Vincy dancer shows grace in Bim

Vincentians at home and abroad have long been making a name for the nation. If persons of similar ilk and ambition as Norlan Jackson keep doing what they do, then the Vincentian reputation for excellence will only grow in leaps and bounds.{{more}}

Twenty three-year-old Norlan Jackson returned last month from her sojourn at the ‘Imagine Youth’ Summer Camp, held at the Errol Barrow Centre of Creative Imagination (UWI) in Barbados. Running from July 7th until August 9th, 2008, the camp was geared towards exposing young people to Creative Arts and improving already-existing skills. The participants were able to choose two modules, which they preferred focusing on, out of Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Technology in the Arts, Theatre in the Arts, Film and Dance. Jackson opted for the Visual Arts and Dance modules – no surprise as she is a Visual Arts Teacher at the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and coaches the delightful dance group Avenue Dance Juniors.

Despite contracting a bout of bronchitis whilst attending camp, Jackson managed to bag herself three awards – Most Initiative Individual, Most Outstanding Regional Participant and 3rd prize for a group effort in an improvisation challenge. Not content with just three awards, Jackson made such an impression on the administrators and tutors that she was rewarded with an attachment at one of the top dance troupes in Barbados, Dancing Africa. She related how immensely she enjoyed the experience. “It was great!” she gushed. Her attachment allowed her to perform with Dancing Africa at several events, and, also, as part of their ‘Youth Explosion’ Kadooment Band – for which they won Best Presentation.

Jackson admitted that the camp and her attachment were “…intense”, but that didn’t deter her from thoroughly enjoying the experience. “It made me appreciate my goals more – in terms of myself and what I have to offer to SVG,” she shared. The elaborate costumes that the participants were required to wear were something Jackson found gratifying, as she had never experienced that before. She further enthused about the great friends and contacts that she has made along the way, and the opportunity to “…leave a good impression as a Vincentian and a performer.”

Jackson profusely thanked her family for encouraging her to take part in the camp, and Vonnie Roudette for recommending it to her. Furthermore, she encourages young Vincentians to get involved with the yearly camp. “It’s worthwhile. It’s an experience I won’t forget!” she affirmed. She also believes that her experience at camp will aid her when she attends Ryerson University, Canada, next year to pursue a degree in Dance Performance.

The camp administrators include Maureen Pollard and Professor Gladstone Yearwood, and the main Dance Tutor is Gene Carson. (JSV)