The community dance festival known as DanceFest will make its return next month after a five-year hiatus, but with a difference. The event has been rebranded as DanceFest the Rebirth & DJ Sound Clash.
Speaking recently at a press conference to announce the return of the dance festival with a showcase on Sunday, December 3, at the Copacabana Beach Club, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight stated: “This rebirth of dance fest, it is for us, it is for Barbadians. I think that is a special sentiment, and certainly in building up that cultural landscape, particularly around November when we celebrate Independence Day, it’s a celebration of Barbadians, a celebration of excellence and I’m so very excited, to see this rebirth, but not only of DanceFest, … that there will also include a DJ competition.”
The December showcase is the precursor to the return of the actual competition in 2024. It will see dance groups mentored by Olivia Hall, Mark Burgess, Megghan Michael and Jamal Dawe, while the DJ mentors are Indian and Chris Gayle, DJ Ras, Sheldon Papp and Chasey, Nico Vibz and Gunner, Bubbles and Evolution and Daddy Biggz and Tank. Participants will range from ages 11 to 21.
Special Envoy on Reparations and Economic Enfranchisement, Trevor Prescod, noted the origins of DanceFest was to bring “marginalised persons” who had an interest in the Arts, specifically dancing and djing, into the mainstream, giving them the opportunity to give expression to their creativity.
Reigning Champions and five-time winners of Dancefest, Multifarious Dance Crew will defend their crown when the competition returns next year.