As promised, this week’s critical review will focus on what the judges told the defeated contestants before they were cut from the GT&T Feel the Beat competition; why they were sent home and what the audience thought of their eliminations. The Scene boasts first-hand information on entertainment, so this review also has the exclusive commentary by the judges and the finalists.
The grand finale is set for Sunday June 10 at the National Cultural Centre.
As I said last week, I have been eyeing these dancers like a hawk ever since their auditions. I know just as much as the judges what they went through and what was expected. I know their faults and what they needed to do to remain. I foretold this outcome a week ago.
Eliminated: Adona
Watching Adona at the Semis I said that I had never felt so let down; I begged her to put some effort into her performance for the finals and she did it! From the introduction to her last dance she was perfect. But why was she eliminated?
The judges told Adona that because of her previous performance, votes were low. Adona was always up for dancehall and vibes and for the final she spiced it up with all she had but by this time it was too late.
She is an exceptional dancer and a great model for transformation, especially when the pressure kicks in. She was the first to be cut off from the competition; she hugged all the other contestants and waved off to the audience before leaving the stage. You will truly be missed, firecracker.
Eliminated: Quaison
The same thing that happened to Adona was repeated in Quaison’s case; he blew out at the Semis. The judges told Quaison that his solo was just not enough, and even in the final, his solo was not up to standard. It was given negative reviews by the judges and the audience didn’t really follow the storyline. For me as a viewing critic Quaison took too long to appeal to me, but because of his connection to his dance and the audience I wish him all the best. He bowed his head in thanks to the audience and briskly walked off the stage as he was cut off.
Eliminated: Jemal
Jemal’s elimination was not surprising. Jemal has been doing the same moves, styles, personas and attitude since the auditions. I did ask myself in the previous reviews if he had what it takes… he certainly did not. His moves only fascinated the audience because they were not average in this country, but after a time they became redundant and dull – like looking at the movie Step Up for 2 and a half months straight. Jemal did receive a lot of exposure but his facial expression was stern when leaving the stage, it was clear that he was just mad at the results.
The Top 3 finalists
Patricia Bookie – Patricia was busy doing rehearsals for the Grand Finale. However, she stopped off long enough to say that the experience was great and she plans on working very hard to fulfil her goal of winning the prize money and being ‘Guyana’s Best Dancer’.
Nadata Vancooten
The Scene: What do you think of the overall competition?
Nadata: So far they’re doing a good job but I think they should set age limits. Young people need to show what they can do, they need the opportunity and this is a stage to do so, but the older persons who have years of experience are in the competition and kind of overshadowing the others. Young persons are basically blocked and pushed down by the more experienced elders
The Scene: Do you think you will win?
Nadata: It’s a tricky question. First of all I was never popular with public voting, but I was surprised to see how many supporting fans I had at the Semis and Final. Patricia is ahead with public voting but I just know I have improved. I have a pretty good idea who is winning.
The Scene: What do you plan on doing with the money, providing that you win?
Nadata: I always wanted to open my own dance school, but there’s a lot more I need to learn in order to teach others. I would go and dance at Classique’s studio because I believe that’s the ideal place for my dancing, that’s a definite place for me to go. After I have learned enough I will invest in my school.
The Scene: Okay, what would you like to say to your fans?
Nadata: Thanks a lot; I didn’t know that I had so many fans until the semi-finals when I got the most push to perform that night. In all I am receiving a lot of reception and as a dancer that’s good because no one knew of my talent before.
Dominic Alleyne
The Scene: What do you think of the other competitors?
Dominic: I believe technique is important, with more focus on technique the dancers can improve.
The Scene: So what do you think of the choreographers, the producers. How can they improve and how was the experience for you?
Dominic: Most of the choreographers I’ve worked with were really easy going; I haven’t had any problems with any of them. The producers do what they do best.
The Scene: Do you think that you put in a lot of effort to win the competition?
Dominic: Yes, I believe I’ve worked hard enough to win.
The Scene: So if you win, what would you do with the money?
Dominic: Put some in the bank and I’m going to invest in my education and take a trip somewhere.
The Scene: What would you like to say to your fans?
Dominic: I love all my fans a whole lot and I thank them for all the support – that’s from the bottom of my heart.
The Judges
I was told that Vivienne Daniel was not the talking type and she would just transfer me to another judge.
Clive Prowell
The Scene: So tell me what you think of the top 3, do they belong in those spots?
Clive: They all deserve to be there, they each have something special.
Nadata has drama and she can capitalise on that; she uses her drama and expression to captivate.
Patricia has years of experience so she knows what she’s doing.
Dominic is like a sponge – he sucks up everything, takes the advice and betters himself.
The Scene: What you think can be done to improve the show?
Clive: Well this was just the pilot show. We don’t have millions of dollars invested in the show like the international dance shows we see on television that everyone gets all gaga about. We are working to better ourselves, dancers now have something to look forward to, they can now say ‘If I rehearse all year I can get into Feel the Beat and possibly win that million and be exposed’.
Jovan Wilson
The Scene: So tell me what you think of the top 3, do they belong in those spots?
Jovan: Yes, I think they do because it reflects this competition. It’s just not about dancers but our opinion as the judges and who Guyana has – it is a combination of that three that makes us feel the beat. Everyone grew tremendously from the start; they remain humble and reflect the versatility, they definitely deserve to be there.
The Scene: So you don’t think Jemal deserves to be there?
And how bad do you miss him?
Jovan: Well that decision was made collectively by the panel, take in mind too Guyana votes. He is very talented in what he does; it has been a pleasure being on the very first show, platform to exhibit or talents, that’s a motive to keep the youths all off the road. We miss his talent, Guyana knows about him and the world of opportunity awaits him – all of them.
The Scene: Do you believe Vivienne’s comment when she said no matter what Jemal does, you will always approve?
Jovan: I had to stop her there when she said it. I have an eye for talent and if I recognise I will applaud their efforts.
The Scene: What you think can be done to improve the show?
Jovan: I must applaud GT&T and HJ for even coming up with this concept. It’s just wonderful, so far we’ve come a great way – the backup team, the dancers, everyone. There is always room for improvement and we’ve received a lot of feedback on what we should and should not be doing – it’s constructive criticism. It is definitely something to look forward to next year. Guyana has a wealth of talent from both the young and old. Patricia, who is probably one of the oldest competitors, has been waiting for something like this for years. She now has the opportunity to express herself. It’s really good that it takes us off the streets, it’s a platform to inspire other people. Never give up, success means preparation to exercise our talents.
I recognise all 3 contestants are very hungry.
Dominic was basically an underdog but his versatility just popped out.
Nadata has the strength and dedication. She was nearly eliminated from the competition when the other contestants were given a chance to vote off another dancer, we saved her because we saw what she could do.
Patricia is a mother of four; she has a 3-month-old. She embodies the quality of a strong woman.
They all qualify for the spot; it’s now up to Guyana to vote. (Jairo Rodrigues)
