High Schools Take Stage for Belize District Festival of the Arts

The Belize District Festival of Arts got underway on Tuesday with over one hundred performances in dance, drama, song and even poetry at the Bird’s Isle. Two days later, high school students got the opportunity to perform in the same genre as the young students from primary schools.  Though gifted with varied skills, the performers say it takes dedication to perfect their craft. News Five’s Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Day three of the Belize District Festival of Arts featured some twelve secondary institutions in its high school edition. There were fifty-two creative arts presentations in drama, dance and song at the Bird’s Isle as three adjudicators would determine the level and understanding of the performances, given the specific criteria.

Darlene Lozano

Darlene Lozano, Education Officer, Belize District Education Center

“We actually have original pieces like this one. So we have students who wrote their own music and drama that they are presenting. So we are seeing lots of originality and creativity. As I have said before, our Belizean students they have talent.”

Duane Moody

“What are they being judged on?”

Darlene Lozano

“It’s the performance criteria: it varies from stage presence, connection with the audience, rhythm, tempo, your interpretation of the piece—every category has its own criteria.”

E.P. Yorke fourth former Adrian Pott and Ladyville Tech second former Rihanna Vernon both presented different forms of the creative arts. While it gives them a chance to showcase their talent, both say that it takes dedication.

Adrian Pott

Adrian Pott, E.P. Yorke High School

“I got the opportunity to showcase my vocal skills. The Festival of Arts gives us a chance to showcase the talent that we have and some people may not know. When you come on this stage, you get that chance to be one with the people, give them that entertainment; something that they will enjoy.  In the creative arts movement, I also do drama; I do poetry a little, but not as much. And I’ve been singing since I reach first form at E.P. Yorke.”

Rihanna Vernon

Rihanna Vernon, Ladyville Technical High School

“We will be doing a poem entitled, “Shh, the Teacher is Talking.” Well I was a little bit nervous, but our principal Misses Ardeth Rudon she has boost our confidence so I think that I am going to do a good job.”

Duane Moody

“Is this the only form of the creative arts that you do?”

Rihanna Vernon

“Well I believe rthat I am a great dancers because I am in our school band; I dance for the majorettes. And like acting, it’s a part of me so I have to.”

The high schoolers and those in attendance were treated to surprise performances by Belizean artists, Dajah and Cocono Boy. As they shared words of inspiration, both artists say that initiatives like the Festival of Arts are the foundation for pursuing careers in the music industry.

Dajah

Dajah, Belizean Artist

“It really takes a lot of courage to get up there and perform because some people, they want to pursue this music, but it comes with different aspects. You have to know how to perform, you have to know how to perform, you have to know how to vocalize properly.  It all starts at this point. If you could be brave enough to do this, then it goes from here.”

Cocono Boy, Belizean Artist

“I always believe weh yo di see, yo follow or you get inspired b. as a performer, learning to work the stage and how to interact with yo audience and different audience is something weh I love, dah my thing. And I try do my homework and try improve after every performance.”

Cocono Boy

Duane Moody

“Did you start from this same age as well with performing and music?”

Cocono Boy

“Yeah at a very young age, seventeen start to perform ina high school and build mi way up.”

Duane Moody for News Five.