The 2025 Children’s Mashramani Competition finals concluded on Friday, featuring interpretive, masquerade, and, for the first time ever, hip-hop dance categories. The second day opened spectacularly, with dazzling costumes and rhythmic interludes from young performers. The News Room’s Deandra Daniels takes a look back at the performances.
Drama and dance intertwined as the children took to the stage, using movement to tell powerful stories about social issues, religious beliefs, hip-hop culture, and the fading tradition of masquerade.
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192564 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Individual Dance
(Ages 11-13)
The preteens took the stage with confidence, blending acting skills with dance to create powerful performances. The routines showcased diverse styles, from worship and Indian classical to Afro-Caribbean, each executed with flair and precision.
Notable performances included Ashanna Davis from New Amsterdam Secondary, who had already impressed in the dramatic poetry segment on Thursday. She proved to be a theatre arts prodigy, captivating the audience with a moving dance about child molestation. Another standout was Rasheeda Holder from North Georgetown Secondary, an Afro-Guyanese student who delivered an impeccable East Indian dance, proving that talent transcends cultural backgrounds.
Winners:
1st Place: Akeela Jones (Watooka Day Primary, Region 10)
2nd Place: Olivia Chester (Bladen Hall Secondary, Region 4)
3rd Place: Ashanna Davis (New Amsterdam Secondary, Region 6)
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192565 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Ages 14-18
The tension in the National Cultural Centre was palpable as the older dancers took the stage, each seemingly outperforming the last. The presence of male competitors was a refreshing twist, with some nearly outshining their female counterparts.
Among the standout performances was Malachi Rawlins from President’s College, whose routine was Broadway-worthy. He stunned the audience by beginning his dance trapped in a straitjacket, using only his legs to move before dramatically breaking free. Another highlight was Lashawna Jarvis from New Silvercity Secondary, who delivered an emotionally charged performance depicting a troubled, suicidal teen. Her technique, including pirouettes and jetés, demonstrated the finesse of a trained dancer.
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192566 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-6-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Winners:
1st Place: Malachi Rawlins (President’s College, Region 4)
2nd Place: Kevon McLean (Richard Ishmael, Georgetown)
3rd Place: Aveonelle Jones (Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary, Region 3)
Group Dance
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192567 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-15-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Ages 8-10
The young dancers left the audience in awe, seamlessly blending drama with movement. Costumes were carefully curated to enhance the storytelling, bringing each performance to life.
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192568 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-2048×1151.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-1-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Tapakuma Lake Primary (Region 2) impressed with an Indigenous folklore-inspired routine, though the deeper cultural significance may have been lost on some spectators. Meanwhile, Belladrum Primary, already a social media sensation from their regional performance, did not disappoint. Their hospital scene portrayal—featuring a patient who dramatically “came back to life”—sent the audience into a frenzy.
Winners:
1st Place: Belladrum Primary (Region 5)
2nd Place: West Field Prep (Georgetown)
3rd Place: Vive-La-Force Primary (Region 3)
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192569 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-13-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Ages 11-13
This category highlighted Guyana’s strong religious heritage, particularly the Christian faith, with performances depicting biblical stories and worship.
Annai Secondary electrified the stage with the energy of a Mashramani road parade, jolting the audience awake after a series of more solemn performances. Bishops’ High School combined dance and drama to portray the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, with their cheering schoolmates adding to the spectacle.
Winners:
1st Place: President’s College (Region 4)
2nd Place: The Bishops’ High (Georgetown)
3rd Place: DeWilliam Secondary (Region 5)
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192570 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-7-1-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Ages 14-18
Excitement remained high in the final group dance category, though the crowd thinned as the long event stretched into the evening. Technical delays and school assembly issues may have contributed to the dwindling attendance.
Anna Regina Secondary (Region 2) delivered a breathtaking Bollywood-style performance of a religious folklore, complete with Vishnu descending from the ceiling on a swing adorned with vines and flowers. Meanwhile, Bladen Hall Secondary (Region 4) paid tribute to a deceased student, moving the audience to near tears with their dramatization of loss.
Winners:
1st Place: Bladen Hall Secondary (Region 4)
2nd Place: Anna Regina Secondary (Region 2)
3rd Place: New Silvercity Secondary (Region 10)
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192573 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-11-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Hip-Hop Dance
Ages 11-13
The debut of the hip-hop segment was a major highlight, with the audience fully engaged. Cheers erupted as the dancers showcased their best moves, making a strong attempt at mastering the urban dance style.
Santa Rosa Primary stunned in black-and-white sports gear, incorporating flips and intricate footwork. Watooka Day Primary impressed with a tight, synchronized routine despite a minor technical hiccup.
Winners:
1st Place: Tagore Memorial Secondary (Region 6)
2nd Place: Santa Rosa Primary (Region 1)
3rd Place: Abram Zuil Secondary (Region 2)
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192571 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-9-2-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Ages 14-18
The older teens ended the night on a high note with electrifying hip-hop performances. Male dancers dominated, their intense expressions revealing their fierce determination to claim the title.
Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary (Region 3) delivered a routine reminiscent of High School Musical, complete with Chicago Bulls-themed costumes. Black Bush Secondary (Region 6) stole the show, proving they had the skills and energy to win convincingly.
Winners:
1st Place: Black Bush Secondary (Region 6)
2nd Place: New Silvercity Secondary (Region 10)
3rd Place: Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary (Region 3)
Masquerade Dance
Despite dwindling participation, the masquerade segment showcased Guyana’s rich cultural tradition.
Ages 11-13
Stella Maris Primary opened with vibrant costumes and were the only performers for the 8-10 Group, setting the tone for a lively display. New Amsterdam Multilateral, led by the ever-impressive Ashanna Davis, delivered a perfectly timed routine that felt authentic and immersive.
” data-medium-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-300×169.jpg” data-large-file=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-1024×576.jpg” class=”wp-image-192574 size-large” src=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-1024×576.jpg” alt width=”640″ height=”360″ srcset=”https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-1024×576.jpg 1024w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-300×169.jpg 300w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-768×432.jpg 768w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-1536×864.jpg 1536w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-2048×1152.jpg 2048w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-747×420.jpg 747w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-640×360.jpg 640w, https://newsroom.gy/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Photo-2-681×383.jpg 681w” sizes=”auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px”>
Winners:
1st Place: North Georgetown Secondary (Georgetown)
2nd Place: New Amsterdam Multilateral (Region 6)
3rd Place: Anna Regina Secondary (Region 2)
Ages 14-18
Anna Regina Fireballs wowed with their Boom Boom Sally flouncer, while Linden Foundation stood out with dazzling gold costumes and boundless energy.
Winners:
1st Place: Lancaster Secondary (Region 4)
2nd Place: North Georgetown Secondary (Georgetown)
3rd Place: Anna Regina Secondary (Region 2)
General Remarks
Dance remains a vibrant pillar of Guyanese culture, and the young performers brought energy, passion, and creativity to the stage. Despite some logistical setbacks, the two-day competition was a resounding success. Moving forward, organisers may consider a separate prize-giving ceremony to streamline the event. The enthusiasm and talent on display were a testament to Guyana’s thriving artistic heritage.
_____
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
