KINGSTON, Jamaica – If you get an opportunity to watch professional dancer Orville McFarlane perform, you will appreciate the delicate balance of beauty and perfection in his movements.

This talented young dancer has participated in the Debby Allen Dance Academy’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, a cutting-edge rendition of the Nutcracker ballet, which he describes as one of his most memorable performances.

McFarlane’s participation was made possible through a scholarship from the popular local dance organisation, Plié for the Arts.

Founded by Marisa Benain, Plié for the Arts is a seven-year-old entity, which prides itself on granting wishes for many young Jamaican dancers through scholarships funded by proceeds from its dance gala ‘Amalgamation’.

To date, approximately nine persons have benefited from such scholarships and have moved on to schools such as Complexions Contemporary Ballet in Georgia and Steps on Broad Ways in New York.

Amalgamation was formed out of Benain’s desire to give back to youngsters in the creative industry. However, as she explained, it would not have been possible without the support of the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

“Dance saved me and these things [dance galas] are really impossible without assistance. So, thanks CHASE and I hope that you can offer more support,” she said.

Since the Amalgamation’s first staging in 2016, CHASE has remained the primary funding partner for the event. These funds usually go towards paying international performers, securing a venue or other areas where assistance is needed.

In expressing her gratitude to CHASE, Benain explained that “the creative industry needs the CHASE Fund…now more than any other time”.

“Productions of this nature are very expensive, and it would be great if corporate Jamaica would also get on board and assist CHASE,” the professional dancer stated.

Along with providing scholarships, the Amalgamation is designed to expose young dancers to performers beyond Jamaica’s shores, and with each staging, more dancers are inspired to reach for the stars.

It unites performers from across the world, giving many individuals the opportunity to share the stage with some of their best counterparts from other countries.

McFarlane was grateful for the opportunity. He said it was a challenging experience that “really pushed me to another level in my dancing”.

He is encouraging other young Jamaican dancers to seek out training, especially with Plié for the Arts.

This year’s staging of the dance gala was held on July 13 and 14 at the Little Theatre in Kingston. Using the theme, AMALGAMATION: The Global Explosion of Dance, the occasion featured the likes of global star Michaela DePrince and the top three finalists of the Global Red Bull Competition.

Chief Executive Officer of the CHASE Fund, W Billy Heaven, is satisfied that the project has been successful over the years.

He explains that fruitful initiatives such as the Amalgamation, motivates CHASE to continue to provide sustainable funding to the arts and culture sector in the face of occasional challenges.

Since its inception, CHASE has been heavily involved in the development of local talent and providing access to performances for audiences.

“Prior to CHASE, there was really nothing else out there that the sector could look to for developmental funds,” Heaven pointed out.

To support projects, Heaven said the CHASE Fund forges strategic partnerships with entities in the public and private sectors.

He said funding for the Amalgamation has been possible because of sponsorship from various entities.

-JIS