NIFCA semi-finals impress

It was an impressive line-up of raw talent on Saturday night for the second day of the NIFCA Performing Arts semi-finals held at the Combermere School Hall. 

 

A diverse amount of talent showcased in dance, drama, song and spoken word captivated and wowed the audience leaving persons spellbound in their wake. Semi-finalists brought their A-games on Saturday night, each group or person vying for a spot in the NIFCA  finals. 

 

Phoenix Performers, the first to grace the stage was the opening appetiser that night with a dramatic presentation ‘De Gully belong to We.’  New dimensions Dance Ministry wowed the audience with two entertaining dance pieces, full of energy, rhythm with an unspoken message to making each performance one to behold but it was thie second performance that night that was the crème de la crème. A riveting and energetic dance entitled, ‘Village Praise.’ It was an adult contemporary dance which embodied community spirit, togetherness, love and peace but most importantly happiness.

 

Barbados Dance Project showcased two dramatic dance pieces in the modern contemporary style. Dances which spoke volumes on stage, keeping your eyes pegged to each dancer and each move which told a story.

 

Trinity Clarke, the youngest performer during the show did an original song piece titled, ‘Representing My Flag.’ Though her diction needed work the young artist made her mark on stage waving the Barbados flag throughout her performance. 

 

Elijah Tafari was one to hear with the self- penned piece ‘Rastaman in Parliament.’ This was a piece filled with funny anecdotes yet held many truths, as it addressed different issues currently plaguing the Barbadian society. Tafari delivered this piece with strong convictions leaving the audience whistling and shouting appreciation.

 

Damian Reid was also another semi-finalist that kept the audience on their toes with the spoken word ‘Visions of Freedom.’ This piece looked at slavery in Barbados and blacks’ fight for freedom on Bailey’s Plantation.

 

Moving on from slavery, dancers Josiah Haynes and Jaicee Armstrong set the stage on fire with a sensual and heated latin number ‘Caged.’ The two dancers complimented each other throughout their performance and one could feel the heated energy igniting from the stage with each dance step. This performance was an audience favourite and had persons shouting for more.

 

The Pelican Island Brass, the only brass group that night brought a different yet entertaining aspect to the evening with their Brass Quintet performance which embodied a  blend of Western, African, Caribbean and Spouge music.

 

The night’s performances ended on high with a performance from the dance group ADL Adrenalin Dancers, winners of Community Dance Fest 2015. The group performed an urban contemporary street dance theme ‘Going For Gold,’ which erupted shrills and screams from patrons. The dance entailed athletics at its best and the journey it entailed. It was smooth, precise and entertaining.