaches made her proud to be a part of the collaborative success of the production.

Alain Williams of CHASE said the organisation will continue its commitment to financially support the development and integrity building of what he calls 'the cultural super state of Jamaica'.

Hub of Jamaican culture

For years great cultural activity has been filtered into mainstream educational institutions because of the fostering of raw talent at Edna Manley College.

The college is viewed as the cultural hub of the island and is accepted as the platform where masters are groomed as teachers, performers and artists.

"The standard is generally high and augmented by good production values," said Nicholeen DeGrass-Johnson, director of the School of Dance.

Left: 'The grande finale': The night ended in a dancehall vibe with this performance from the level one and two dance coaches. Right: The spiritual movements of African culture and heritage descended in poetically enchanting dance movements.