BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE art form of dance has truly stepped up this year with a number of dance workshops and initiatives geared towards the betterment of aspiring dancers in St. Kitts.
Almost everywhere you turn there is some new initiative about dance here or there, and it is simply fantastic how the genre has been in the forefront lately.
Earlier this year, in April, the CFBC Dance Ensemble held their dance recital under the theme, ‘Dance Works’.
And often, persons would be in downtown Basseterre minding their own business when suddenly a group of excited young ladies would begin dancing in what is popularly known as a ‘flash mob’.
And if those do not have your feet tapping and head swirling, workshops galore have been organized this year.
Next week, Rolston Ryan, a 10-year veteran member of the Vivace Dance Company will be hosting his dance workshop.
Persons are still talking about his splendid performance with Nicole Gumbs at the 2011/2012 National Carnival Queen Pageant.
His workshop will be held from Monday September 3 to Friday September 7, at the Youth and Community Centre, on Victoria Road.
A number of dance genres will be explored including Zulu, Modern, Dance Improvisation, Jamaica Folk and Dancehall.
According to a release, the workshop runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for persons 13 -16 and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for persons 17 and older.
Ryan’s workshop follows two other workshops that were held earlier this year including one by Desi Browne and Alphonso Henry.
Local company IRep SKN was on the search to find ‘SKN’s Top Male Dancer’, as they held auditions and dance offs, showcasing the talents of the males and now they are calling all female dancers to step up to the ‘front line’.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga (RCL) recently rescheduled its dance competition titled ‘Dance Xplosion – This Is Your Chance2Dance!’
The dates for the competitions are October 27, (semifinals/eliminations) and November 10, 2012 (finals).
Over $5,000 in cash and prizes is said to be up for grabs and all competitors must be between the ages of 16-30.
There will be two competition categories: Individual Category and Group Category (2-6 members) and the application deadline is set for Monday October 15.
Application forms and further information are available at www.rotaryliamuiga.org or facebook.com/rotaryliamuiga or by emailing the planning committee at rcldancexplosion@gmail.com Proceeds from the event will go towards Rotary Club of Liamuiga youth and community development projects.
In a press release, President of the club, Lester Hanley said the addition of the event to their annual calendar is an important milestone for the Club and wanted to produce an event of the highest quality.
“We listened to advice from our Club members and interested persons in the public and have decided to make several changes to the format of the competition. To accommodate these changes and offer an extended opportunity for participants to become familiar with the changes, we have decided to reschedule the semifinals and finals competition,” he stated.
“To dream, to live, to be alive… dancing is an art form that is truly rewarding and a great talent to have, and it’s great to see that it is getting the recognition it deserves with added concerts and workshops,” said a dance enthusiast.
