September dance contest offers one thousand dollar prizes

While some express themselves through poetry, others choose a more physical form of personal expression… dance. To encourage more participation in the art, the Belize Arts Council is holding Dance Competition 1999 with a one thousand-dollar cash prize for each of three categories. But as Greg Vernon explains, you’ve got to do more than shake a leg.

Greg Vernon, Dance Coordinator

“We’re asking that people do two compulsory dances. The categories are Waltz-Bolero, Salsa-Meregue and Punta-Punta Rock. So if you can capture those areas, then you’ll be able to come into the competition. You can also come in with your own style of dance which will gain you the most points.”

Q: “How has the response been so far?”

Greg Vernon

“Very slow. We’re looking for people to come and sign up. Our doors are open and we’re waiting for people to come in and say, “I would like to be a part of this competition.”

Q: “Is any facility being made open so that interested parties can practice here?”

Greg Vernon

“The Bliss is always open to artists during the day. The Dance Company comes in the evenings and the Drama Company. And also different places, they just have to contact the Arts Council and we’ll find some place for them to rehearse.”

The competition is divided by three age groups: thirteen to twenty, twenty-one to forty and forty and older. In addition to the thousand dollars awarded to each winner, winners will receive trophies and scholarships. The competition is scheduled for September eighth at the City Center at seven-thirty p.m. For more information, contact the Belize Arts Council.