Dancehall Dance Association formed

Complacency is the enemy of progress, so with no organisation in place advocating for the rights of Jamaican dancers and choreographers, stakeholders have formed an official association dedicated to the movement.

"The Dancehall Dance Association (DDA) creates a collective that aims to develop and educate its members on best practices related to their art and business, as well as advocates for the needs of dancehall dancers," dance advocate and choreographer Maria Hitchins told Dancers' Paradise.

Other core members and key players include established Jamaican dancers and choreographers: Latonya Style, Kimiko Versatile, Inspire, Pancho, Mikhail Venom, Wayne Fantastic and Zidan Xqlusiv. The dancehall dancers joined forces to establish a credible body that will champion the needs of dancehall dance worldwide.

This subculture, Hitchins stated, has existed alongside dancehall music for over five decades and continues to expand brand Jamaica beyond the island's geographical border. It is with this legacy that the DDA aims to provide a strong sense of security when it comes to control and ownership of the dance genre or culture. She said it is important to take an organised, cohesive approach to industry issues in order to improve collective desired outcomes.

"Dancehall dancers are oftentimes misrepresented or under-represented. And there are too many instances of non-Jamaicans especially laying claim or renaming what truly belongs to us," she added. To honour the movement, the association hosted a soft launch titled 'Dancehall Independence Week' during the Emancipendence celebration. The four-day event included dance classes and lectures on dancehall dance culture conducted by over 45 Jamaican dancers, both on the island as well as Jamaicans living and teaching in countries such as Australia, Canada, China, the USA and France.

Largely curated for online overseas participants due to current COVID protocols, the sessions engaged in dual participation, incorporating both virtual and physical elements.

"That week of Emancipendence represents resilience which characterises the spirit of dancehall dancers who have birthed not just dance steps, but a whole lifestyle and careers," Hitchins said.

The DDA hopes to make the event an annual affair.