July 11 2k9 VA’S DHQ COMPETITION
Uniquely Distinctive!
Symbolic of our heritage and history, ‘Jamaica culture’ was fashioned around the mixture and influences of its many peoples. Our motto “Out of Many one People” perhaps provide the perfect definition and insight into our culture.
Dancehall queen competitions has attracted much attention internationally. However, dancehall entertainment sector is depressed and the bar of performance needs enhancement with strong regional presence in the country’s biggest cities, the time has come to empower the dancers who perform there. Donnaray artistic director for (jPAT ) Jamaica Performing arts Theater.
Dance competitions can be exciting and fun. They can also be a pain; any number of small details can go wrong and ruin your day. As in the case of VA’s DHQ competition. There were many errors on many parts.
Stage space and comfort is very critical when it comes to performing at your best in any competition, which was not in the case of this event. 1st the stage was packed with people who had no business on stage, so too much time was wasted getting them off. As the night went on the event started out with the DHK portion of the competition.
The Jamaican art movement goes back to the early part of the century, and today dancers must not forget the true art form.
I must say that few of the male constants MUST NOT know the definition of a DANCEHALL KING. It is good to be a diverse dance performer but, if your entering a Dancehall King competition one must be authentic to the art and be true to the nature of the event.
For me as a judge (Donnaray) I took NO part in the decision process on the winner of the dancehall king. I had to literally tek weh myself from the decision that was made on the final two males who were chosen to dance off for the crown. I strongly believe in performance, originality and authenticity for the dance art from outha my country Jamaica. The winner that was crowned dancehall king was a slap in the face of what dancehall art is all about. I believe that one must be judged based on the criteria’s of the competition. If this crowned king had to go to Jamaica he wouldn’t survive, not even for a sec, and its not his fault, but the fault of those two judges that (so called) over ruled me.
As the night went on the DHQ portion of the event was great minus the space, the stage, and comfort. These poor ladies had to show case their talent on the floor. A floor that is neither designed nor maintained for dancing, I would say no bigger than a mini circle. However, these ladies had talent,energy and heart. I must say they came prepared and I was impressed with most performance.
In spite of all, the event did pull through and the promoters mission was accomplished. The crowning of a queen performer NEW DANCE, the young lady has energy in abundance, technicality, and most of all know how to interpret the dance culture. A DHQ that can go to Jamaica and won’t crumble in the 2nd or 3rd round but can pull through for the state she represents,VA. We need (DHQP) Dancehall queen Performers, not just dancers. Congrats to the 1st runner up BRITT BRITT, and Mekia Hype who won the dancerzblvd award for best choreography.
Dancerzblvd’s Mission: To create art that reflects the historical experiences and contemporary lives of African Jamaicans. Creating a niche for our cross cultural and authentic collaborations, bridging cultural, racial, and ethnic differences through the arts.
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