









In August 2009 I decided to pursue a career in teaching after working at the Planning Institute of Jamaica in the Social Policy Planning and Research Division for just under two years. I got bored of being around the desk and wanted to pursue my childhood dream, teaching. I accepted a teaching position at Campion College, to lecture Economics at the advanced level. Immediately I wanted to make an impact on the school’s culture and signed up to be a faculty member of the school’s Dance Society. The Society was just a mere club, meeting twice a week for 2 hours with no serious form or structure. I saw the talent, I had a vision and immediately started working.
I have always been interested in the arts. My high school years saw my talent as a singer and actor, being the main act for many of the school’s plays while at St. Catherine High School. Under the guidance of Dr. O’ Neal Mundle, I started to develop a great passion for the arts. I remembered when he asked me in 2004 to choreograph my first piece ever for a school production while still a student at the institution. My musical choice was Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cli . Little did I know a seed was planted.
Developing the dance program at Campion started o di cult in the early stages. It was something new. The style of dancing, the intensity of the program, and the professional organizational structure were all new to the student body and faculty. However, what made the process easy was the support of the principal, Grace Baston. Mrs. Baston understood the arts very well and so she gave me the space, resources and, most of all, the trust to pursue the vision I had for the Society. She hardly questioned most of what I proposed and I believe that it was that trust that played a critical role in the development of dancing at Campion College.
Upon my request, the school hired Mr. Derrick McCarthy who was my dance teacher while I was in high school. I never really danced, however. I was never good at it. As a youngster I had to sit and watch my friends in rehearsals and on stage. It was painful but I attended every rehearsal nevertheless.
As the group evolved there was a need for restructuring. I guess this is one of the reasons why Campion Dance Society remains such a strong force in Jamaica - the structure is always changing. Being unable to train the dancers myself, I believed I needed more teachers to assist. I hired Oraine Frater, Orville McFarlane and Renée I. McDonald, of course with the blessings of our beloved principal. Under the immense talents of these individuals, the group rose to stardom in becoming one of the top high school dance ensembles in the country and the Caribbean. Our dynamic team continued to evolve with the addition of Shaneaka Gibbs, Shavaughn Byndloss and most recently Oniel Pryce.
While it is not our first international performance, having performed in Copenhagen Denmark, Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts and York College in Queens, New York it is our first time doing a two-legged dance tour in two of the most popular states in the US - Florida and New York. I therefore want to congratulate the Dance Society on this momentous achievement.
For such a time as this in our country’s history, God again is using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
As our country celebrates 61 years since its independence, we have taken this into account and have rightfully titled our show, “ROOTS”. As a result, we will be showcasing our national pride as we reflect on the struggles we have faced as a nation and the optimism in our hearts as we look to the future. Dance is such an exquisitely ephemeral art form. As it disappears before you, only traces of the movements remain in your memory and in the bodies of the dancers.
From the opening dance CRY OF AFRICA to our Independence dance drama tribute, JAMAICA LOVE, you will feel the raw kinetic energy from a talented and dedicated group of dancers. Our intention is to push the artistic boundaries by incorporating production dynamics that will immerse you into environments completely designed to move you.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with national pride that I present to you, right here in Fort Lauderdale and New York City - ROOTS!
Mrs. Grace Baston Principal
It is with immense pride that I welcome everyone who has turned out to support the Campion Dance Society’s production “Roots” being presented in this magnificent theatre. Our entire school community considers it a signal honour to perform in this space and in this city.
As principal of Campion College, it has been an absolute joy and privilege for me to witness the evolution of this group, from a small band of students meeting twice a week to practise dances which would occasionally be presented at a school ceremony, to a dance powerhouse, completely dominating the genre at the high school level in Jamaica, and providing a ‘feeder school’ for Jamaica’s top dance companies. The accomplishments of this wonderful troupe in only twelve years, have been nothing short of phenomenal. And all this has been achieved primarily through the vision and passion of our artistic director, Mr. Dwright Wright.
I would like to salute all those whose generosity have made these performances of “Roots” in the United States of America possible: Our sponsors, supporters, benefactors, our unbelievably gifted dancers, our world class team of choreographers, our fiercely dedicated ‘dance moms’ and ‘dance dads’, our talented technical team and the incomparable Dwright Wright.
Once again to all of you, our patrons, my heartfelt thanks, May the powerful language of rhythm and movement, so fluently spoken by these Campionites in “Roots”, uplift your heart and grace your soul.
Dwright Wright is currently the artistic director for Campion Dance Society. He is a trained teacher and lecturer of economics. Currently, he is employed by Sagicor Group Limited where he serves as manager for the pension investment unit. He began training in the performing arts while at St. Catherine High School specializing in Music and Drama. After high school he joined the KIA Performing Arts Company and the Bridgeport Dance Ensemble. He is also a founding member of the Nexxus Performing Arts Company.
With no formal dance training or performance experience, Dwright’s gift in choreography exploded in 2009. His major accomplishment in the field of dance is Campion Dance Society. The Society currently is one of the leading high school troupes in Jamaica, producing several young artistes for major dance companies in Jamaica.
Internationally, Dwright Wright has staged productions in South London and Brooklyn, New York every summer since 2011. He is known for his narrative dance works that highlight social, political and economic issues in his homeland.
Renée I. McDonald is a Jamaican modern dance choreographer, teacher, photographer and attorney-at-law. She began her training at the Tony Wilson School of Modern Dance in Kingston and later performed with The Company Dance Theater for 12 years, where she was Rehearsal Mistress for 5 years. Since beginning her journey with choreography in 2008, she has emerged as one of Jamaica's most in-demand choreographers, creating critically acclaimed and award-winning pieces for many local companies, schools, studios, performing artistes and major events.
Renée has also choreographed multiple international works and is the first choreographer from Jamaica to create a piece ("Breaking Point") for New York-based dance company, Ailey II, the second company of the world-famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Among other awards recognizing her contribution to Jamaican arts and culture, she is the recipient of a Prime Minister's National Youth Award. Renée is currently the Associate Artistic Director of CDT, the legacy company of the Company Dance Theatre, and continues to practise law full-time in the public sector.
Orville McFarlane, dancer and dance educator, is a graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance and choreography. He is currently a principal dancer and choreographer with L’Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force, where he has performed and toured to several countries. Orville has been a resident teacher and choreographer for the Campion Dance Society for 10 years.
Oniel Pryce holds a Diploma in Dance Education from The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the State University of New York – College at Brockport, And a Master of Arts in Choreography from Trinity Laban in London. He is currently Head of Department for Performance and choreography at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts - School of Dance. Oniel is also a resident dance teacher, choreographer and a member of the artistic team for the Campion Dance Society.
Shaneaka Gibbs is an alumna of the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts, where she pursued and achieved her Bachelor in Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography (honors). Shaneaka wears many hats, not only as teacher or lecturer, but works extensively honing her dance performance and technique as she is the dance captain and a principal dancer of L’Acadco - a United Caribbean dance force. This has allowed her to make steps in truly becoming a holistic artist who has acquired and will continue to acquire many accolades.
Shavaughn Byndloss is a passionate dancer and choreographer that fell in love with the performing arts at the age of 10 years old. Shavaughn started his training in Jamaican and west African folk forms before starting his studies at the Edna Manley College. Shavaughn graduated with a BFA in dance Performance and Choreography where he was also awarded the Bert Rose award for the most outstanding student performer and the Rex Nettleford award for the most outstanding choreographer. He is a senior company member of L’Acadco: a United Caribbean Dance Force and has performed with the company all over the island of Jamaica.
Amaris is a member of the intermediate troupe of the Campion Dance Society. When she was accepted into the CDS she was worried that she was not at the same technical level as the other dancers, but she gives thanks to the amazing teachers at the CDS and feels that she has grown tremendously as a dancer and has become more confident. She believes that the CDS pushes her to work hard and be the best dancer that she can be.
Joel is a 14 year old male dancer who is an intermediate member of the Campion Dance Society and apprentice at the dance company CDT. Other than dancing he likes to swim and sleep. His favorite food is wings and his favorite thing to drink is iced-co ee. In his free time he scrolls on TikTok and exercises.
Jordanné loves to dance! She has been a part of the Campion Dance Society intermediate troupe for the past year. She is 13 years old and has been dancing for over 10 years, in this time her passion for dance has only grown stronger.
Dancing is Joshua’s passion and he has been on an incredible journey exploring various styles for years, including ballroom dancing. Dancing is a way for Joshua to express himself and connect with others in a way that is pure magic. It brings him joy and fulfillment beyond measure, and it is a way for him to process emotions that he did not even know existed. It is a massive part of his life and he cannot imagine ever giving it up.
Kelsey is a member of the Intermediate Troupe, and has only been dancing for 3 years. Starting dance was di cult for her, as she knew almost nothing about dance, but she quickly grew to love it. Since then, the CDS has motivated her to work hard, believe in herself, and do her best. She is proud of her progress so far and is excited for the dancer she hopes to be at the end of her journey.
Kennedy is a member of the intermediate troupe. She has been dancing since she was five years old as dance has been a way for her to voice her emotions through movement. She has experience in a variety of dance styles including tap, folk, jazz, contemporary and dancehall (her favorite). Her favorite dance in the roots production is Skin Deep because it speaks out about body positivity.
Ksenia is 13 years old and is a proud member of the Campion Dance Society Intermediate Troupe. She has been dancing for the past 10 years. She loves dancing so much that when she initially arrived at Campion, she wanted to join the CDS immediately. She considers it the best decision she has ever made as she has made so many trustworthy friends and her technique and abilities have grown.
Lauren, the youngest member of the tour, is in her first year of dancing with the Intermediate Troupe. She's been dancing since birth and has been in formal dance programs since age 5. She considers herself a versatile dancer with training in modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, afropop, and folk. Dance is her greatest passion and the stage is her happy place. Lauren hopes to grow and inspire other young dancers as well.
Nijah is a dancer for the intermediate troupe. She dances because she loves expressing herself through a series of movements. Her time as a dancer at CDS has been nothing short of the best experience. CDS is truly an atmosphere that is great for creating friendships that will last outside of the society. As she continues to work on her technique and style she strives to become an excellent dancer.
Soleil dances with the Intermediate Troupe in the Campion Dance Society. She loves the challenge of learning new choreography and pushing herself to be better. Dance isn’t just physical, it’s more importantly a form of emotional expression for her. Dancing with the CDS is such an enjoyable experience for her and she cherishes the friendships she has made with the dancers. This is her first tour with the society.
Victoria is 14 years old and is a member of the intermediate troupe. Before the CDS, she was a self taught dancer and frequently performed at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s festivals with her previous school. After joining the society she was exposed to di erent styles of dance and has encountered many great experiences. Overall, she is known for being a modern and folk dancer and a great performer.
Anielia Jones is 16 years old and has been a member of the Campion Dance Society for 5 years. As someone who has been dancing for 13 years and trained in both ballet and modern dance, the always-thriving dance society was destined for her when she began attending Campion in 2018. As a member of the class of 2023, she continues to learn and grow in the society as a dancer, student, and person.
Jahmelia is a member of The Campion Dance Society's Senior Troupe. Her dance journey began with a small community group, which helped her to adjust to a more technical space, the Campion Dance Society, in 2020. She is truly grateful for the opportunities, technical growth and friends that she has garnered. The journey has been an excellent one for her so far and she is excited for what is to come.
Kameron Buchanan is a part of the Senior dance Troupe. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She is very passionate about dance as it allows her to fully express herself.
Kayla is the Vice President of the Campion Dance Society. She has been dancing since age 3 and with the Campion Dance Society since 2018. Dance nourishes her mind, body and soul. Being a member of the Campion Dance Society has provided her with numerous opportunities for growth, expression and friendship. She is very excited to be participating in the Jamaica 61 celebrations and looks forward to this most enriching experience!
Kenyah is 15 years old and a member of the senior troupe with an immense passion for dance. On stage, she loves to give her all and captivate the audience. To her, Campion Dance is more than just an extracurricular activity, it is a journey and a part of God’s plan for her.
Maria has been dancing since the age of 3. As a member of the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company, she has performed in Pan (2016), The Wiz (2017), Beauty and the Beast (2018), Annie (2019), Mary Poppins (2020), and Nesta’s Rock (2023). Additionally, she has completed 7 years of Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet training and danced in Jamaica’s 60th Grand Gala (2022). This is her first tour.
Nkechi has been dancing for 12 of the 16 years of her life. She danced with the Vaz Preparatory Dance Troupe for 7 years and competed in numerous JCDC competitions with them. She began dancing with the Campion Dance Society in 2018 and has been dancing with them for 5 years. She has also danced at the Jamaica 60th Grand Gala Celebration with L'Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force and the Jamaica 50th Grand Gala Celebration with the Vaz Preparatory Dance Troupe.
Raina is a 15-year-old high school student who works to fulfill the highest expression of herself as a human being and an artist, through dance. Currently an apprentice with the dance company CDT, she has performed in works choreographed by Dr. Sade Bully, appeared in Beauty and the Beast (2018), Annie (2019), and Mary Poppins (2020) with the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company as well as recently performing in her second season with the society.
Rebeka-Ann loves the arts. They are her outlet and hiding place from the world. Her favorite art form is dance and she takes great pride in it. When she first started dancing, she was young and it was simply something she did for fun. Now she not only has fun but does it passionately. The love that Rebeka-Ann has for dance is deeper than just attending but being able to use movements and music to become a di erent persona in the world. Becoming the president of the Campion Dance Society made her take even more pride in dance and how helpful it can be. Helping others, working hard and taking responsibility are things that she does with much respect to those before her. Dance is the joy of movement and the heart of life.
“Passion that Pulses through My Veins”- this is what dance means to Shamitha. It is a way of expressing her emotions, spreading a message and just bringing out the uniqueness of every piece of music. She started Indian classical dancing from the age of 5, where she learned the discipline, rigor, emotions and expressions of each and every stage. In Grade 7, she joined the Campion Dance Society, where she was able to branch out into Lyrical, Folk, Contemporary and Fusion dance. The journey has been one of excitement, growth and relishing in her passion and love for dance in any form. With these lessons shaping her life, she has been able to nurture her spirit as a person and it has helped to make her the person she is today.
Sienna is a member of the senior troupe of the Campion Dance Society and she has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She enjoys dancing because she gets to express herself while gaining confidence in the process. Campion Dance Society has allowed her to grow so much and she loves being part of the CDS family.
Aaliyah is a newly appointed medical doctor who has been dancing with Campion Dance Society since 2011. She devoted 7 years as a member of the executive body with her final year as President when, under the leadership of the Artistic Team, the Society also toured to the United States. She is now an alumna of 5 years and currently trains, performs and tours with L'Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force under the leadership of Dr L'Antoinette Stines.
Hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, Gabrielle is a finalizing Actuarial Science student at the University of the West Indies, Mona. She has been a member of the Campion Dance Society for the last 10 years, having served the society as Secretary, P.R.O., as well as 1st Vice President.
Gabrielle began her journey with the dance society at the age of 12 when she first entered high school. Now performing as an alumna for the society, she has developed a love for the dance community around her. During her tenure at Campion College, she also attended Vickers Ballet Studio where she studied RAD ballet from grades 4 to Advanced Foundation level and placed top in the island for numerous exams. Gabrielle is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech where she continues to nurture her love for dance.
Hasani is a 23 year old Medical Student, completing his medical studies in Rio de Janeiro. He discovered his love and passion for dance during his time at Campion College and served as PRO during his tenure. Through the CDS, he developed and honed his dancing abilities and is now an apprentice with the CDT. 12 years later he remains dedicated to the group. CC4L!
Jada began her training with the Vickers Dance Studio studying the internationally acclaimed Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) ballet curriculum. In 2014, she received special commendations for attaining 8 consecutive distinctions in these RAD examinations. At Campion College, she continued her training in other genres, engaged in innumerable showcases and toured with the group to New York (2018). In 2015, she gleefully became a member of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC). Currently, Jada is a medical student at the University of the West Indies.
Jade is an alumni dancer in her final year of medical school at the University of the West Indies. In her spare time she dabbles in content creation. She joined the society in 2012 and not only honed her dancing skills with the exposure, but found a second home. She served as the PRO from 2016-17 and as the President of the society in 2018. Jade found a family in the society and has never turned her back since.
Jevon Ferril (St. Catherine, Jamaica) has appeared in Beauty and the Beast (2018), Annie (2019), and Mary Poppins (2020) with the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company, Isaiah (2019) with the Father Ho Lung and Friends, and the Jamaica’s 60th Grand Gala (2022). Now a company member with CDT, he has performed works by Dr. Sade Bully, Tony Wilson, Lloyd A. Boyd III, Michael Holgate, Hélène Taddai-Lawson and many more. Ferril, now 20 years old, returns as an alumnus dancer in this, his second US Tour with the society.
Leon is a multidisciplinary artist and alumnus dancer with the Campion Dance Society. Being a part of the QUILT Performing Arts Company, he has performed both locally and regionally and represented Jamaica at Carifesta 2019. He boasts over 14 years of performing experience and recently graduated from the UWI, Mona, with a BSc. in Marine Biology. Being a man of many talents, he balances running a fitness business, being a stage manager and being a teaching artist.
Sanaa Wong joined the society in 2014 and has been dancing with Campion ever since. She is currently a rising junior at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she is studying Economics while continuing her dance pursuits as both a choreographer and dancer in 'Riddims Dance Troupe' and 'Evolution Dance Crew.' Sanaa, now 20 years old, returns as an alumna dancer on this, her second US Tour with Campion Dance Society.
Shadé is a 22 year old final year medical student at UWI, Mona. With no prior dance experience, she joined the CDS in 2012, and served as intermediate troupe captain and treasurer of the society. She has since gone on to perform in the Company Dance Theatre’s 29th Season of Dance as well as Plié for the Arts’ Amalgamation. She currently trains with L’Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force and returns as an alumna of the CDS.
1ST MOVEMENT
Choreographer:
Soloist:
Music: Orville McFarlane Aaliyah Hall Rafiki Mourns - Lion King Soundtrack
2ND MOVEMENT
Choreographers:
Music: Dwright Wright & Oraine Frater Africa - Hans Zimmer
Choreographer:
Music: Shaneaka Gibbs Sahalé & Dübelu - Shakseti
Choreographer:
Music: Oraine Frater In The Distance - Bette Midler
Choreographer: Music: Dwright Wright Get On - Fay Lyons Jump & Wine - Beenie Man Palance - JW & Blaze
Choreographer:
Dancers: Music: Dwright Wright Shadé Barrett leading the Society Phenomenal Woman - Ruthie Foster Strength of a Woman - Shaggy Wings 1 - Michael Wall May It Be - Enya
Choreographer:
Soloist:
Music: Dwright Wright Jahmelia Daley Gabriel’s Oboe - Ennio Morricone
Choreographer: Music: Shavaughn Byndloss Unkown
Choreographer: Music: Renée I. McDonald Reaching and Veni Vidi Vici - Audiomachine
Choreographer: Dancers: Music: Dwright Wright Kenyah Mallet leading the Society Still - Juanita Bynum
(2017)
Choreographer: Music: Oraine Frater Shadowland from the Lion King Soundtrack
Choreographers: Music: Oraine Frater, Renée I. McDonald, Dwright Wright, Orville McFarlane Nzac Gnon Ma - Groupe Mbaya
1ST MOVEMENT
Choreographer: Soloist: Music: Dwright Wright Jevon Ferril Many Rivers to Cross - Jimmy Cli
2ND MOVEMENT
Choreographer: Music: Oraine Frater Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley
& 2013)
1ST MOVEMENT (2011)
Choreographer: Music: Dwright Wright Many Rains Ago (Oluwa)Quincy Jones feat. Letta Mbulu
2ND MOVEMENT (2013)
Choreographer: Music: Marlon Simms Africa - Stephen Marley feat. Wale
Choreographers: Dancers: Music: Orville McFarlane Aaliyah Hall leading the Society Lana Del Ray & Body Love
Choreographers: Dancers: Music: Marlon Simms Shadé Barrett and Jevon Ferril Beneath Your Beautiful - Labrinth feat. Emeli Sandé
Choreographers: Music: Oraine Frater New Dorp New York - SBTRKT Emergency - Icona Pop Grown Woman - Beyoncé
ANTHEM OF PRAISE (2016)
Choreographer: Music: Dwright Wright Anthem of PraiseRichard Smallwood PART TWO
Directed & Produced by: Choreographers: Music: Dwright Wright Dwright Wright, Oraine Frater, Steven Cornwall, Chester Jones Various Artistes
Principal & Executive Producer
Grace Baston
Resident Choreographers
Dwright Wright
Folk, Liturgical & Modern Technique Specialist
Oneil Pryce Folk & Modern Technique Specialist
Orville McFarlane Modern Technique Specialist
Renée I. McDonald Modern Technique Specialist
Shaneaka Gibbs Modern Technique Specialist
Shavaughn Byndloss Folk & Modern Technique Specialist
Oraine Frater
Ballet, Jazz & Modern Technique Specialist
Guest Choreographers
Chester Jones
Marlon Simms
Steven Cornwall
Lighting Designer & Technical Director
Robin Baston
Stage Manager Maurice Dormor
Assistant Stage Manager
Je ron Wright
Audio Visual Manager
Artistic Director
Dwright Wright
Renée I. McDonald
Finance & Sponsorship
Kara Vaz
Rebecca Tortello
Dwright Wright
Stefan Wright
Michigan Madourie
Marilyn Lawrence-Wright
Marketing Director Alysia Moulton White
Social Media & Digital Content Associate
Ashli White
Communication Assistant
Dwright Wright
Announcements
Dennis Brooks
Alysia Moulton White
Graphic Design
Matthew Tippins
Director of Welfare & Hospitality
Patricia Graham
Costume Management
Wardrobe Director
Julian Brown
Wardrobe Assistant
Delrine Black
Costume Construction
Carol Matthews
Kaye-Ann Green
Loran V Boutique Ltd.
Snazz 4 u
Set Design & Construction
Je ron Wright
Maurice Dormor
Ashli White
Renée I. McDonald
Stuart Reeves