SPORTS, TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE & CULTURE

St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, 23rd September 2020. The Department of Culture (DOC) is pleased to present the Virtual National & Regional Dance Solo Competitions under the theme ‘Dancing Together, Distances Apart’. The National Competition will form part of the official 2020 Independence Celebrations on Monday, 26th October while the regional component will be hosted on Tuesday, 15th December 2020.

The Virtual National Dance Solo Competition is opened to Antiguans and Barbudans, sixteen (16) to thirty-five (35) years. The participants are encouraged to explore all genres music. They may also integrate spoken word and/or percussion as the accompaniment for the performance. The dance disciplines that can be performed are Caribbean / Folk, African, Modern / Contemporary, Street Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballet. Only the top three winners will be announced. The winner will then represent Antigua and Barbuda in the Regional Competition, in December 2020.

Mr. Gilbert Laudat, the Special Events Coordinator, stated, "As a former dancer with a passion for the performing arts I am very happy to spearhead this initiative. Even though we are being affected by COVID-19, our energies and talents can still find ways to manifest themselves. This virtual dance completion does exactly that.”

Mr. Laudat further stated, "Maintaining agility, creativity, and overall physical fitness is paramount to all dancers. Although COVID - 19 has triggered many health protocols that must be adhered to, dancers and performing artistes can execute their discipline in a safe and secure atmosphere while providing wholesome entertainment for viewers." Mr. Laudat also commented on the developmental aspect of this project, stating that this competition will encourage creativity and innovation while further opening participants to various and new disciplines of the dance art form. Also, while developing new dancers, this will allow season dancers to remain active while creating opportunities for an expansion of dance repertoire."

Mr. Khan Cordice, Director of Culture, commends Mr. Laudat and the Dance Division at the Department of Culture for initiating such a project. Mr. Cordice stated, "The uniqueness of this virtual competition gives performers an avenue to be creative and use cultural spaces to showcase their talent in a safe environment. He indicated that the competition will allow for further exposure for the Dance Department and its instructors as they will be able to participate and train persons for the said competition.

Registration for the competition opens today Wednesday, 23rd September. Application forms can be collected at the Department of Culture (DOC), located lower Redcliff Street and/or upstairs the Cecil George-John Building on the corner of Redcliffe Street and Corn Alley. Interested persons can also complete their registration online by visiting the Cultural Development Division – Antigua and Barbuda.

The deadline for registration and video submission is Friday, 16th October.