To utilize dance to convey the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially to the less fortunate, and to bring together people from different countries, cultures and denominational backgrounds in an atmosphere of praise and love of Jesus Christ.

 

General Information

 

Praise Academy of Dance was founded by Cynthia P. Noble in 1993, an alumni of the Edna Manley College of the Visual Arts.

 

Our mission is to utilize dance to convey the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, especially to the less fortunate and to bring together people from different countries, cultures and denominational backgrounds....

 

The school provides dance training for students as young as 4 up to adulthood and offers classes in various techniques.

 

Our teachers are professionally trained possessing qualifications from Certificate to Masters Degrees.

 

The academy has successfully staged 33 concerts over the 13 years of existence to full capacity houses.

 

Since 1997, we have hosted a summer school programme which continues to attract many overseas students.

 

Additionally, Praise has hosted international tutors from Alvin Ailey School of the Performing Arts and Imani Dance Studio in New York.

 

Between 1999 and 2003, Praise participated in the annual National JCDC Festival acquiring a total of 18 National Gold Medals, 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals and the coveted Rex Nettleford Trophy for Excellence in 2003.

 

So far we have a total of 12 trophies for best dances in numerous categories.

 

Though locally based, the Academy has an international reach.

 

We have participated in numerous dance workshops, conferences and outreaches around the world, including South Africa, Australia, Canada, USA, UK, the Caribbean, Netherland Antilles and here in Jamaica.

 

The Academy launched a Ministry Team in 1999 for special outreach and ministry, consisting of teens and adults.

 

Each member is a student of the school and goes through a time of spiritual preparation to acquaint them with the demands of outreach and ministry.

 

Special civic events which the Academy has been invited to include:

 

the National Independence Day Church Service (2002), National Heroes Day Church Service (2002,2003), the Annual Prime Minister's Labour Day Concert (2003), NHT/JCDC Prayer Vigil (2003), National Council of Education Parenting Seminar (2003), Perpetual Praise Christmas Outreach Service (2003).

 

Praise is happy to see its legacy continue as some students who trained at the school are now qualified dance tutors, some have staged productions, contributing to the cultural, moral and spiritual fabric of Jamaica, land we love.