HUNDREDS of patrons who flocked to Hope Gardens last Sunday were treated to a spectacular and unforgettable showcase of Jamaican dance by some 35 dance groups and individuals at the fourth staging of Arts in the Park.

Performances ranged from traditional folk forms like kumina and junkanoo to contemporary dancehall and street dance by schools and institutions, including Portmore Missionary, Stella Maris and Ardenne High. Several dance troupes also displayed their talent such as the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), Dance Theatre Xaymaca and L’Acadco Dance Force, with solo performances by Raddy Rich and Lindsay Lodenquai.

In lauding the dancers, State Minister for Tourism and Entertainment, Damion Crawford said: The dancers delivered some excellent performances and the large turnout for Arts in the Park — Dance Edition is proof of the appreciation of the exceptional dance talent that we have in Jamaica.”

“It was truly a celebration of dance which showcased various aspects of our culture in a very entertaining way,” he continued.

Crawford said he was also pleased with the reaction of the international talent scouts who were in Jamaica to network with the dancers, give valuable advice and watch their performances. These included Virginie Mecene, artistic director, Graham 2 and director, Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance; Troy Powell, artistic director, Ailey II; Fatima Wilson, head of commercial and dance, Bloc NYC; Dr Barry Burch of the African American Dance Ensemble; and Tanisha Scott, MTV-nominated choreographer for Beyoncé, Rihanna and Sean Paul.

The Arts in the Park – Dance Edition was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment in association with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) and the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. It forms part of an ongoing effort by the Ministry to develop the local entertainment industry by providing opportunities for artistes in various creative sectors to further develop their career and gain international exposure.