Cuban group to appear at KCCU National Dance Festival 2010

Dancers and choreographers from Cuba are expected to make a special appearance at the 9th Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU) National Dance Festival 2010.{{more}}

This was announced by Minister of Culture René Baptiste during the official launching of the ceremony at the Ministry of Culture conference room on Wednesday September 1, 2010.

Baptiste, making brief remarks stated that two Cuban dancers as well as a Yorumba dancer will be coming to St. Vincent “for as long as we would have them,” and will be a part of the Festival.

Baptiste stated that having different people as part of the Festival will create a versatility and depth so that groups will not mimic each other.

She stated that the Ministry of Culture, which organizes the Festival, strives for the best in whatever they do. “We have to make sure that you do your very best, you have to strive for excellence.”

According to Coordinator of the Festival Ann Marie Venner, 16 schools and 5 community groups have already registered to take part. She however expects more schools to sign up and will accept registrations forms as they come in.

President of KCCU Michael John expressed how pleased he was to be partnering with the Ministry of Culture in the event as the “KCCU has a lot of interest in Youth Development”. John said that the KCCU has been a sponsor of the programme since its inception in 1994. They have donated approximately $150,000 towards the festival, with this year’s sponsorship costing approximately $50,000.

The Festival runs from September 11 to October 2 and will see performances in five categories: Modern, Social, Creative Folk, Popular and Traditional. Venner stated that they hope to have schools from Canouan and Union Island involved in the event.

Interested schools or community groups can collect registration forms and guidelines for the festival from Stanley Johnson from the Ministry of Culture. Tickets are $25.00 for stage side and balcony seats, and $20.00 for the general seating area.(OS)