Jamaican Dance
Dance
has always been a part of Jamaican society. Since the days of colonization, the
blend of European and African dances and music were created: John Canoe,
Pocomania, Bruckins are all a mixture of European dances and African movements.
Pictures of slaves at relaxation show them dancing and making merry. In fact,
folksongs and work songs that have been handed down to present day Jamaicans
are reflective of music that was produced and enjoyed by slaves.
In
1962 when Jamaica realized its dream of independence from English rule one of
the first institutions established was the National Dance Theatre Company
(NDTC). The NDTC has as it “founding fathers” Ivy Baxter, Professor Rex
Nettleford (Artistic Director) and Eddy Thomas. Since its inception the
National Dance Theatre Company has distinguished itself as the Caribbean’s
leading theatre ensemble comprising of dancers, singers and musicians. The
productions of the NDTC blend traditional Caribbean dances with modern
movements and ballet. Choreographers such as Bert Rose, Clive Thompson, Chris
Walker, Marlon Simms and the Tony Award winning Garth Fagan have all worked
with the NDTC.
Modern
street dances, which are mostly influenced by dancehall music, have swept the
nation. Dancehall music, a phenomenon of 1980’s Jamaica, is an off shoot of
Reggae music, the signature music of Jamaica. Dancehall music has given birth
to various artistes some of whom have stayed the course while others have faded
away, but always that genre of music has been surrounded by controversy.
Perhaps because it speaks so much to the reality of so many Jamaicans it is
viewed in some circles as not a true art form, even if it is not a true art
form one thing is certain: it is truly Jamaican art, born on our streets.
Clashes between popular dancehall artistes have made many headlines. Clashes
between Shabba Ranks and Ninja Man, Beenie Man and Bounty Killa and in recent
times Vybz Kartel and Mavado the named Gully- Gaza feud have all coloured the
dancehall scene. The recent impasse between dancehall artistes Vybz Kartel and
Mavado caused so much controversy that it even warranted the intervention of
the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Hon. Bruce Golding.
Reggae
was born in the 1960s a product of Rocksteady. A slow pace music that allowed
dancers to rock steadily, Rocksteady evolved from Ska. Ska a form of music as
well as a dance move is the child of Mento, with Mento being that distinct
blend of European and African music. For millions of people the words Jamaica,
Reggae and Robert ‘Bob’ Marley are all uttered in the same breath they are
virtually synonyms. While most musical forms that have at one time or another
been present in Jamaica have faded reggae still holds it own. There is no
denying the influence that both Reggae and Bob Marley have had on the world and
the recognition they have given to Jamaica. However, many other artistes have
come about and have added their names to the repertoire of Reggae artistes that
have delighted many with music, persons such as Jimmy Cliff, Beres Hammond Maxi
Priest, Morgan Heritage and so many more have all made their mark. Some of
Jamaica’s local artistes have even moved on to win the prestigious music award
the Grammy Awards. Burning Spears, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Shabba Ranks and Damion
Marley are among those Jamaican musicians who have been awarded Grammies for
their contributions to music.
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