First Dance Studios poised to enhance cultural tourism – Minister of tourism
Entity celebrates 10th anniversary
Published:Monday | February 12, 2024 | 12:09 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Global cultural tourism demand is likely to surge at a rate of 14.4 per cent over the next 10 years, taking its market size to US$22.7 billion by 2033, according to Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett.
Bartlett, in a speech delivered by the Jamaica Tourist Board’s regional director, Odette Dyer, at the 10th First Dance Studios ‘Coalescence’ Media Launch at the S Club, Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, Montego Bay last Wednesday, said that it is against this background that many countries, including Jamaica, have been scurrying to make the performing arts a centrepiece of their tourism marketing campaign.
Bartlett said it’s always good to know that there are entities out there grooming youngsters for these future opportunities, noting that Jamaica must position itself to capitalise on the performing arts.
“According to global market intelligence firm, Future Market Insights, cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing global tourism markets, valued at some US$5.9 billion in 2023,” Bartlett pointed out.
“Many destinations are now actively developing their tangible and intangible cultural assets as a means of developing their competitive edge to take advantage of this growing market -travellers who seek authentic and culturally immersive experiences,” Bartlett further added.
Bartlett said that First Dance Studios, a performing arts group based in Montego Bay, is perfectly poised to lead Jamaica’s charge as a cultural and entertainment powerhouse.
He reminded that it was only last month that Jamaica was in the global spotlight, hosting the world premiere of Bob Marley: One Love, the biopic of reggae legend, noting that the occasion was a lively showcase of the nation’s rich cultural legacy, attracting notable figures from entertainment, politics, and business.
He said the event proudly marked a momentous occasion for Jamaica’s “likkle but wi tallawah” moniker.
“This is a boom for tourism as we seek to attract visitors eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Jamaican history and culture – our music, our theatre, and our dance. Such is the power of the performing arts!” the minister added.
For sisters and founders of First Dance Studios, Jody-Marie, and Sheri-Lee Smith, celebrating 10 years is just another way of reminding of the company’s impactful journey in changing the arts landscape in western Jamaica.
“Over the past decade, we have garnered recognition and multiple awards, including the Distinguished Gleaner Awards, as well as being featured on a Canadian travel series for our contributions to the arts in western Jamaica. We also take pride in contributing significantly to our country’s success at the World Championships of the Performing Arts, winning 15 medals across various categories,” Jody-Marie pointed out.
“Our commitment to excellence extends beyond traditional performing arts, as we’ve expanded to include a competitive gymnastics programme. Representing Jamaica internationally, we’ve earned over 50 medals in our recent travels to Punta Cana and Panama,” she further added.
For Sheri-Lee, in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic, productions, which are now available online, have reached over 2000 patrons worldwide, doubling “our pre-COVID viewership from our live shows at Ibersotar Resort”, which continues to provide well-needed family-friendly entertainment.
“We are very happy to have the opportunity to be able to highlight the importance of the performing arts in our society and the transformative power it holds,” she said.