– as National School of Dance celebrates 40th Anniversary

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has over the years worked to ensure that Guyanese remember their background and keep their culture alive. In doing so, one of its most successful areas is dance, and as this year marks the National Dance School’s 40th year of existence, the ministry in this regard will be hosting a Dance festival on April 29 – International Day of Dance.The event will be held at the National Cultural Centre, and is open to dance groups countrywide, and from persons age 14 and older.

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, noted that the National Dance School has contributed a lot to the country over the years, and as a part of its Anniversary observance, numerous activities have been planned.

He said a tree planting exercise was held on Tuesday at the institution’s compound by the students. The minister added that the upcoming dance festival is a means of encouraging individuals across the country who have an interest in dance to come out and showcase their talents.

This will help to bring out new ideas and hopefully get more individuals involved in dancing and attract a larger number of admissions into the school. Approximately $6.4M has been invested into the Festival by the ministry.

A workshop is scheduled for this weekend for groups that have already entered the competition, to help them share ideas and improve weak areas in preparation for the competition.

Minster Anthony added that he was hoping that this initiative would also strengthen the ministry’s outreach programmes and perhaps develop more satellite dance schools and even permanent schools across the country.

Ms. Vivian Daniels, Director of the National School of Dance, said there is a committee set up to overlook the event. This committee consists of nine members including herself.

(GINA)