Giving dancers wings

Last night I had the opportunity to see some of the fantastic creative talent we have here in JA. The event was the second staging of “I’ll Send You a Postcard”, an event to raise funds for persons looking to go abroad to pursue higher studies in dance. The first one was done back in 2002 for Neila Ebanks now returned here and making her mark in the dance fraternity as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and producer. This year’s beneficiaries are Shelley-Ann Maxwell and Oneil Pryce.

The show pulled together several dance troupes (Praise Academy, Company Dance Theatre, University Dance Society, L’Acadco) as well as other artistic contributors (ASHE, University Players). The variety of performers led to a superb mix of performances all of an excellent quality since presumably each group put forward one of their best pieces.

Tying the entire show together was a dance in several pieces by Shelley-Ann and Oneil themselves. Creatively and amusingly done, they danced with a globe with LONDON in bold print (the destination for both of them) until their final segment which saw them in warm weather gear bringing a suitcase on stage to collect their gifts (rum, breadfruit, bun and cheese, hardough bread etc.) from all the participants.

On one level it is unfortunate that creative talents like these have to leave to further their studies but luckily, for many of them, their love brings them back home to share their knowledge and experience and to help others achieve similar dreams. Keep an eye out for the I’ll Send You a Postcard Foundation.