The 53rd World Dance Congress was held in Nassau Bahamas April 24th -28th 2019.The Congress was held under the Patronage of Mrs.. Patricia Minnis the Spouse of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas Dr. The Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Minnis .The Congress drew over 11 countries Africa,Bahamas,Brazil,Cuba,France,India,Mexico,Panama,Phillippines,USA and UK. Over 200 delegates was expected to attend, unfortunately some our delegate’s did not make it due to visa issues or other unfortunate setbacks. The delegates that attended was from the Bahamas ,Croatia, France, Mexico, Philippines, and the United States .The event Started off with an Opening Ceremony in the National Stadium of the Bahamas on Wednesday April 24th at 10 :00 am with school students and Government officials in attendance.
A reception was held on Wednesday at 6:00 pm for our delegates at the Host Hotel Nassau Marriott.
The Congress continued Thursday morning at 9:00 am with lectures by delegates including absentees video presentations . The Evening showcase dancers in performance expressing the theme: Spirituality and Dance.
This took place at the Myles Munroe Diplomat Center where Spirituality and dance was birth in the Bahamas 34 years ago through Dr. Ann Higgins. Dancers from many schools ,communities and church organizations was present along with the visiting delegates as they join together in a grand celebration of cultural exchanges.
The presentations continue on Friday morning and the delegates had an opportunity to dance again in the evening at the Marriott ballroom .The Delegates had a great opportunity to go into the community to dance at a street festival on Saturday also which was very different we were given one hour to share in the culture. The Mexicans led the children in an exciting celebration in the streets for 30 minutes then the Americans join and continued, RoseMarie from the Philippines danced in celebration and the mime by Carvin from the Bahamas mesmerized the kids.
The closing ceremony on Sunday was bitter sweet and it was now time to leave and all the friends we met and the wonderful experience was coming to and end. The certificates was presented to those who was in attendance. The Representative of CID- Vice President CID-Paris Section ,Mr. Constantin Kontogiannis assist with the presentation of certificate of participation.
Bahamian Folk Dance Liturgical Dance and Junkanoo Dance were accredit by the World Dance Council as Certified Courses. A presentation was done by the CID-Nassau Section to the Government Official and the Bahamas UNESCO Commission Office in Nassau Bahamas.