Give Back to Dance Jamaica!
For so many of us from all over the world, Dance Jamaica Cultural Center has been a welcoming and central part of our cultural experience in Jamaica. It plays such a vital part in sharing Dancehall culture and bringing people from many countries together. For many dancers - both local and international, Dance Jamaica is their home away from home.
In addition, Dance Jamaica provides talented Dancehall street dancers an opportunity to develop their teaching skills so that they can earn a living from their craft. They then have the opportunity at the school to teach enthusiastic students who visit .
Sadly, on July 2nd 2017 in the early morning, burglars cut through the grill of the school and broke in. They stole many valuable items including the school's digital camera, desktop computer, hard drives, recording equipment and cash. These are things that Dance Jamaica relies on daily to be able to operate.
For example, the digital camera is used to make educational and documentary videos with a professional look. The computer contained all of the editing and administrative software. The recording equipment was just purchased to voice dancers and provide them with an extra dimension to boost their careers.
When the thieves stole these items, they took with them on the hard drives all of Dance Jamaica's history, files, archives, documents and pictures - essential taking away many years of irreplacable memories. To make matters worse, the beloved founder of the school Latonya Style was was in Chile on tour when this occured.
Because Latonya is a such humble, hardworking person who gives to all and doesn't ever ask for help, I wanted to start this page so that we can give back and support her and the Dance Jamaica in this tough situation without her having to ask. I know that many of you would love to help out!
These were the items stolen:
- 27" iMac Desktop Computer
- Canon 60D Camera
- 2 TB External Hard Drive
- Recording Studio Equipment
- Cash Pan with US & JA Dollars
The funds raised here will be given to Dance Jamaica to replace the items. Any additional funding beyond, will be used to install a security alarm system to protect the school and prevent this from happening in the future.
Thank you all for your support! 
