'Campana', a dazzling spectacle

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

Fresh off the heels of a very victorious spell in the recently concluded Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival of the Performing Arts - Dance, The Campion College Dance Society remounted their triumph in a show titled 'Encore, Campana, The Journey Continues' last Saturday, the first of two days of consecutive performances.

There was spectacle abound. Lights, brightly coloured costumes, a well-constructed set and props, along with special effects to support some beautifully choreographed and, in some cases, well-executed movements to popular and familiar songs of different genres.

After a late start, Encore began with a gaily coloured dance titled 'Folk Fiesta', a dance in three movements that not only gradually introduced the three groups of dancers (Senior, Junior B and Junior A troupes) to make up the dance society, but showcased the choreography of Marlon Simms, Derrick McCarthy and Dwight Wright. However, it was McCarthy's choreographies, 'Praise Offerings', 'Ghetto Story' and 'The Journey Continues', that began the unravelling of the reason for the group's gold medal haul.

Emotive piece

Clad in Kayon Green's design of brown and cream dresses, the Junior A Troupe, dancing to the show's title piece, 'The Journey Continues', gave an emotive enactment of the middle passage, to Quincy Jones' Many Rains Ago. The dance began with the young dancers, seated in two rows upstage right and, as it progressed, captured with some fantastic body extensions, the pain and suffering of the slaves.

The title, 'Ghetto Story', gives an idea of what the dance is about, but did not speak of the use of dance drama technique and convincing acting and dancing from Alecia Maragh, Krystal Miller, Britnay Dixon and Lindsay Miller. Nor did the title give any idea that there would be well-placed set and props that included a fence and a relatively well-stocked vendor's cart. Also, the choreographer, through his dancers and their full use of the stage, executed well to Buju Banton's Untold Story. A predictable ending was the only blemish to the dance.

Before the colourful 'Praise Offering', there were a series of dances, among them the compassionate 'Widow's Cry', choreographed by Wright. Dancer Jodiann Smith, aided by a set and props, was graceful and emotive in her depiction of grief. And, as was the case with all the pieces, the national trophy winning dance traversed the large stage of the school's Lindo Hall Auditorium.

Then came gospel at its golden best, in three movements - choreographers Wright and McCarthy. The three groups of dancers seemed to be spiritually connected to the lyrics of Order my Step, Women in Praise, Let it Rain and For Your Glory. Wearing appropriately designed costumes by Barry Moncrieffe and Greene, each group of dancers silenced their screaming relatives, schoolmates and fans into a moment of worship.

Part One concluded with a thriller in a seven-movement dance drama titled 'At the Tomb', from the 2008 season. The dance began with the crucifixion of Jesus and explored the grief and denial of Mary as well as the resurrection of Jesus. The use of ultra-violet lights further heightened the mysticism. Once again, the young dancers carried out the choreographers which included Stefanie Thomas with a deep understanding.

Tribute to Haitians

When Part Two resumed, it began with another flat piece titled 'Kumbala'. However, the segment was saved by a tribute to the people of Haiti called 'Kumbaya: The Haitian Cry'. Shantoy Matthews' interpretation of Wright's Perpetual Praise and the newest addition to the group's repertoire, choreographed to the now famous DJ Powa's Nobody Canna Cross It, are worthy of mention. Other genres of dance on the programme included jazz and dancehall.

But while the show was enjoyable, it was not snag-free. In some performances, the young dancers seemed to be going through routines and, at times, the use of smoke effect was not understood. Wright, who is the artistic director of the Dance Society, acknowledged that there were some errors which resulted, in part, to the unavailability of the students for the required rehearsal, due to examinations.