The connection between netball and dance may not seem clear.
But a group of Jamaican dancers recently clarified that relationship over the weekend. The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble performed a three-hour long routine split up into six acts at the Harquail Theatre. The segments focused on various aspects of Jamaican culture from its history and link to slavery to religion and its cultural legacy with tributes to the likes of Jimmy Cliff and Rex Nettleford.
Chief choreographers were Abeldo ‘Tokie’ Gonzales, Patsy Ricketts and Monika Lawrence. Music by Jamaican legends Bob Marley and Shaggy were also part of the performance. The group was brought in by the Cayman Islands Netball Association to help with fundraising efforts.
Lawrence is the founder of the ensemble and a guest lecturer at the University College of the Cayman Islands (in the area of Cultural Studies). She states the group wants to support netball, both in Cayman and the region.
“Dance and netball are two areas that are under-sponsored in the Caribbean,” Lawrence said. “Being in the Caribbean, it’s not about Jamaica and its netball or about Caymanian netball. It’s about being the strongest unit. We should help each other. This is a chance to do that. We look at it as strengthening the Caribbean, not just Cayman.
“The two also share a physical link. Dance utilizes bodily expressions like netball. Both require physical exuberance and exertion. In my opinion they are all about making the Caribbean look better, no matter who is in there.”
The Stella Maris performance had the patronage of Sports Minister Mark Scotland and wife Cindy Scotland. A number of local entities also came on as sponsors including the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture; Cayman Airways; Shopsmart and the National Building Society of the Cayman Islands.
While in Cayman the ensemble also led workshops with local students and dance groups. About 330 kids from Grand Cayman’s primary and high schools came out to learn dance moves from genres such as mento, skat and rock steady.
Netball association president Lucille Seymour states the ensemble’s presence served local sports and culture.
“This relationship will go down in the annals of history,” Seymour said. “Its effects will only cement the performing arts and sports in Cayman.”
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