Community Dance Fest Finals

By Hallam Hope

A well-coordinated, thrilling evening of dance is in the  works for the finals of Community Dance Fest which comes of on January 21^st, Errol Barrow Day, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at Wildey, starting at 5 p.m.

The finalists in the two categories have been chosen, with the male group Xtra Hype returning to defend the title they won in the 2008 adult competition. The children’s section is also expected to be a delight to witness.

Formerly known as Community indepenDANCE and associated with Barbados’ celebration of achieving nationhood the festival has been changed as the Community Development Department, which is responsible for organizing and funding the activities, moves to develop this cultural art form across communities islandwide and promote community spirit.

Xtra Hype and New Era qualified from the St. Michael Nothern Zone. From the St. Michael Southern Zone there is Demolition Squad, Reactive Force, Kumba and the childrens’ groups, Little People Fun n’ Frolic and the Israel Lovell Foundation, which can be expected to bring a vociferous following like many of the other groups. The Northern Zone finalists are Alexandra School, Supa Crazy and OLOS, another group competing in the childrens’ section.

And from the Southern Zone there is Adrenalin, Les Filles Magnifique, a female group as the French name indicates, and the children’s group, Tabia.

“It is going to be an extremely entertaining evening and we are inviting all Barbadians to come out and support these young dancers,” said Tyrone Trotman, Community Dance Fest Co-ordinator.

The curtain came down for judging of Zone finalists in Community Dance Fest shortly before Christmas. Chief Coach Ramoun Joseph and his team is working with the finalists to fine-tune their performances ahead of the finals on Errol Barrow Day - January 21^st. Information on Community Dance Fest is available on the website of the Community Development Department - www.comdev.gov.bb.