CHERYL METIVIER
Moed, a Hebrew word that means "appointed time and season, place of meeting" is a word that Ayanna Joseph first encountered while attending a church conference in 2015. Both the word and its meaning resonated deeply with her, and she kept it in mind for three years until she used it as the registered name of her dance company in 2018. The Moed School of Dance was officially opened in 2021.
Joseph has been dancing and teaching dance for over 15 years. Her preferred disciplines have been and continue to be modern and contemporary.
[caption id="attachment_1028352" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Enter In will showcase folk, modern and contemporary dance. -[/caption]
“I graduated from the Dance Education programme at the University of the West Indies, and participated in numerous international courses, workshops and seminars," Joseph told Newsday.
“I continue to keep abreast of what is happening in the dance industry, ensuring that my training and techniques continue to be fresh and relevant, so that I offer the best to my students,” and by extension, her community.
On August 6 Moed will showcase a production titled Enter In, at the Central Bank Auditorium. The messages will be delivered using folk, modern and contemporary dance, and the selection of music that will accompany the cast of 45 has been meticulously selected and compiled. The repertoire includes African drums and the steelpan.
[caption id="attachment_1028354" align="alignnone" width="683"] Ayanna Joseph has been dancing and teaching dance for over 15 years. -[/caption]
“There will be two performances. A matinee at 2 pm and an evening show at 7 pm. The matinee is already sold out,” she said, adding that this is a reason for much celebration because the school is officially just two years old.
“This is the first time that we will be attempting to do two shows on the same day.”
Her previous shows, Mela in July 2022 and Stillness in October 2022 were presented over a two-day period – Friday and Saturday evenings. For this year’s production, the Moed troupe will be joined by Shema Dance and Performing Arts Ministries; based in Laventille, and led by Rickisha Thomas-Alexander; as well as two spoken word artistes, Keffi Rosita and Shenice Thornhill.
[caption id="attachment_1028355" align="alignnone" width="768"] The Moed School of Dance feature dancers from as young as four years old. -[/caption]
Joseph said she has been collaborating with these performers for the last few productions.
“Patrons can expect seamless transitions between performances, given the history and chemistry we have developed over the last few years. The offerings from our guests are expected to synchronise with the theme, and offer the audience an experience and an invitation to enter in and take a closer look at the heart of God, and His love for His creation.’”
Joseph describes herself as a believer, who is a “very value-based” person and who is heavily involved in her church and wider community. Both her love of dance and community, she said,
