Youth were in the spotlight (literally) this weekend as the Tivoli Dance Troupe staged their 24th season of dance at the Little Theatre in Kingston. Dubbed Stages, the event saw an awesome display of dancing from members of the troupe in different life stages, from four-year-olds to 30-year-olds. 

There were four categories of dancers, classified according to age; Weeny Tots (4-8), Tiggy Tots (9-12), Juniors (13-15),Seniors (16 and older).

Whilst all the groups performed excellently, it were the two youngest groups that stole the show. The audience was truly delighted to see the little people, who are the next generation of dancers, stepping up to traditional as well as contemporary beats – never missing a beat, nor a step for that matter.

The Teeny Tots presented several crowd-pleasing performances including a piece entitled, Birthright, which saw them dancing to Taurus Riley’s Shaka Zulu Pickney in brilliantly designed Rasta-coloured costumes. They also danced to Wayne J’s One Panadol, as well as Iggy Azalea’s Fancy in a piece entitled Girlz Power that arguably got the most cheers from the audience; even shouts for an encore.Stages was to showcase the young dancers that the troupe has.

Chief choreographer, Roberta Daley explained that the objective of the show was met, as

“You can see that we have babies straight up to adults. We wanted to show the entire Jamaica that we cater for all ages, all size, [and] all figures. When we first started we started only with adults. We realised that most of them have little sisters and nieces and they used to bring them to classes, so we decided to start a baby class,” she said.

Young patron, Mikaila Jones said that she really enjoyed the show. Jamaica Observer, Supreme Ventures Limited, Mona Graphics Printers Company Ltd, Kool 97 FM and Jamaica Energy Partners, with further assistance from Coldfield Manufacturing Ltd, National Baking Company, Jamaica Biscuit Company, and Dennis Buddo Catering will be used to assist children to go back to school.

“It was good. I enjoyed it because they are showing us the experience of dancing,” she said.

Jodiann Munroe said that the show was excellent.

“I had a lot of fun. the dancers are great. From stages, I get that there are babies, seniors and juniors,” she commented.

The proceeds of this season of dance that was sponsored by the