Guyana’s dancers had their moment in the spotlight, in an electrically entertaining performance at the National Cultural Centre on Monday night.
For just over two hours, nearly one hundred and fifty of the country’s best dancers took the stage at Guyana’s signal dance production for CARIFESTA X, “People, Colours, Rhythm,” a configuration of drama and whimsy that explored the country’s rich diversity. It confirmed the country’s potential in dance, as well as the potential of the medium as a major platform for cultural exchange.

The segment paying tribute to Guyana’s Amerindian heritage during Guyana’s Signal Dance Production at the National Cultural Centre on Monday evening.

It was a lavish production, with an elaborate set design and rich costumes. There were seasoned campaigners as well as young performers drawn from five dance companies. It easily won over the capacity audience in attendance. The packed programme paid tribute through dance to the different peoples who make up the complexion of the population, tracing their history and celebrating their imagination. Among the highlights of the night was the Masquerade Band, a dying art that CARIFESTA is trying to preserve.

The production featured the work of the choreographers Georgia Harry, Linda Griffith, Vivienne Daniels, Vindhya and Trishala Persaud and Henry Cheeks, led by artistic director Clive Prowell. Prowell, who leads the Classique Dance Company, is a visionary choreographer, though his high concepts can sometimes miss their mark. He did not have to worry about that on Monday night, as the show saw a seamless transition between segments and though there were stumbles, none of the dancers and performers missed their mark.

Telling a tale: Dancers from the National Dance Company tell a ‘Water tale’ during this performance at the National Cultural Centre on Monday night during Guyana’s Signal Dance Production. (Clairmonte Marcus photo)

Dancers from the Dharmic Nritya Sangh performing a piece called, ‘Aoyie’ at the National Cultural Centre on Monday night during the Guyana Signal Dance Production (Photo by Clairmonte Marcus)