The community of Linden, Region Ten, through the Step Right Ballroom Dancing School is seeking to reintroduce the art of ballroom dancing among the region’s youths. On Saturday evening, it held its fifth ballroom exhibition with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and wife, Sita Nagamootoo as the special guests.
Addressing residents and participants at the LINMINE Constabulary Hall prior to the commencement of the displays, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he was pleased to be a part of the activity. “This for me is the first ever ballroom competition among children that I am seeing, and I am impressed,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister encouraged the gathering to motivate the youths in the community to continue to pursue the arts as it is something lacking among today’s youths who cling to the modern society.
“If our young people can learn to sing and dance and all the art forms, it will become an attraction from the more negative things that we see among young people, so we have to cultivate attitudes in young people that embrace the fine arts, music and dance and sports,” the First Vice President urged.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the development of youths across Guyana, in light of August 12, being observed as International Youth Day.
“I want to say that you have an administration in Government that is committed to providing a better life for all of our people including our children, and I want to assure that we in the government are paving a way for a better life for our young people, far better than we are living today and our parents have lived in the past and that you will enjoy a full life in a free country where there will be no limits to the development of your talents,” he said.
Additionally, delivering brief remarks to the participants, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo encouraged the young people to continue to be involved in activities where their minds and time are occupied doing positive things. Mrs. Nagamootoo congratulated the participants for the display of great talent they exhibited.
“Having looked at the children’s performance, I know now that we can go places, and I am calling on the Prime Minister and all other officials who are here to help you to pursue your dreams because I know you will make wonderful dancers,” Mrs. Nagamootoo stated.
The Step Right Ballroom Dancing School trains youths in Linden in several areas of ballroom dancing, among which are the waltz, the quick step, the free style, the tango and the cha-cha. Usually, the annual event is held in Linden, but plans are in place to have it extended to Georgetown next year.
Also present at the event were Members of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford and Jermaine Figueira. (GINA)
