Members of Black Blingaz Kelly Bling and Marlon Bling (in back row) and John Bling (right) pose for a picture with students of Middlebrook Elementary in Trumbul, Connecticut. - Contributed

In recent times, much has been said about Jamaican dancers and dances. From the 'accidents' of 'Dutty Wine' to the perceived barbarism of 'Daggerin'', the public relations for the local dancing fraternity hasn't been good.

A story in THE STAR on July 16 even highlighted the negativity in which the culture is viewed by some.

However, one popular dance group, Black Blingaz, has been fostering a different image of Jamaican dancers.

Several members of the group, which includes John Bling, Chris Bling, Marlon Bling, Migz Bling, Pink Bling, Kelly Bling and German Bling, recently visited two schools in the United States and conducted dance workshops and gave talks.

Movie shoot

The group recently wrapped shooting scenes for the movie Dance For Grace when the opportunity came for them to host the workshops.

"We decided we wanted to sell dancehall culture in a positive way," said Orville Matherson, a Jamaican living in the US who produced and played the lead role in Dance For Grace.

"So we chose them to go around the tri-state area. Once the news spread about them, we got numerous requests."

Black Blingaz visited Middle School for Marketing and Legal Studies in Brooklyn, New York and Middlebrook Elementary in Trumbul, Connecticut.

"My school has mainly kids of Caribbean parents so they are familiar with them (Black Blingaz)," said Philip Brown, a Jamaican who teaches at Middle School for Marketing and Legal Studies. "They taught them some dance moves, told them the importance of staying in school and there was a Q and A session."

Brown said he believes the impact went way beyond sensational dance moves.

"The kids are quite familiar with what's going on in Jamaica with the death of Bogle and Ice, so to see these guys give them advice and tell them to go after their dreams, that definitely was a light bulb moment for them."

Black Blingaz are creators of the dance move Tek Weh Yuself, which was popularised by a song from Mr Vegas of the same title. They also originated Eva Fresh Eva Clean, Red Carpet and My Space.

All six members grew up together in Gordon Pen, Spanish Town, which John Bling calls the "ghetto part".

The group has been together eight years.

"Dancing was always a part of what we do. We used to keep parties in Gordon Pen,"said John Bling, 24, whose real name is Jaun Bennett.

John Bling said the group began to take dancing more seriously "when we start go uptown and see the opportunities, and after Bogle's death."

Years later, the group is appearing in its first feature film, which they created original dance moves for. The film also features Jamaican groups Cadillac Dancers and Sample Six. Filming took place primarily in New York and Jamaica with mainly dance scenes, but John Bling admits he may have been bit by the acting bug.

More school tours

"Being an entertainer you are prepared to do anything, so I wouldn't rule it out," he said.

The group, which John says manages itself, is currently in England for several performances and will return to the US in mid September for more school tours.

Playwright David Heron, who helps with the promotion of Dance For Grace, said Black Blingaz has the opportunity to change people's perception while widening their fan base.

"This is a testament to what the power of talent and dance can do," he said. "When they went to Middlebrook, which has primarily Caucasian and Asian students, I'm sure they were pleasantly surprised by the reaction."

John Bling pointed out that like the music, Jamaica's dancing has been impacting people's idea of the country and its culture.

"The dancing is dancehall - it's a part of the whole package. We've been to as far away as Japan on tour and we see the impact and influence it has," he said.

Orville Matherson (right) in conversation with dancer Marlon Bling of Black Blingaz on the set of 'Dance For Grace' in New York.