A Joyful Day of Movement, Art, Music & Community.

 

Dance In The Park 2025: A Joyful Day of Movement, Art, Music & Community

May 31, 2025 | Castleton Botanical Gardens, St. Mary, Jamaica

By: Kofi Walker | AIR-PAASA Movement

Images by: Biko

Under the lush green canopy of Castleton Botanical Gardens, the magic of movement and music came alive once again! The 2025 edition of Dance In The Park welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of dancers, drummers, young art-makers, and community members from across Jamaica. This year's event was our biggest and brightest yet, and we’re proud to say it was a meaningful day of connection, creativity, and culture.

💃 Who Showed Up?

A total of 43 children and 41 adults participated through school groups and AIR-PAASA’s network:

·         Lalyce Gray Basic School – 13 children, 12 adults

·         Laurels Early Childhood Development Centre – 13 children, 10 adults

·         Windward Road Primary School – 9 children, 2 adults

·         Iona High School – 5 teens, 2 adults

·         Percussion Group – 3 children, 3 adults

·         AIR-PAASA Team – 2 children, 15 adults

Images by Biko & Artists

🎨 What We Did

From toddlers to teens, everyone had something to explore and enjoy!

Dance Sessions

·         Ages 2–6: Guided with love and laughter by Sharon Bresset (Oracabessa)

·         Ages 7–12: Energized by the ever-creative Travis Henry (St. Thomas)

·         Teen Group: Empowered by the inspiring Yvette Gayle (St. Andrew)

·         Percussion Workshop: Brought to life by master drummer Andrew Webb (Kingston)

Art & Wellness Corners

·         Art Therapy: Led throughout the day by Abigail Hewitt, helping both children and adults tap into their creative energy

·         Massage Therapy: A welcome treat for parents, offered at affordable rates by Karlene Bell of Bell Sante Massage Therapy

🤝 Supporters & Special Guests

We were honored by the presence and help of many who traveled near and far:

·         Charmaine Gilpin – Dance Teacher from St. James

·         Jasmine Samuel & Racquel Gardner – Our ever-faithful supporters

·         Pastor Hazel Murray and Mrs. Sibblis (Kofi's mom) – Encouragement and presence

·         Jermaine “Biko” Thomas – Our documentarian and logistic hero (video + lunch!)

·         Stephaney Henry-Wright – Energetic MC for the day

·         Parents Georgann Thomas-Haye & Omaria Higgins – Smooth operations at registration

🏆 Celebrating Excellence

Service Award:

Jermaine “Biko” Thomas was honored for 13 years of committed service to AIR-PAASA’s community initiatives.

Most Dedicated Group Award:

Presented by Jasmine Samuel to Iona High School Dance Group, led by Miss Bressett, for their consistent participation and outstanding spirit.

🚧 Challenges Faced

Every great event comes with its hurdles:

·         Lunch deliveries faced delays, but most children were fed—thank you for your patience.

·         We’ll reassess the registration process after two expected groups were unable to attend due to transport and scheduling issues.

💬 Feedback & Gratitude

The response? Overwhelmingly positive.
Families described the day as transformative, joyful, and healing. Many left with full hearts, tired feet and lots of inspiration.

Our deepest thanks go to:

·         Miss Ogilvie and the Castleton Gardens team for their hospitality

·         Parents and guardians for entrusting us with your children

·         All volunteers and facilitators who brought this vision to life

·         The AIR-PAASA team and our supporters, for keeping the heartbeat of this movement strong

📹 What’s Next?

Video by: Biko

Stay tuned—photos and videos are coming soon!
We’re already planning ways to grow and improve for Dance In The Park 2026. If you'd like to support or join us next time, email: airpaasa@gmail.com

Until next year,
Keep moving, keep dancing, keep creating.