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UWI’s Rhythm of Culture 2024 promises a Celebration of Dance in T&T

For Release Upon Receipt - October 30, 2024

St. Augustine


 

Dancers performing at Rhythm of Culture, a production hosted by the Dance Unit of the Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) at The UWI St Augustine Campus.

St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago, October 30, 2024 - Rhythm of Culture, the signature dance production of The UWI St. Augustine Campus (The UWI) returns this November 8 and 9, and this year, the organisers promise a “celebration of dance in T&T” showcasing not only students, but some of the country’s top exponents of dance. The production will be held at the Daaga Auditorium on the St Augustine Campus at 7pm.

“We are bringing our alumni, community members, and dance artists together to collaborate with our students,” says Ms Deboleena Paul, head of the Dance Unit within The UWI St. Augustine’s Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA). “Not only will this expose these young dancers to performance and choreography at the highest levels, but it will also build a stronger relationship around dance in T&T.”

This year will mark the third Rhythm of Culture production under the leadership of Paul, herself a classically trained dancer and scholar from India. Primarily an exposition of Caribbean dance, it will include folk, Indian, hip hop, jazz, modern and contemporary performances.

Rhythm of Culture gives The UWI DCFA dance students the opportunity to perform on stage in front of a general audience. They will also share the stage and perform the choreography of professional dancers and teachers from The UWI, other institutions, and even dance companies.

“This is an invaluable opportunity for students to work with and observe renowned dancers,” says Paul.

She also points out that the production gives The UWI itself the opportunity to show its authority in dance, both as a performance art and an academic discipline.

“The UWI offers more than an umbrella education in the performing arts, we are a specialised unit dedicated to dance. Our graduates possess the skills and knowledge to teach and perform anywhere in the world,” she says. “We want to share that with the public. We want to bring the community of dance together. In fact, we are grateful that so many professional dancers have come to us and asked to be a part of Rhythm of Culture.” She adds, “and of course, we want to give our audiences an outstanding and entertaining show.”

Rhythm of Culture takes place on November 8 and 9 at 7pm at UWI St Augustine’s Daaga Auditorium. A special student show will take place on November 8 at 10 am at the venue. Tickets cost $100 for general audiences and $60 for students. For more details, call DCFA at 272-3232 or visit @uwicreativearts on the social media platforms.

 

Dancers performing at Rhythm of Culture, a production hosted by the Dance Unit of the Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA) at The UWI St Augustine Campus.

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About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is the Caribbean’s premier, higher education institution. One of only two regional universities in the world, it comprises five campuses across the English-speaking Caribbean and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE).

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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