“Good night, Mon.” In Jamaica, this is a greeting. Hah!
This was one of the many delightful sayings introduced by the emcees at the Water the Roots event, which ended the conference with a delightful series of performances from Edna Manley College Alumni and current students.
This performance was oozing with Jamaican pride and talent, which was powerful. If the past few days of performances hadn’t already made me fall in love with their unique traditions (which it did), this performance did. So while reminiscing, I’d say, I’ve been pushed over the edge into a Jamaican fan girl state. I’m wishing I bought one of their flags for my living room.
Anyways, watching the emcees charming humor and accents, the reggae infused (yet very diverse) musical performances, the dance hall reminiscent dance performances, and comedic acts from the Jamaican self named “country girl” was almost too much to handle. It was hard for me to leave, because I wanted to put the show in my pocket and take it home.
Witnessing this show felt like a precious opportunity. It was a persuasive declaration of Jamaican’s sense of place and identity in the world, but also intimate. These artists were giving back to the place that had turned them into such excellent artists. I think it’s amazing the power and necessity of teaching the next generation to cultivate the arts.
Thank YOU alumni, for helping us go to such an event. I hope to pay the investment you’ve made in me forward.
Sincerely,
AnnaRose Girvin, AADC dancer
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