The Embassy of the United States in The Gambia is ready to boost theatre dance in the country, in observance of their independence day celebration, slated for July 4th, 2012.

The move will see the US Embassy bring into the country, two dancers from Atlanta; namely Nicola Ayoub and Asha Thomas, who would ignite the commemoration of their independence day, as well as help to coordinate, teach, learn and share ideas and experiences with Gambian theatre dancers with artistic direction from Janet Badjan Young, the proprietress of the Ebujan Theatre.

This was disclosed on Monday by Tula Orum, the public affairs officer of the embassy at a press briefing held at the Ebujan Theatre in Kanifing. She said they decided to bring in something new and different from the country like dancing, and to promote this initiative, they have decided that during their stay in the country, the dancers will try to explain or teach Gambian dancers certain aspects of dancing especially at international level.

Asha Thomas, who is a professional ballet dancer, modern dance and jazz dance at the Harrison Dance Studio in Atlanta, and the Ailey School in New York, said this is her first time in The Gambia, and that it is a very special moment for her. She noted that if possible, they will also love to have exchange programmes.Asha Thomasalso revealed that she performed a solo called ‘The Red Letter’ at the antipodes festival at the Brest National Theatre, as well as a premier at the ‘Bennial passages’ festival held in Germany.

Janet Bajan Young, the proprietress of the Ebujan Theatre informed that there are currently 14 people from Gamjobs who are currently being trained on theatre performance, performing arts and choreography, and will be performing on the 6th of July. She urged all and sundry to attend the programme in order to see the young Gambians showcase their talents through the use of dance, music, drums and chorography.

For her part, Nicola Ayoub indicated that dancing can be a very strong passion if one has the enthusiasm to pursue it. She revealed thatshe has a bachelors’ degree in History but the passion of performing arts made her pursue it. She therefore encouraged Gambians to engage in such activities.