In The Dance exploded onto our television screens — with a myriad of eccentric dance moves, colourful, stylish fashion, and bona fide Jamaican artistes — in its 2010 debut. The culture-centric dance show is back for a second season, promising even more groundbreaking, global recognition for Jamaican dance, fashion and music. During a tête-à-tête with the show’s associate producer, Odessa Chambers, SO got the full concept of the show, as well as insights for the new season.

In The Dance is a ” hot, authentic Jamaican dance show,” declared Chambers. The brainchild of its executive producer Chris Smith, the 13-week series aims to export and expose the culture of Jamaica’s young trendsetters worldwide through the rudiments of dance, fashion and music. “After having the opportunity to work with mainstream stars like Fefe Dobson and Nelly Furtado, Chris — having faith in his learning experiences — decided in 2009 that he wanted to do the show and make it a success. I’m proud to say we have a stellar second season, which premiered on Friday,” added Chambers, who along with Smith, co-executive producer Chez Gayle and production company Liquid Light, are the chief architects of the production team.

Much has changed since the first season of the show. “It was a learning experience, so there weren’t really any shortcomings”, explained the associate producer. “To further improve the show, there is a smaller, more intimate set, designed by Esther Beckford; new hosts Rosina Casserly and Chris Byfield, and several new features aimed at exposing authentic Jamaican culture. We also have The Wizard as our resident selector, and our weekly guest selector is Dr Dre from Renaissance sound system,” Chambers said. One of the unique selling points of the show is the global exposure it is receiving, with broadcasts in eight English-speaking Caribbean countries, as well as on French-based TRACE TV, which broadcasts in more than 150 countries globally. “We are talking about more than 22 million viewers across Europe, Asia, North America and the Caribbean. We’re the only series out of Jamaica to have 26 songs — produced by The Wizard, of Fiwi Music — exclusively for the show. We have the best dancers, up-and-coming artistes and trendsetters in Jamaican fashion. In addition, we will showcase some average Jamaicans who wish to come and ‘buss’ a move on the show,” boasted Chambers. There is, too, the Show Off feature, in which dancers are given the opportunity to display their routines and dance moves as well as the World Dancing feature that showcases dancers from around the world sharing their skills. Each week, there is a spotlight for the Featured Artistes, and there is also the new My Day At feature, showcasing different tourist destinations on the island. “Foreigners have asked to see more of Jamaica after a first-season segment that was done at Hellshire Beach,” Chambers explained.

In The Dance is for everyone who loves dancing, fashion and music, “from the average Jamaican of all ages to our Caribbean community, and the world at large, which has always been fascinated by Jamaican culture and entertainment,” Chambers shared. The associate producer concluded that the show has achieved its goal, as it continues to “promote and expose Jamaican dance, fashion, music, artistes, and beautiful landscapes — so there is a beneficial tourism aspect to it as well “.