Courtesy of: The Morning News
The first night of the 7th edition of the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival took place at its new location in the Renaissance Marketplace, and those attending had a rare and unexpected treat, the interpretations of international dubstep dance sensation Marquese Scott, AKA “Nonstop.”
Scott has become the buzz of talk shows and appeared on Ellen Degeneres, but like Justin Bieber, he made his name on Youtube. One of his most popular dance videos has over 45,000,000 views, and his distinctive, spontaneous style is a perfect fit for bringing a fresh, new fillip to the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival.
Scott’s background is surprising, and a reminder to never judge a person from superficial impressions. Born in California but raised in Indianapolis, he long harbored the ambition to be an architect. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent a four year tour on the U.S.S. Constellation. However, he admits to being “engrossed in a love of art and music.” He studied dance artists such as street performer Flat Top and Turbo, a.k.a. Boogaloo Shrimp, famous for the movie “Breakin.”
Scott’s determination and tenacity, plus a savvy use of Youtube, resulted in a career as dancer, teacher and choreographer that keeps him very busy, and eventually brought him to Aruba and the CSJF. This will be the first time the festival will feature a dancer to interpret and punctuate the concert performances.
Aruban promoters such as Purple Entertainment, which produces the CSJF, whenever they can try to involve visiting artists with the local community. Scott was asked if he would be willing to conduct a workshop with island youth at the Skol Di Arte facility in San Nicolas, and he readily agreed.
Aruba‘s Department of Culture conducts an annual talent development program and contest for youth called “Gang di Arte” under the supervision of Jhon Freddy Montoya. This year, it featured a performance by islander Tyrone Chirino. Tyrone is a great fan of the dubstep dance style, which employs robotic but fluid movements, where the body flows with the music, sometimes appearing as if in slow-motion. It places some remarkable and athletic demands on the dancer. Unbeknownst to Tyrone, when he agreed to participate in the workshop at the Skol di Arte, his idol and inspiration, Marquese Scott would be giving the class.
Witnesses to this encounter of Marquese and Tyrone, one of master’s greatest fans, was described by many as “magical.” Tyrone was thrilled beyond words, and showed one of the organizers a comment he had made on one of Scott’s Youtube videos over a year ago, “Someday, I am going to dance with Marquese Scott.”
“It is my love of dance and seeing the success of someone like Marquese that keeps me going and working towards a goal,” explained Tyrone.
It could not have been more thrilling if it had been scripted, a case of life imitating art, and a teenage fantasy come true. Though it was his declared life’s ambition to dance with his idol, this young man living on a tiny island in the Caribbean could hardly believe it would actually happen. Scott recognized and was so impressed by Tyrone’s talent and dedication to the art, it was his idea, and he suggested they do an impromptu duet.
This can now be seen on Youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYgrtfEpliM.
On Thursday afternoon, island media was invited to meet visiting artists Giovanca and Scott at a press conference in the Renaissance. During the Q & A, Scott was questioned about the experience of giving a workshop with Aruban youth and declared “Aruba’s got talent! I was so impressed with what I saw I am seriously considering inviting one of the dancers to join me on stage at the festival.” Purple Entertainment vigorously worked to make that happen. At the time of writing, it was not confirmed as yet.
Marquese Scott performed at the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, beginning around 9:45 until 10:00, just as jazz great George Benson finished his show on the main outdoor stage. The promoters were very excited to add this new aspect of entertainment to the night’s full roster, featuring the likes of Luci and the Soul Brokers from Panama and the great Jose James from New York.
