“An Evening of Young Artisans”
Golden Spring West Rural St. Andrew, on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Golden Spring Community Centre at 6:30 p.m. young people in the hilly terrains enjoyed Children as young as three years of age participated in the twelve week AIR & PAASA Foundation Saturday performing arts projected produced and directed by AIR & PAASA Founder, Kofi Walker, lecturer of School of Dance at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Walker initiated AIR & PAASA to facilitate the development of the performing arts in West Rural St. Andrew. In September to November 2010 AIR & PAASA was first launched at the Mt. James All Age School with Safi Harriott who exposed the children to Oriental Belly Dance. The program “Air Your School,” involved seventy five performers including Dance Works and actor Webster McDonald of School of Drama at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Other performers included dancers from the Tivoli Dance Group, Dunoon Technical High and the students of Mt. James All Age.
This year “An Evening of Young Artisans” used a similar format for the programming of AIR 2011; invited artiste Kimberley McKinson engaged twenty three youngsters from various communities of west rural St. Andrew, teaching ballet while Kofi Walker taught folklore to the younger dancers. Almost one hundred persons attended the event, thirty two young performers and sixteen persons altogether made up our production team.
The programme opened with prayer by Ms.Violet (Pansy) Nelson, Justice of the Peace followed by the Lord’s prayer in sign language. This was an interactive moment with a member of the audience while Jannel Ewing (a talented dancer and poet) signed with Mr. Kofi Walker.
The program was a series of poetry, mainly of Maya Angelou and a one piece from Louise Bennett’s Dutty Tough excellently performed by Patrice Notice. Visiting performers, Rachell and Shantell Biersay wowed the audience with A Taste of India. Shantell is the National Gold Medalist for Solo Dance Diva O’ Diva, which was also performed at the show. Shantell is one of the most authentic Indian dancer to have graced JCDC stage, say’s Jennifer Garwood, Dance Specialist.
One strong performer stood out among the local performers and that was five year old Mario Walter who was featured on Smile Jamaica TVJ with his rendition of “I’m a Little Boy from Golden Spring.” Dancers HQ Andrew Livermore, Omar Clarke and Miguel Burton from Port Maria, St. Mary was entertaining with their popular dance. Their music though was not suitable for such an event. Dunoon Technical had four students performing in this event. Featured this year were Ramon Barrett, Patrick Martin, Tamika Coke and Sydonie Johnson whose Afro- Caribbean dance solo was spirited.
The Junior Dance Department replaced Dance Works in this event featuring Gia Anderson and Brittany McLean in the duet movements and lines. Both girls performed with grace to a piece of music they were hearing just for the first time. Shari Howell of Pro Moves Dance Company performed a solo which was earth bond and eye opening for many of the audience.
The Community Safety and Security Department was present for this event. We were happy to have had Constables Tammar Green and David Chambers on site. Our parents who were very involved behind the scenes ensured that children had refreshment in the evening. Many thanks to First Global Financial Services, INC Limited, Ingrid Anderson, Paula Shaw, Hearts and Ideas, the Golden Spring Community Center, United Brethren Church and all our sponsors.
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Golden Spring West Rural St. Andrew, on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Golden Spring Community Centre at 6:30 p.m. young people in the hilly terrains enjoyed Children as young as three years of age participated in the twelve week AIR & PAASA Foundation Saturday performing arts projected produced and directed by AIR & PAASA Founder, Kofi Walker, lecturer of School of Dance at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Walker initiated AIR & PAASA to facilitate the development of the performing arts in West Rural St. Andrew. In September to November 2010 AIR & PAASA was first launched at the Mt. James All Age School with Safi Harriott who exposed the children to Oriental Belly Dance. The program “Air Your School,” involved seventy five performers including Dance Works and actor Webster McDonald of School of Drama at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Other performers included dancers from the Tivoli Dance Group, Dunoon Technical High and the students of Mt. James All Age.
This year “An Evening of Young Artisans” used a similar format for the programming of AIR 2011; invited artiste Kimberley McKinson engaged twenty three youngsters from various communities of west rural St. Andrew, teaching ballet while Kofi Walker taught folklore to the younger dancers. Almost one hundred persons attended the event, thirty two young performers and sixteen persons altogether made up our production team.
The programme opened with prayer by Ms.Violet (Pansy) Nelson, Justice of the Peace followed by the Lord’s prayer in sign language. This was an interactive moment with a member of the audience while Jannel Ewing (a talented dancer and poet) signed with Mr. Kofi Walker.
The program was a series of poetry, mainly of Maya Angelou and a one piece from Louise Bennett’s Dutty Tough excellently performed by Patrice Notice. Visiting performers, Rachell and Shantell Biersay wowed the audience with A Taste of India. Shantell is the National Gold Medalist for Solo Dance Diva O’ Diva, which was also performed at the show. Shantell is one of the most authentic Indian dancer to have graced JCDC stage, say’s Jennifer Garwood, Dance Specialist.
One strong performer stood out among the local performers and that was five year old Mario Walter who was featured on Smile Jamaica TVJ with his rendition of “I’m a Little Boy from Golden Spring.” Dancers HQ Andrew Livermore, Omar Clarke and Miguel Burton from Port Maria, St. Mary was entertaining with their popular dance. Their music though was not suitable for such an event. Dunoon Technical had four students performing in this event. Featured this year were Ramon Barrett, Patrick Martin, Tamika Coke and Sydonie Johnson whose Afro- Caribbean dance solo was spirited.
The Junior Dance Department replaced Dance Works in this event featuring Gia Anderson and Brittany McLean in the duet movements and lines. Both girls performed with grace to a piece of music they were hearing just for the first time. Shari Howell of Pro Moves Dance Company performed a solo which was earth bond and eye opening for many of the audience.
The Community Safety and Security Department was present for this event. We were happy to have had Constables Tammar Green and David Chambers on site. Our parents who were very involved behind the scenes ensured that children had refreshment in the evening. Many thanks to First Global Financial Services, INC Limited, Ingrid Anderson, Paula Shaw, Hearts and Ideas, the Golden Spring Community Center, United Brethren Church and all our sponsors.
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