JCDC Finals - Clarendon group among top winners

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

Bright lights, colourful costumes, high energy and some artistic moves brought the curtains down on the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival of the Arts, National Finals - Dance.

It was an event to remember for three groups who amassed near-perfect scores and ultimately took home the festival's three prestigious prizes. They were the Clarendon-based Cultural Expression, which received the Shelia Barnett trophy for juniors (class one to four), the Kingston-and-St-Andrew-based Tivoli High Dance Troupe, which walked away with the Rex Nettleford Trophy for their piece in the Creative Folk 'A' Class Six Adults, and Laud Dance Ministry, which took home the Ivy Baxter Trophy.

Prior to the announcements of the above mentioned awards, Tivoli High Dance Troupe and Laud Dance Ministry were also adjudged the best and ultimately the most outstanding dances with their respective dances and categories. The award-winning dances were 'Ketch Em Ketch Em' performed by the Tivoli group and 'A Mountain Top Praise' by Laud Ministry.

Best duet, best Trio

Laud Ministry was also adjudged the Best Duet, while Tivoli took home the Best Trio, Quartet, Jazz, and Popular Dance for Class Six; as well as Creative Folk 'B' Class Four, Studio Groups. The group from West Kingston also tied with Campion College for the Most Outstanding Studio Group, Class Four.

Campion College also received more trophies for their efforts. In their new status as a Studio Group entry, the Kingston and St Andrew school was adjudged the best Class Four Modern Contemporary, the best Class Four and Five in the Praise Category, and the Best Class Five in the Jazz Category, as well as the Most Outstanding Class Five overall.

Other winners were Immaculate Conception High, José Marti High, Montego Bay Community College, Mount Alvernia High, Ardenne High, D'Oro Dance Ensemble, Vessels of Worship, LaBlacha, and Inkursion Unit Dancers.

Portmore Dancers also walked away with three trophies, the Best Solo, Best Dance Drama, and Best Popular Dance 'B' all in the Class Six Adults and Community Groups. Artistry in Motion Performing Arts Group was considered to be the Best Dance Skit in the same class and category.