True art on display at secondary school dance festival

Dance is usually described as an art that refers to the rhythmic body movement which is used as a form of social expression and spiritual meaning. And according to Emelda Lynch-Griffith, president of the National Dance Association (NDATT), dance has the rare and precious power to unite people of all ages, cultures and religion. Last Friday, young dance lovers and enthusiast had the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre overflowing with cheers and applause at the final round of this year’s Secondary School Dance Festival. 

 

 

A special event by all means, with a number of junior performers bringing the audience to their feet with soulful and artistic displays. 

It was also an achievement for schools such as Pleasantville Secondary, SWAHA Hindu College, Arima Central and Barataria North and South Secondary, as they have been in the festival since its inception in 2009. Even more commendable was the vast talent on display by these school’s especially Aaliyah and Akeila Lewis on Pleasantville Secondary. The two majestic dancers from the South land commanded hearty cheers with their agile and flexible routines. Aaliyah in the 11-15 years category executed a beautiful modern contemporary dance entitled Freedom, which had heads turning as she cavorted around the stage. Akeila in the 16- 19 years class presented an upbeat African dance, dubbed as Black and Beautiful. There were many tributes being paid at the competition with the most heartening of all coming from Success Laventille Secondary’s Kerry Ann Sealy with an emotional modern contemporary dance.

 

 

Sealy’s rendition was full of emotions and flare as she danced around a painting of a fallen relative who was killed two years ago. Bishop Anstey East Stephanie Massiah produced a musical theatre display with her dance called Passion.  The facial expressions used and the bodily attitude displayed, showed her talent and her love for the art.  “Imagine how desolate a world without dance would be,” Lynch Griffith said as she spoke to the students about hers and their enthusiasm for dance. “Dance speaks to the mind body and soul in a way that goes beyond the power of works and its social impact and capacity to engage should be celebrated.” As such the celebration of dance will continue to this Saturday at the same venue when schools will gather for the Awards ceremony.