Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Patrons performing one of the latest dance moves at 'Passa Passa' held on Spanish Town Road, Kingston - File

Life on the streets is never an easy road, but there are those not so rare moments when entertainment jam packs the streets. Street dances seem to fluctuate in Kingston's streets, recently coming back in full force.

After a brief pause in 2005, street dances seem to be popping up everywhere. There's Dutty Sundaze, Dutty Fridaze, Passa Passa, Uptown Mondays, Jiggy Fridays - just to name a few. For many, street dances are more than just free entertainment, bringing revenue into the community, lowering levels of violence and more. Are there too many street dances?

According to Coppershot selector Matthew Gray street dances have their pros and cons. "They reach a wide audience via DVDs, which can give a sound a lot of exposure. On the other hand if there are too many, it negatively affect the business, cause there are too many free dances- less profit is made", he said.

While Gray is looking at the long term effects of having numerous dances, some claim that street dances are very important to the entertainment business. Mark, a promoter for Dutty Sundaze states that there can never be too many dances, at one time there used to be even more and nothing negative came from it. "Its the root of dancehall music - when you try water it down, you try stop the music", Mark claimed. Mark claims that Dutty Sundaze has assisted in combating violence in the Waterhouse community where it is held.

DJ Kurt Riley also concurs "there are too little, cause right now there are basically seven per week. We need more entertainment on the streets to keep people busy. Often there are numerous fresh talents that rise through this avenue. Its good, gives me the opportunity to see other people play, gives new talent both for DJs and selectors."

Dylan Powe, chief operating officer for Passa Passa Limited, Passa Passa being the longest running street dance now (3-4 years) claims that his dance, has no negative effects. Powe says "I cant speak for every street dance but for Passa Passa there are no bad parts. Passa Passa has launched many artistes, sound men, dancers - we expose them. We contribute to the economy. We employ at least 35 people from bar men to vendors, technicians and more."

Negative or not, it can't be denied that street dances are here to stay. It is at these events that the latest dance moves have risen, the newest songs gain hype and the most talented dancers make their names.