A dancer participates in the opening ceremony for the Dance and the Child International Conference at Emancipation Park, New Kingston, on Sunday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
The opening ceremony of the 11th Dance and the Child International (daCi) Conference got off to an excellent start on Sunday afternoon at Emancipation Park. The sounds of a combined mass band of boys brigade and pathfinders ushered in the delegates of the 22 participating countries. Scouts, boys and girls brigade, girls guides and pathfinders formed guard of honour, while Jamaican girls adorned in long, colourful signature Jamaican dresses carried the flags for each country represented.
The conference ends on Saturday at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. Presentations take place throughout the week at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC), UWI and the Little Theatre.
After three years of planning and a sense of accomplishment on her face, daCi chairperson, Nicholeen Degrasse Johnson, declared the conference open - the dancing water fountain on the grounds of Emancipation Park joining the young delegates in their celebration.
Dance defines us
In her address, Degrasse-Johnson remarked, "dance defines us, gauges our moods, checks our pulse and tells us where we are going".
Her remark was made against the background of entertaining dances and short speeches from the various stakeholders - daCi, the related government ministries and EMC. The speeches, in parts, addressed the theme of the conference - Cultures Flex: Unearthing Expressions of the Dancing Child.
Representing EMC were Principal Burchell Duhaney and Professor Rex Nettleford, member of the EMC Board. A delightful Professor Nettleford thanked all for coming and stated that dance was very important and the conference highlighted an important point of reference, a root to the cognitive in the child. Duhaney said he believed the conference would "help us to understand other cultures" and that bonds of friendship would be formed over the coming week.
Speaking on behalf of the minister of education, Dr Rebecca Tortello explained that dance is significant in school, as it is a powerful therapy and helps to transcend social background.
Delegate challenged
Olivia Grange, minister of youth, sports and culture, in keeping with the theme, entered the stage to the sound of music. She paid tribute to the EMC team and patron of the conference, Barbara Requea, and challenged the delegates to "go change the world one dance at a time". Ann Kipling Brown, president of daCi, said holding the 11th triennial conference is in keeping with the policy of the association - to recognise and develop dance. She said her desire is that the delegates openly share, positively learn and celebrate what dance offers.
The speeches were punctuated by well-received dances from different groups and choreographers. Michael Holgate choreographed Rooted, performed by three dancers from the junior department of the School of Dance, Edna Manley College. The Wolmer's Dance Troupe, in Step by Step, choreographed by Barbara McDaniel, gave greetings in ska and disco. Vaz Preparatory spread the Vibes with Charmaine Blake's choreography.
Resounding applause
Nettleford
But it was the dance, Maypole, presented by students of York Street Primary School, that captivated the mixed culture and multi-language audience. When the last steps were taken, the audience showed their appreciation with a resounding applause and reinforced Kipling Brown's statement that "all share the language of dance".
At the end of the ceremony three USA delegates explained what they hoped to achieve from the conference. Ashley Printz hopes to learn how people come up with different concepts and dances; Marissa Webberley is looking forward to learn Jamaican dances; and dance teacher Alyson Campbell wants to get some ideas on how to teach African dance.
Also on the programme was the presentation of prizes to the winners in the daCi promotional poster competition. The winners were Davia Lindo, Dominic Gocool and Twana Bennett. MC for the evening was Amina Blackwood-Meeks.