BY TANYA BATSON-SAVAGE, Freelance Writer
Members of the Portmore Dancers Ensemble performing at the JCDC dance finals held at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive on Saturday. - COLIN HAMILTON
FROM DINKI MINI to Willie Bounce, Jamaica has had a strong dance culture. In the popular arena that culture seems to have never been as dynamic as in recent years. The continuation of that dynamism and high interest was evident at the end of the third day of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's National Dance Finals.
At the end of adjudication on Saturday, July 1 the judges found themselves unable to select a single winner in the Popular Dance (Adults - Community Schools and Groups) category. As a result both Get Mad Dance Group and Chemical Boys were allowed to dance home with the trophy.
With 11 contestants (the highest in any single category) waging a dynamic, energetic battle of moves and wills for the trophy, the judges had difficult choices. The category remains male dominated with only two groups, EXED Community College with 'Renaissance' and Arnette Gardens Dance Troupe with 'Ghetto Vibes' featuring female dancers.
The dominance of male dancers however, meant that the level of athleticism was high, as a gymnastic style dancing coupled with break dancing moves has come to mark this sub-genre of popular dance. With fantastic stunts, Get Mad Dance Group wowed the audience and judges while Chemical Boyz relied more on sleek choreography and a story line to earn their win.
Saturday's performance highlighted that this element has come a far way from the days when the boys would send one forward while the others wait (often awkwardly) for their turn on the dance floor. Over the years, the boy groups have gained a more secure sense of choreography and work as a unit without the pauses.
The performances highlighted that the popular dance arena remains a barely tapped element of Jamaican popular entertainment. The performing arts finals continue through to Friday, July 7.
However, as the clock ticks toward the Independence celebrations there will be several events at which the JCDC will showcase their most talented and entertaining performers. As such, from Monday, July 24 to Friday, July 28 there will be a series of 'fests' at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
On Monday, winners from the Folk finals will be showcased and drama, music, speech and dance will follow on respective days through to Friday.
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