Ticket Alert: Roots Afro-Caribbean Dance Celebrates Jamaica’s Independence

by News Staff July 11, 2023

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Campion College Dance Society Presents 'Roots': An Afro-Caribbean Performance for Jamaica's 61st Independence Celebration

Campion College Dance Society Presents ‘Roots’ {courtesy}

By Sharon Aron Baron

In a spectacular fusion of culture, tradition, and artistry, an Afro-Caribbean dance performance, “Roots,” is set to take the stage at the Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker.

The event will be held at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, and 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 6. Following the performances at The Parker, the dance troupe is scheduled to present their dynamic show in New York City at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts at Lehman College.

The Jamaican Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports has recognized “Roots” as an official event of the nation’s 61st independence celebration. The Campion College Dance Society, a leading high school dance troupe consisting of 35 members, will deliver the performance.

The performance captures the current societal issues and prevailing optimism in Jamaica through a blend of modern contemporary and Afro-Caribbean folk forms. Jazz, reggae, and dancehall elements further enrich the presentation, establishing a profound connection with audiences irrespective of nationality or ethnicity.

It features a range of dance pieces, beginning with the dramatic “Cry of Africa” and ending with the nationalistic dance drama “Jamaica Love.”

A standout piece, “In Our Lane,” celebrates Jamaica’s prowess in track and field, choreographed by Campion alumna and resident teacher Renee McDonald. Artistic director Dwright Wright offers a poignant reflection on societal issues with his piece, “Misogyny.”

Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, Inc., present these performances as part of the Broward Center’s Arts for Action: Black Voices initiative. This program seeks to leverage the arts to elevate Black creatives’ voices in South Florida, foster knowledge and understanding, and create meaningful connections.

In line with this initiative, the Campion College Dance Society will conduct workshops at the L. A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center in the historic Sistrunk community. The workshop will involve nearly 200 summer camp participants, introducing them to Jamaican traditional folk dance elements and enhancing their musicality, phrasing, and style. The participants will also have the chance to learn and perform excerpts from selected Campion College Dance Society repertoire pieces. An informative lecture and demonstration are planned for adults at the YMCA.

The Parker is located at 707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

Tickets for the performances start at $25, with Ticketmaster serving as the official ticketing service of The Parker. Tickets can be purchased online at ParkerPlayhouse.com and Ticketmaster.com, over the phone at 954-462-0222, or in person at The Parker box office and the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.