Last night was the official opening ceremony of the 3rd Rex Nettleford Arts conference. The combination of performances and a keynote address by a United Nations representative.
The performances included some interpretive movement by the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts Schools of Drama, Visual Arts, and Music students where they literally climbed down a rope from the balcony were so connected to each other the energy was palpable. My personal favorite was kind of a nod to dance halls — titled “Reggae Philharmonic” performed by the School of Dance students. The high energy and expression of the dancers was off the chain!
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It was hard to stay in my seat. It was also a great example of what ProRo has been talking about in AADC class recently–the movement of the hips (especially hip whine) is a beautiful and fun expression rather than the sexualized symbolism it typically carries in the U.S. In class we discuss the context of movement as a whole in order to avoid appropriating and misrepresenting the stories we share. The use of hip whining and a mix of traditional, informal, and jazz and modern styles was exceptional–a seamless blend of disciplines. There’s too much to say about all of the performances to cover now–we’re preparing for our performance! T-minus 1 hour!
The keynote speaker, Ramu Damodaran, Deputy Director for Partnerships and Public Engagement in the United Nations Department of Public Information’s Outreach Division, spoke about his work at the UN related the ways in which it parallels the objectives and outcomes of the Rex Nettleford Arts Conference. He highlighted the power of the arts to transform, heal, operate as an agent of diplomacy, and as an identifying cultural expression. His speech spurred ideas on HOW to use the knowledge we’re receiving at the conference as well as to reaffirm the value of the arts in connecting different nations, cultures, and people. Being here with people from all over the world and attending presentations of papers on globalization have added another layer to ProRo’s class discussions on contextualization and promoting cultural sharing and respect. I am awed by the wealth of knowledge that ProRo has given to us. The opportunity to be here is invaluable. We are forever indebted to ProRo AND Vickie Casanova-Willis for fighting for us, promoting, encouraging, teaching, and leading us, and more specifically for spearheading our attendance at the conference!
Amelia Smith, AADC Assistant Instructor
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