AS the date for Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence fast approaches, dancer and actor Kijana Lewis is playing an integral part in ensuring Guyanese are treated to an unforgettable cultural experience. He hopes that this experience will transcend what the public has already been treated to in past shows that he has been privileged to

Who is Kijana Lewis?

Kijana Lewis is no stranger to the Guyanese public, having been active in the field of dance for over 12 years. From the establishment of his first local dance group “Divine Stars” – which was based in Buxton – he has been a force to be reckoned with. Shortly after his debut, Kijana soon caught the eye of Vivian Daniels, Director of the National Dance Company at the time. He subsequently joined the professional dance troupe in hopes of honing his craft. Though primarily an African Genre dancer, Kijana quickly morphed into an all-rounder through sweat and tears; performing not only African dances but modern, contemporary and hip hop dances in the Company’s many productions. However his world of dance has not been limited to Guyana’s shores, Kijana represented Guyana in seven of eight of the Region’s Carifesta celebrations from 2007-2015. He has also danced on several occasions with the Astro-Johnson Dance Company based in Trinidad, having enjoyed his most recent time with the troupe in May 2015.

GOLDEN JUBILEE
Because of his passion for dance and helping to enhance the local dance industry, it is no surprise that Kijana will make significant contributions to the Golden Jubilee of Independence. His first major contribution was made at the Jubilee’s Launch on December 31, 2015 in which he danced and choreographed all major dance productions on the programme. He is currently preparing for a dance show which he calls a kickoff to the main event and is slated to be held on April 23, 2016. This show is being performed by dancers from his dance school: “Free Souls Dance Company”. The troupe consists of a myriad of dancers from varying dance companies in and around Guyana. “The show will allow the dancers the freedom to choreograph and perform their ideas as well as break the barriers of what they are allowed to do… with their own company,” Kijana said. In addition, the show will focus on portraying the history of Guyana and will also chronicle the journey that our nation has been on since its independence in 1966.
During the show, Kijana states that his dancers will tackle the social issues that are currently plaguing our society such as suicide, domestic violence and poverty. These issues will be portrayed not only through dance but dramatic pieces which will give Guyanese a chance to see these issues in their true light without any covers. While these and other issues do have a negative connotation, the show will also focus on how we can evoke change and correct our circumstances. “I hope to show a positive outcome to these problems, but the difference is it will not all be fairy tale endings, it will be real situations with real endings bringing hope to the Guyanese people,” he said.

Problems facing Guyana with dance
Talking about the stigma as well as problems Guyanese dancers are faced with was something he was very outspoken about and something that seemed to reflect his passion for dance. “Guyanese dancers are faced with so many problems it’s not even funny, we can’t train as much as we want since we are not paid adequately enough.” He said that most dancers have additional jobs because they cannot sustain themselves by solely participating in dance. “The culture of dance in other countries is so rich and the dancing is on such a level that it really makes you think about as our shortcomings as a nation. When I was in Trinidad dancing, the disparity between what we are doing here in Guyana versus them is so apparent. They take it very seriously and dance almost the entire day and are paid exceptionally well for their time and dedication,” he said. Kijana noted that in Guyana, there is also a stigma attached to male dancers which therefore limit the extents to which they are able to reach. “There are so many good male dancers out there who are forced to hold back and hide their talents from the world because of labels that are attached to us. If these labels weren’t there and if the stigmas attached were removed, Guyana’s dance would take off. It is my hope that with my company we can change the situation here.” Kijana’s passion for dance is something he exuded throughout the conversation.
Expectations will be blown away with the work that this talented and passionate Guyanese has planned, not just for the Jubilee celebration but for Guyana’s dance industry on a whole. Listening to Kijana speak about his work as a dancer, one thing is clear: he is here to make an impact.

By Daniel Haynes