Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
A scene from the JCDC dance finals, which were dominated by Bridgeport Dance Ensemble, Arnett Gardens Dance Troupe and the Portmore Dancers Integrated Cultural Ensemble. The finals were held at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue, on Saturday. In photo, Best Quartet: Portmore Dancers Integrated Ensemble perform. - COLIN HAMILTON/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE STRIVE for dominance on the third day of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) national dance finals came down to largely a battle between three groups. With a combined tally of eighteen of the just under 50 items performed for the day, Bridgeport Dance Ensemble, Arnett Gardens Dance Troupe and the Portmore Dancers Integrated Cultural Ensemble were the dancers to beat.
By the end of the day, the group from Portmore and that from Bridgeport had become the main victors. Portmore earned the trophy for Best Overall Group (Schools and Community - adult category) while Bridgeport was dubbed the Best Overall Group (Studio Group - adult).
Interestingly, all three groups are dominated by male dancers, in what seems to be a reverse of the norms of dancing, which is generally female dominated. Furthermore, though they attained only two national trophies, Arnett Gardens had proved the most prolific of the groups to enter the competition, having had seven pieces which had scored high enough to make it to the national finals.
INTERESTING TALENTS
The three groups have furthermore proven to contain interesting talents that have bloomed over the years. Bridgeport benefits greatly from the passionate intensity of its male dancers, especially André Hinds, who often functions as the group's lead dancer. Additional interesting talent is also coming forth from the St. Catherine-based group.
Arnett Gardens has been rising to prominence in the JCDC competition over the past three years and have been buoyed by interesting choreography, high energy levels and skilled dancers.
Yet, the Portmore dancers are possibly the most interesting of the lot. The group initially started in the pop dance segment, working with largely comedy and gymnastics. However, the group employs imaginative choreography which often makes up for their limited technical skills, as their dance remains very rough around the edges.
However, pieces such as 'Broommen' and 'The Crucifix' highlight their strong and weak points. Both pieces are imaginative, and the dancers display great commitment, yet the storylines tend to become frayed and the dancers' technique lack polish. Nonetheless, they are engaging to watch.
VERY ENTERTAINING
The duets category proved to be one of the most entertaining segments of the day. Most of the competitors turned to an exploration of passion. Bridgeport and Hah-On-Fire (a group from St. James) displayed entertaining gasp inducing lifts. However, it was Arnett Gardens' 'Passionatte' which had sleek choreography and highlighted intense passion which won out.
Hah-On-Fire also made a significant mark on the day, earning the award for Best Costume Overall with their striking ensembles that complemented their energetic performances.
LIST OF WINNERS
Community Schools and Groups
1) Best Creative Folk - Trelawny Song and Dance
Kumina by the River Side
2) Best Modern Contemporary - Portmore Dancers Integrated Ensemble
Don't
3) Best Dance Drama/Skit - Krazy Stooges
Bob Clarke
4) Best Male Solo - Lucan Moore (Joshua Dance Theatre)
Break Through
5) Best Praise Dance - Waterford Missionary Church
The Blessing
6) Best Popular Dance - Chemical Boyz and Get Mad Dance Group
Hardcover' and Exotic Surprise
7) Best Trio - Arnett Gardens Dance Troupe
Rescue
8) Best Quartet - Portmore Dancers Integrated Ensemble
Hunters
9) Best Overall Group - School and Community
Portmore Dancers Integrated Ensemble
Studio Groups
10) Best Creative Folk - Bridgeport Dance Ensemble
The Tribe of Sambuca
11) Best Modern Contemporary - Bridgeport Dance Ensemble
Hail Maria
12) Best Male Solo - Marvis Johnson
Darkness
13) Best Female Solo - Tamaria Reid (Arnett Gardens Dance Troupe)
Praise
14) Best Praise Dance - Cable and Wireless
His Arms
15) Best Trio - Arnett Gardens Dance Troupe
Rescue
16) Best Small Group - Bridgeport Dance Ensemble
17) Best Jazz - Hah-On-Fire
Turn the Beat Around
18) Best Costume Overall - Hah -On-Fire
19) Special Costume Award - Cable and Wireless
Ohh La La
20) Best Overall Group - Studio Group
Bridgeport Dance Ensemble.
