Roxroy McLean, Gleaner Intern

The sun pierced fiercely on their backs as the clouds faded into the distant sky. It was about midday at the busy Half-Way Tree Entertainment Centre. The outgoing Shelly Callum, Dance Xpressionz's traditional folk dance specialist, smartly adjusted under a makeshift umbrella as the heat got more oppressive, while Stacy-Ann Facey, the laid-back dancehall and hip hop specialist, seemingly unfazed by the heat, checked the designs of her newly polished fingernails.

The other member of the eclectic trio of female dancers, Sherene Davis, who specialises in Latin and contemporary dance, was at home sick.

Callum was perfectly matched in an orange-and-white Kangol outfit, her burnt caramel complexion glowing in the midday sun. Facey's ensemble revealed toned arms and biceps and she possesses a disarming smile.

Smart dancer

Callum described Davis as the jovial, vibrant and smart dancer of the group. But there is one distinction about her. "She is nice and all that, but she sometimes behaves like she, lost a screw," Facey joked.

Dance Xpressionz, which also includes founder Orville Hall, has become a part of Jamaica's pop culture over the last four years. They seem to be everywhere. The female members' ability to execute hypnotic hip swivelling along with unreserved self-expression during their performances hasn't hurt either.

Though varying in personalities and styles, one thing that they all share is the love of dancing. "We eat, sleep, drink and live for dancing. No second-guess to that," said Callum.

To see Dance Xpressionz in action is to witness a finely tuned machine firing on all cylinders. With impeccable timing and an undeniable love for what they do, the group's performances are most times pretty close to flawless.

Exceptions

But there are the exceptions.

"Sometimes, it's hard when you make mistakes, especially when it is a performance you want to nail. If something happens, a meeting is called," said Callum.

In April, Dance Xpressionz decided to share their art. The group hosted a 12-week dance course, Xpressive Moves, at the Half-way Tree Entertainment Centre. Students were given lessons in various genres of dance such as Latin, traditional folk, dancehall and hip hop. Part proceeds will go towards scholarships for two inner-city girls to attend Excelsior Community College, where Hall serves as a lecturer. The girls will pursue a technical certificate in the performing arts.

"The 12 weeks were just terrific; everything worked well," Callum said.

Dancers Boom

They have also organised the Dancers Boom award ceremony, which will feature dancehall acts such as Chino, D'Angel and Voicemail. Singing group To-Isis as well as Unlimited Dancers and Card Unit are also slated to perform.

Callum, Facey and Davis are currently in the United States of America on a three-week tour with dancehall act Bar-Bee. The tour will take them to California, Philadelphia and New York, and ends June 29.

What was once an extra-curricular activity has become a career for the women of Dance Xpressionz. Whether in the club, at a concert or one of the many street dances, Davis, Callum and Facey can be seen on a weekly basis effortlessly dancing up a storm and at the centre of attention.

"We train very hard," said Facey. "And we love dancing, even if we are in a store and hear music we will be dancing and people would just stand and watch," she added.