THE Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is currently accepting entries for the World Reggae Dance Championships.

The competition is open to dance groups comprising 3 to 6 persons, 18 years of age and older and residing in and outside of Jamaica.

“Many dance groups across the island claim that they are real dancers, so the JCDC is giving them a chance to prove it. They show their moves in the parties all year long, now it’s time for them to take it to the international stage,” said Stephen Davidson, JCDC director of marketing and public relations.

“In an effort to give national and international exposure to the talents that exist in reggae/roots dance, entries are accepted in the categories of roots reggae, dancehall, reggae contemporary/classic, reggae dancehall and dance narrative,” he continued.

The director of marketing also said the JCDC is inviting other countries to purchase the World Reggae Dance Championships franchise to host an elimination show in their country and send the winners to participate in the international final in Jamaica. This move will bolster the international participation in the championship which had its first international entrants from Japan in 2009.

The World Reggae Dance Championships began in 2006 in an effort to give national and international exposure to talents that exist in reggae, roots and dancehall genres. It continues to unearth and showcase dancers each year, both locally and internationally and the championships is one of the fastest growing competitions which attracts an international audience.

The current holders of the title are Str8 Edge Classic Dancers.