Praises for Dancin’ Africa

Dancin’ Africa Juniors in this touching piece. (Ricardo Leacock)

Fri, July 20, 2012 - 12:03 AM

It was an evening of thanksgiving in the form of dance as Dancin’ Africa celebrated its 20th anniversary last Sunday evening at the Errol Barrow Centre For Creative Imagination.

The journey and successes of this dynamic group, led by founder and artistic director Jennifer Sealy, were recalled in tributes that highlighted the significant contribution that Dancin’ Africa had made to the development of dance in the island.

In her tribute, Shirley Farnum said: “I am one of many parents whose dance protégés benefited from their association with this group, its technical dance training in various genres, performance skills, the dedication, commitment, sacrifice and, at times, frustration which has been the building blocks of its success.”

She added that over the years “youngsters drawn from various social strata [had] been united in dance, friendship and service”.

Both the junior and senior dancers thrilled the audience with religious pieces Enter His House With Praise, Rejoice, Silent Prayer and Hear My Cry, among others, which were all performed with much professionalism.

Tributes in dance were also paid to those who have passed – namely, Paul Goddard and Cynthia Harris – and a number of people received awards for their tremendous contribution to the group over the years. (RL)