Shereita Grizzle, STAR Writer

Str8 Edge Classic Dancers from Kingston are the 2015 World Reggae Dance Champions. The group emerged winners from an elite group of 16 finalists, who danced their hearts out onstage at the grand finale show on Wednesday night.

Starting at 8:30 p.m. to a packed venue, the show, held at the Independence Village at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, was an event many will be talking about for years to come. Hosted by Jenny Jenny, the night was filled with entertainment from start to finish.

There were performances from groups like Dancers of Jamaica, High Voltage Dancers, Dustville Dancers, Di Koloni, Outshine Girls, Dominant Nation, and eventual winners Str8 Edge Classic. These teams had a wow factor to their routine that made them stand out from the rest.

When Str8 Edge Classic dancers touched the stage, they became favourites before busting a single move, as their orange prison-jumpsuit costumes had the audience in a frenzy. The group stood out from the rest, not only because they were exceptional dancers, but because they had the entertainment package down pat. The dancers imitated prisoners who just escaped Horizon Remand Centre, and among the escapees was Vybz Kartel.

When they were done, the entire Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre were out of their seats, clapping and cheering. They walked away with a $500,000 cash prize, along with the 2015 title of World Reggae Dance Champions, among other prizes. They also won the sectional prize for Best Costume for the second year in a row and were awarded an additional $30,000.

Ducati Dancazz, the only international group in the competition, walked away with the prize for Most Disciplined Group, which also attracted a $30,000 award. They also received plaques courtesy of the JCDC for being the Best International Entrant. Second-place winners Dominant Nation walked away with $200,000, while third place and a cash prize of $100,000 went to Di Koloni.

The night's entertainment package included a sound clash between Coppershot and DJ Chris Dymond from Code Red, with Dymond being the eventual winner. There were also performances from Beenie Man, Cecile and Ancient Priest, the 2015 Festival song competition winner.