Dance is a universal language – Unique Arts Dance Legacy

…as group celebrates 17 years with Caribbean showcase

When the stage feels the sole of countless feet and showcases synchronised pointed toes, back-to-back afro dance performances, and electrifying Caribbean rhythms, there is only one word that comes to mind: legacy. And legacy is exactly what Unique Arts Dance Legacy is celebrating as the renowned dance company marks its 17th anniversary in grand style with a vibrant Caribbean-themed production.
Kelton Jennings, a creative dancer and director of the dance group, explained that the group is aiming to take between 20 and 25 participants to Suriname this year, contingent on the success of its fundraising event, Kaya, scheduled for Saturday. He noted that the fundraiser is currently the group’s only confirmed source of funding, explaining that the initiative came together rather spontaneously. According to him, students who had recently returned from Jamaica, along with those who had just completed their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, approached him expressing a strong desire to participate in another programme.
He said the production, titled “Kaya – Uniting the Caribbean”, will feature a blend of Guyanese, Jamaican and Surinamese cultural elements woven into one performance. He described it as a team effort aimed at uniting the Caribbean through dance and storytelling. He explained that travelling to Suriname is relatively inexpensive, noting that transportation costs are relatively low and that it is also easier to bring Surinamese participants to Guyana. As a result, he said it is easier to organise exchanges and collaborative activities with participants there than with countries that require air travel, which is significantly more costly.
“Most of my travel is with young people, so what I normally do is get their parents to accompany them to experience it as well. It’s always been a large contingent,” he said. He further explained that the production is deeply rooted in collaboration and cultural unity. “I want to basically see unity in the Caribbean because we are the same. Dance is a universal language, and so is our African culture; it’s similar. Barbados, Jamaica, and Guyana – we celebrate the same Emancipation; our stories are different, but we have one common goal. This production is about unity: uniting the Caribbean, uniting dancers, uniting ideas and uniting culture. It has been that way for quite some time, but we really want to bring it together,” he said. He added that he already has plans for expanding the initiative next year, with hopes of staging a Caribbean tour from early July to the end of August, conducting workshops across the region.
“There’s Masquerade in every single Caribbean country, and there’s an origin behind it. It’s one common goal, so it’s about unity. Everything is the same – we just have to come together. People don’t always understand how strong we can be when we unite as dancers, cultural ambassadors and even journalists. Once we come together, it is beautiful. That’s my message right now: I really want us to unite and stop tearing each other down,” he said. He said that while he is not suggesting people should not be independent, there are times when individuals believe they are better off on their own. However, he stressed that true beauty emerges through collaboration and shared experiences. He explained that he has experienced the value of working with others for many years and enjoys collaborating, learning about dance, culture, and different people and personalities, all of which have contributed to his personal growth. He added that many of the stories behind his work, including the inspiration for Kaya, came from conversations with older people who shared their life experiences, struggles and successes. “So, I embed that into my dance, so it’s more storytelling,” he said.
Regarding Kaya, he confirmed that the production will be held this Saturday at the Queens College Auditorium. Admission is $2500, and the event will feature a well-stocked bar and cultural food. He noted that while they may not be able to offer cuisine from every Caribbean territory, there will be a blend of cultural influences, with Guyanese and Surinamese elements featured. The cast will include performers from Guyana and Jamaica.