Entries are now being accepted for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) 2014 World Reggae Dance Championship. The competition is open to dance groups comprising 3 to 6 persons, 16 years of age and older and residing in and outside of Jamaica.  

According to Juliet Cowan-Morgan, Competition Coordinator, “In an effort to give national and international exposure to the talents that exist in Reggae/Roots Dance, entries are accepted in the categories of Roots Reggae, Dancehall, Reggae Contemporary/Classic, Reggae Dancehall and Dance Narrative.”

DANCE WORKSHOPS
She further stated that the World Reggae Dance Championship is expected to see improved performances from the Jamaican groups, as the JCDC will provide regional workshops for dancers prior to the start of the first round of eliminations.

Training workshops are scheduled for Thursday, May 15 at the Ocean Village Shopping Centre, St. Ann; Friday, May 16 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and Saturday, May 17 at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School starting at 12: 30 p.m. each day.

FRANCHISE WELCOMED
As a new feature of this year’s competition, the JCDC is inviting other countries to purchase the World Reggae Dance Championship franchise to host an elimination show in their country and send the winners to participate in the international final in Jamaica. This move will bolster the international participation in the championship which had its first international entrants from Japan in 2009 and four international groups competing last year. Details on the franchise arrangement are available on the JCDC website.

Entry forms for the competition is available at the JCDC Head Office located at 3-5 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston 10, all JCDC parish offices island-wide and online at www.jcdc.gov.jm. Completed forms can be dropped off at any JCDC Parish Office.