AIR-PAASA's First Community Dance Award

Mushroom Swimwear - Community Dance Award

 Every time we stage this DITP (Dance In The Park) event, there are new developments - sometimes subtle but always significant. This year, there was much uncertainty and a lack of commitment from several groups, making it hard to see the program through. I’m known for my persistence, resilience, and optimism, and canceling the event never crossed my mind. I'm glad we went ahead with the program.

Sharon Bressett delivered as usual, accompanied by five Iona and one Mary Mount High School students. Joining the event were the Samuel family, friends of Maurice, Shanice and Dolice Dyer. The Dyer family and I have had a dancing relationship for over 12 years. Our initial count included 12 children from the local community, participating in workshops. This included students from Castleton, Scotts Hall, Golden Valley, and Devon Pen Primary Schools in St. Mary. By the end of registration, there were 45 participants between the ages of 3 and 80 years.

Scott's Hall Primary Students

The program was achieved without incident. Natalie Brown-Campbell did an amazing job managing the front of the house, registering participants, and ordering lunch for 17 of them, provided by local cook Miss Carol. The food was well received, and several members wished they had ordered lunch. Unfortunately, we couldn't cater to all children due to poor ticket sales; only one parent paid for the tickets sent home with Castleton Dance Theatre Arts Club group members. Thank you, Miss Shelly Joseph, for ensuring we had water and a portable speaker.

Castleton Dance Theatre Arts Club

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The program kicked off with a devotion hosted by Pastor Hazel Murray of Beulah Missionary Church, followed by workshops hosted by Sharon Bressett and Kofi Walker. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, they engaged children in traditional folk, contemporary dance and improvisation. The teens were challenged to include Maurice, who has cerebral palsy, in their adagio presentation. They did a really good job making the experience inclusive.

The program concluded with a talent sharing session from various groups. Scotts Hall Primary performed a quartet featuring two boys and two girls. Castleton Dance Theatre Arts Club performed their folk song "Solas Market," played the Djembe drum to Bob Marley's "One Love" led by Oshanea, and recited the poem "Nature" by HD Carberry, while taking a group photo with Biko (J. Thomas our Photographer and Music Engineer for Di-Universalear).

Dakari Samuel, the youngest participant, stole the show with his engagement and involvement in almost all activity. My favorite moment was presenting Miss Bressett with The Mushroom Swimwear Community Dance Award. Sharon was pleasantly surprised, and I was thrilled to acknowledge her in this way. Thank you Katryna Lawson of Mushroom Swimwear.

Thanks to Miss Ogilvie for giving us access to the park and ensuring accessibility for the disabled. I am grateful to my friends Dr. Claudette Clarke, Paula Shaw, Audrey Nemhard, Yvette James, Dolice Dyer, Vicki Parker, Toni-Ann Robinson, Rosemarie Housen, Lydia Puranda, and Andrea Reid for your support and guidance. Your contributions, time, energy, and ongoing support make it possible for us to continue offering this much-needed activity in our community.