THE EDNA Manley College has had four studio floors refurbished courtesy of a $2 million grant from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.
The floors were replaced within the two-week break between summer school and the Christmas Term and are expected to enhance the school's image as a tertiary institution for dancers and researchers of dance, the CHASE Fund said in a release.
"The Edna Manley College not only caters to the immediate needs of enrolled students, but through its junior department and links with schools and private groups, encourages the development of talents and skills in the arts," says Billy Heaven, chief executive officer of the CHASE Fund.
Acting Principal and Dean for the Schools of the Performing Arts, Barbara Requa, said that the new floors were of extreme value to the school.
IMPORTANT ASPECTS
"Dance floors are one of the most important aspects of the training. If they are not properly prepared and maintained the dancers can sustain injuries that can be threatening to their careers and even their lives," said Mrs. Requa.
"The floors that we had were there from 1976 and although they had worn well, some of the supports had rotted away."
Acting Director of Studies at the school, Yvonne Douglas said that most of the dances that are taught are folk and modern dance forms that are done with bare feet, and that this term some 400 persons from the Edna Man-ley College, the school's junior department, church and community dance groups and a karate school have been using the dance studios.
NEW LOOK
The floors have also given the studios a new look, as the Jatoba lumber is different in hue from the original Guyana hardwood that was previously used. Mrs. Requa notes: "It has a very rich colour almost reddish, very nice, and the linseed is working its way in now and by next year should be well seasoned."
The Jatoba is a tropical hardwood tree that is resistant to many fungi, and used in Central and South America for its medicinal properties. It is closely related to the West Indian Locust or "Stinking Toe" tree.
The school, which prepares performers and teachers at the Diploma and Certificate level is also gaining increased attention from overseas students, and the new floors is seen as enhancing the college's reputation, the release said.
"There is big interest at the school of dance and the potential for new recruits is also strong. Part time students also use the school heavily during the summer school session...With new floors we can feel quite safe and comfortable promoting ourselves here and abroad," Mrs. Requa said.
