It was a late Christmas present for the residents of West Terrace, St James, but nonetheless a pleasing one as the BlackDiamond Dance Academy hosted the second Christmas dance extravaganza last Saturday night.
There was standing room only at the National Cultural Foundation’s “pannex” as many residents and several dance enthusiasts beckoned for a vantage point to capture the action. And action there was as the oldest member of the group, 77-year-old Neville Springer, dressed as Santa Claus, brought smiles to the faces of many.
His social dance with a flirtatious character bought many jovial stares from the audience, but it saw “Mrs Clause” played by Sally-Ann Burton bring out the cou-cou stick.
Springer also dazzled the crowd, appearing light on his feet during his performance of the Waltz, with Julie Holmes as well Burton wooed the audience in her Rumba dance.
BlackDiamond founder Randy Payne told the DAILY NATION the venture was an effort to encourage more members, particularly seniors, to become more active. He too took to the dance floor to show off his moves.
Also performing were Madonna Gollop, who did the Tango; Harold Broom and Shauna Yearwood – the Foxtrot; George and his partner Joan Clement in the Quick Step; Alison Bishop-Payne and Anthony Lee in the Cha-Cha, along with Owen Hunte and Tamara Bynoe doing the Samba.
And after all the eats and drinks, the audience too got into the do with a performance of the much-loved line dance.
