Japanese dancers win Jamaican championship

As many persons celebrated Jamaica 50 at the National Stadium parking lot on Saturday, it was a Japanese group that claimed the top spot at the World Reggae Dance Championship.

When the results were announced at the end of the show, the audience was somewhat silent with only a few celebrating the victory of Japan Squad that had given a commendable performance earlier in the night.

Taking the stage after several other groups, the squad entertained patrons as they showed a good grasp of Jamaican dance moves.

In green, black and yellow school uniforms, they extended their bodies and gave an energetic performance. The group ended the piece with a 'Happy 50th' banner accompanied by confetti. Rounding out the top three were Untouchable Squad (second) and Unstoppable Squad that came in third.

A number of sectional prizes were also given out on the night. Flava Expressions and Black Eagle tied for the Best Rural Group; Unstoppable Squad and Untouchable Squad were also tied for the Best Urban Group; Untouchable Squad got Best Costume; Japan Squad claimed Best International Group and Exclusive Dancers was named Most Disciplined Group.

To start the night, all the dancers did a routine with a medley, many including Jamaica 50 songs like Find The Flag and On A Mission.

IDS Crew was the first to do their piece, followed by Unstoppable Crew that was very entertaining.

Most impressive act

The group thrilled the audience with their stunts, but it was a man swinging another around his body while on top of a tall pyramid that was the most impressive.

A-Graders paid homage to Jamaica 50, but Cumberland Storm was not particularly impressive.
Card Unit used their bodies to make things like a piano and seesaw but had hiccups with a few other stunts. Splinter Diamond had a fast but normal routine, while Flava Expressions had the right mix of choreography and stunts that earned them good responses.

With a break from the dancing, the On A Mission music video was shown, putting patrons in a frenzy.

They waved flags, blew horns and vuvuzelas and danced. The same atmosphere was replicated when songs like Jah Cure's Unconditional Love and Tarrus Riley's She's Royal were played.

Returning to the dancing, Diamond Squad shocked the audience at the end of their routine by handling a small goat in a rough manner. Supreme Blazzaz had immense energy, Exclusive Dancers was average and Untouchable Squad did a tribute to Jamaica 50.

Black Eagle didn't get a big response from the audience and Face Expressions did not leave a lasting impression.

Ahead of the announcement of the winners, KipRich took the stage and excited the audience when he said, "Jeter di tough one couldn't beat Shelly-Ann." However, he got a bit 'unruly' at one point. Luckily, he was tamer with songs like Telephone Ting and Di Facebook.

Aidonia had the people screaming and shouting as he touched the stage with Summer Sun followed by Evil Head. He also did songs like Caribbean Girl and Jehovah.

(from Jamaica Gleaner)