Campion Dance Society to headline Jamaica 61 celebrations in South Florida, New York
Campion College Dance Society, one of Jamaica’s leading high school dance troupes, will take its production ROOTS to South Florida and New York August 1-16, 2023.
The production is endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports as one of the official events of the country’s 61st Independence celebrations.
“It’s an enormous leap for the dance society and a proud moment for Campion College,” Dwright Wright, the troupe’s artistic director, said in an interview.
“As our country celebrates 61 years of independence, ROOTS brags the achievements of our country while highlighting the struggles still faced by our people. The presentation is a beautiful mix of Afro-Caribbean folk form, fused with stylised modern contemporary undertones unique to Jamaica,” he continued.
Among the works to be presented by the 35-member ensemble is In Our Lane, which highlights the country’s dominance in track and field. It is choreographed by Renee McDonald, a Campion alumna and resident teacher with the society.
The troupe has an itinerary that includes guest performances through a cultural exchange programme with the Broward Centre of the Performing Arts in South Florida where ROOTS is part of the Arts For Action: Black Voices programme.
Wright also acknowledged that financial support is a challenge for the dance society.
“To stage a two-leg international tour is very expensive,” he said while hopeful for more support from corporate sponsors, alumni of Campion College, as well as the general public.
“We have been receiving support from alumni groups in Florida and New York. The Consul General for South Florida, Oliver Mair, as well as the Campion College Alumni Association Northeast Chapter have been integral in coordinating the tour.”
Also on board are the Chase Fund, Sagicor, Irie Jam radio in New York, the Jamaica Observer, Tourism Enhancement Fund, Guardian Group, Victoria Mutual, Golden Krust, Mailpac, and Visit Lauderdale.
The first set of performances will be at Parker Playhouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale on August 5 and 6. The group then travels north to the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts at Lehman College in the Bronx, New York City, for the second set of performances on August 12 and 13.
Campion Dance Society recently mounted its 11th season of dance in Jamaica last weekend.
