By Simone Morgan

Dancer Tamika Hendricks is one of the few females signed to Ravers Clavers, the group led by dancer and recording artiste Ding Dong and which falls under the Shocking Vibes umbrella.

Hendricks’ dance career started while a student at the Holy Trinity High School in Kingston.

“At school I was a regular performer at any school function that required dancing. At fetes, after-school jams and even graduation,” she boasts.

Hendricks, fresh from working as a choreographer in Curacao, has performed at major dancehall shows such as Reggae Sumfest, Follow Di Arrow, Usain Bolt’s Birthday party to name a few. She can also be seen dancing up a storm in the video for Ding Dong’s blockbuster hit, Holiday.

Unlike most dancers who are seen performing at every dancehall session, and who are always on the hunt for the next music video, Hendricks says that the dancehall is not always appealing to her.

“I am a rounded dancer. I want to bring back cultural dance. I am not into the whole wining and gyrating stuff as dancers tend to portray themselves nowadays. I am into longevity and the smallest child should be able to practise my dances moves,” she said earnestly.

According to Hendricks, her love for dancing led her to study salsa, ballet, jazz and hip hop. She further stated that her aim is not only to be recognised on the local dance floor but moreso internationally, thus her diversion into other dance styles.

The Ravers Clavers princess whose inspiration comes from Dancehall Queen Carlene and Dance Expressions, says that she also aims at operating her very own dance school in Jamaica. She also advises aspiring dancers to be creative and determined in achieving their goals .

Photo: Napthali Junior Photo

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TAMIKA HENDRICKS:.. “I am a rounded dancer. I want to bring back cultural dance.”