With great weather and a lively interactive audience, the 10th Grenada Day New York event on Sunday, 26 August 2018 took off with initial performances by the highly anticipated presence of the Conception Dance Theatre with support from Quake USA which engaged the patrons with “Ring Games” followed directly by “Ole Time Mas.”
Following the DJ taking the audience through a “Musical journey through the Spice,” Conception Dance Theatre was once again on stage delivering “Soca Synthesis” and soon thereafter “The Invocation” and ending later thereafter with “Under the Full Moon.”
Also celebrating 10 years like the Grenada Day event, Conception Dance Theatre, under Artistic Director Cecilia Griffith was very happy to finally realise this performance, something that was in the making since 2013.
“We were very well received, and our work was greatly appreciated. We were happy to share our rich Grenadian culture and the talent of the dancers with not only our fellow Grenadians but also with the world at large. We must thank the dancers who seized this opportunity and excelled. Our guest drummers Bevin Nelson, Elwin Elo Mark, Kean Simeon and “Big.” Also, the singers from Quake USA who willingly volunteered their time and talent to ensure a flavourful experience for the audience. Nathifa Lewis who extended herself to ensure each of our needs were met, I thank you. I must thank the President of the Organising Committee and Chairman GRENCAP United Inc, Special Events and Fundraising Committee, Michael Vincent for their collaborative spirit in extending this invitation to us. Also, our local sponsors and stakeholders for ensuring the necessary finance to get us to Grenada Day NY, the Minister of Culture, Nolan Cox, the Grenada Cultural Foundation, the NLA and the GTA we greatly appreciate your contributions. And lastly, we especially thank Angus Steele who was the main catalyst in ensuring all parties came together to ensure the success of the trip/event,” said Griffith.
“The Grenada Cultural Foundation (GCF) is extremely elated over the overwhelming reviews from the performances of the Conception Dance Theatre at the Grenada Day event in New York. The professionalism of the dancers in showcasing some of our unique dances and culture speaks volumes as to the rich cultural heritage of the Spice Isle. We are pleased to have supported this venture that provided an opportunity for our people in the Diaspora to celebrate our heritage and look forward to future collaborations with GRENCAP United Inc. in the future,” said Shirma Wells, CEO of the GCF.
Following the successful staging of Grenada Day 2018, Conception Dance Theatre went further to enhance their skills by attending a dance workshop on Tuesday, 28 August at the Steps Ahead Dance Studio owned by Danielle Jenkins to further cement their ongoing passion to become even better at what they do.
The Dance Theatre is already looking ahead and towards events in 2019 to include Grenada Independence Celebrations locally and in the UK, a Dance Showcase for Schools in Grenada, CARIFESTA which would be held in Trinidad & Tobago and possibly gracing the stage for Grenada Day Toronto, Canada.
For information on the Grenada Cultural Foundation, please contact Shirma Wells at [email protected] and Conception Dance Theatre at [email protected]
