First Dance Studios honours Janet Silvera with inaugural FLAME Award

First Dance Studios has honoured journalist and civic leader Janet Silvera with its inaugural FLAME Award for her longstanding advocacy and support for the performing arts in western Jamaica.

The surprise presentation was made on Sunday during the National Dance Theatre Company’s (NDTC) 64th Season of Dance Finale in Montego Bay.

In a citation read by Sherri Lee Smith, First Dance Studios described Silvera as an “unwavering supporter” and “passionate advocate for the performing arts in Western Jamaica”, whose contribution extended beyond the organisation to artists, creatives and cultural initiatives throughout the region.

“Through her voice, her influence, and her genuine belief in the value of arts and culture, she has championed not only our organisation, but countless artists, creatives, and cultural initiatives throughout our region,” the citation stated.

First Dance Studios said Silvera was among those who believed from the outset that the NDTC’s Season of Dance Finale could be brought to Montego Bay for the first time in the company’s history.

“She offered wise counsel, opened doors, made meaningful connections, and continually encouraged us to dream bigger,” the organisation said.

The citation also recognised Silvera’s support for First Dance Studios’ wider vision of establishing a Cultural Arts Centre for western Jamaica — a space where young people can discover and develop their talents and where artists can create, collaborate and perform.

Silvera, who had no prior knowledge that she would be honoured, said the recognition was particularly meaningful because of the young women behind First Dance Studios and what they are seeking to accomplish for the arts in Montego Bay.

“I was completely surprised and deeply moved. I accepted the FLAME Award with tremendous gratitude, but what brought the greatest joy to my heart was that it came from young women who are themselves making tremendous strides in the arts in Montego Bay,” she said.

“To watch them dream, work and then deliver something of this magnitude, and for them to say that, in some way I helped them along that journey, was profoundly moving.”

Silvera said supporting others and helping to create opportunities has long been central to her approach to service.

Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President O’Brian Heron, who attended the performance and witnessed the presentation, said the historic staging demonstrated the importance of extending major cultural productions beyond Kingston.

“The NDTC represents 64 years of Jamaican artistic excellence, cultural preservation and storytelling. Bringing this season to Montego Bay allows audiences in western Jamaica to experience and celebrate that extraordinary legacy,” Heron said.

He also pointed to the important relationship between culture and Jamaica’s tourism product.

“From a tourism perspective, our culture is one of Jamaica’s greatest assets. Authentic experiences incorporating Jamaican dance, music and storytelling enrich our destination while creating greater visibility and economic opportunities for our creative industries,” he said.

Heron, who grew up in the performing arts, said he was especially pleased to see the production staged outside Kingston.

“Montego Bay should increasingly be recognised not only as a leading tourism destination, but also as an important centre for arts and culture,” he said.

Silvera said Heron’s observation spoke directly to why she has supported First Dance Studios’ vision for a Cultural Arts Centre for western Jamaica.

“We have extraordinary talent in western Jamaica. What we need are more spaces, resources and opportunities for that talent to be nurtured and showcased at the highest level,” she said.

“The success of the NDTC’s Season of Dance Finale in Montego Bay demonstrated what is possible. Our young people should not have to believe that everything of cultural significance has to happen in Kingston.”

For Silvera, being the first recipient of the FLAME Award, also gave special meaning to the symbolism behind the honour.

“A flame can light another flame without losing any of its own light. That, to me, is what service and mentorship should be about — using whatever light you have to help somebody else find their way,” she said.

She thanked the First Dance Studios family for the recognition and pledged her continued support for its work and for the development of the arts in western Jamaica.