BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IN an effort to showcase the talents of the Christian youths in the Federation, the Youth Outreach Dance Ministry (YODM) will be hosting its annual Dance Recital entitled Voices of the Children.
The Recital is a two-part production, which will be held on April 26 and 27 at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Auditorium starting at 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively.
The Recital's Bible scripture theme will be from II Timothy 3:1-9, and the production will reflect the effects of child abuse in society.
Dance instructor and founder of YODM, Andrea Caines-Adedeji said the Recital would take the form of dance, drama and song.
This year, the Ministry is collaborating with the Faith Tabernacle Church's Youth Group and the New Birth Gospel Tabernacle Dancers.
"I hope to bring a change in our society and also develop the skills and talent of our young people so that they can draw closer to God through dance," Caines-Adedeji said.
Tickets are presently available at Plush Accessories and Morton's Supermarket as well as parents of the Dance Ministry. Adults are required to pay an entrance fee of $25 and children $15.
Caines-Adedeji stated that all funds raised would be put towards school supplies and costumes for next year's Recital and also to provide treats for the children.
The YODM was established in May 2001 after Caines-Adedeji had turned her life over to the Lord. She said she started out at the Basseterre Church of God before expanding her Dance Ministry to include other interested children across St. Kitts.
It is located at the Mc Knight Community Centre and is made up of children from various churches in the Federation. Dance classes are held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Ministry presently caters to children aged three to 16 years and focuses on creating a Biblical foundation for the youths to grow in Christ.
There are currently 38 dancers in three stages - Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced.
"We want to invite the public out to come and see the children display their talent through a Christian setting. They have a very good message on child abuse that they would like to send to the public. We want to stop the silence," she said.
Caines-Adedeji expressed gratitude to the Star Chinese Restaurant for its assistance in making the Recital possible.
