"I am extremely sorry for the parents who missed their child's performance here today," declared competition host Debra Boucaud-Mason at the finals of the Secondary Schools Dance Festival last Friday, at the Rudranath Capildeo Learning Resource Centre, Mc Bean, Couva. The talent, passion and choreography at the finals were outstanding.
The Indian Film dancers brought fire and energy; the modern dancers brought soul, while the hip hop dancers brought swagger. In the ballroom category dancers showed sensuality, while the folk dancers epitomised style and elegance. Teachers and choreographers should also be commended for the innovative and powerful pieces
performed. Though some of the choreography demanded a lot from the students, most of them stepped up to the challenge and took the stage by storm.
It was also encouraging to see more male dancers once again in the dance arena. They exuded a strength and energy that was entertaining to watch. Though there were a few minor mishaps in terms of music and some skids by several ballroom dancers during their performances, the competition was indeed a success. One teacher suggested that the next Dance Festival should be held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, where more students could be exposed to this art form in a more professional setting. He even questioned why it was not held there this year.
Results
Second annual Secondary Schools Dance Festival
Student Choreography
1st place: Pleasantville Secondary School
2nd place: St Joseph's Convent (Port-of-Spain)
3rd place: Barataria South Secondary School
Solo 11-15 Female
1st place: Afiya Lewis – Pleasantville Secondary School
2nd place: Melinda Etienne – Arima Central Secondary School
3rd place: Kela Bobb – Matura High School
Solo 11-15 Male
1st place: Adesh Sookdeo – Swaha Hindu College
2nd place: Kavir Rambaran – Arima Central Secondary School
Solo 16-19 Female
1st place: Kenisha Welcome – Pleasantville Secondary School
2nd place: Abiodun Desu – Northgate College
3rd place: Chemise John – Barataria South Secondary School
Solo 16-19 Male
1st place: Joseph Lewis – Arima Central Secondary School
2nd place: Terrance Moonsai – Siparia East Secondary School
Duet 11-15 years
1st place: Shalini Jutteran and Mohini Mahase–Swaha Hindu College
2nd place: Mark-Che Devonish and Ariel Britton – St Mary's College
3rd place: Leah Mendoza and Celeste Libert – Bishop Anstey High School East
Duet 16-19 Years
1st place: Joshua and Giselle Pascall – Fyzabad Anglican Secondary School
2nd place: Keziah Calbio and Joseph Lewis–Arima Central Secondary School
3rd place: Shenece St Rose and Cory Skeete – Tableland Secondary School
Group 11-15 Years
1st place: Barataria North Secondary School
2nd place: Tableland Secondary School
3rd place: Pleasantville Secondary School (Trio)