FIRST Dance Studios is celebrating five years of the arts with the staging of its Annual showcase at Iberostar Rose Hall Resort & Spa on today and tomorrow.

The 5th Annual Showcase, themed Timelines: A Jamaican History Story, opens 6:00 pm this evening at the resort’s Black River Theatre with a Gala Night, and a performance on Sunday at 3:00 pm. The showcase will trace the evolution of Jamaican dance from Negro spiritual to dancehall fusion, and will star the talented team of young performers of the western Jamaica-based dance group.

“This event is about embracing the arts and continuing our mission to change lives through entertainment and recreation. We are looking forward to highlighting the talent that our performers have and raise funds for a meaningful initiative. Proceeds from the event will add to existing funds and go towards the construction of a performing arts centre for western Jamaica,” explained Jody-Marie Hussey, founder and director of First Dance Studios.

“We hope that the support will be overwhelming because we are going to wow our audience. We are inviting the public to come out and enjoy a world-class production and support the development of a space to further develop Jamaica’s natural artistic talents,” Hussey continued.

— Aceion Cunningham