Four years ago, Nina Miskovsky, a Swedish dance instructor at Shakti, set sail to the island's shores to create a documentary on Jamaican music and dances that have captured her imagination ever since she was a child.

For Miskovsky, who holds a bachelor's degree in international work studies from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, it was special for her to learn so much about the Jamaican culture.

"I was very curious about all these (Jamaican music and dance). So I came here and did interviews with a lot of different artistes about interesting topics and then went home," she told The Sunday Gleaner, her smile stretched across her face as she recalled the moment.

"When I came here four years ago I filmed two parts of a reggae documentary. One part was about the artistes and their music. The other was about the dancers and the groups. That was at the time when Bogle was alive," she added.

behind-the-scenes

Miskovsky has become so intimate with the dancehall scene that she has adopted an alias, 'Chikitita'. She also has appeared in several local music videos, including Tony Matterhorn's Dutty Wine.

Miskovsky said the documentary is a behind-the-scenes profile of Jamaican artistes, music and dancers. Although the film is yet to be finalised, Miskovsky said her only problem is to figure out the best market.

"After I finished I had about a hundred hours worth of information. I got proposals from BBC and from the Swedish Television as well," she stated.

"The product is ready, but is yet to be materialised. I haven't got the time to figure out where I want it to broadcast. I want to make it fair to Jamaica, dancehall and reggae because to me that is very important," she added.

Miskovsky has been teaching Zumba and Yoga at Shakti, which is a mind, body and fitness centre since 2005, but admits that dancehall music and dance bring her the most satisfaction.

"Oh ... I live it, eat it, breathe it. It is something I couldn't be without and I love to spread it. I have developed it well to learn to teach it to other people," she said.

music culture

And Miskovsky, who said there was a huge difference between Jamaican and Swedish music culture, believes Jamaican music is fast-rising in her homeland even though some people aren't use to it.

"Well, Swedish music is mostly pop music; that is the main thing we listen to. Dancehall used to be so small - people used to call it hip hop; they didn't know that dancehall is different," she pointed out.

"Now, it's not the same. As more and more persons are getting familiar with the culture. I get feedback from Sweden and I hear it is going good."

The late Gerald 'Bogle' Levy and Jonathan 'John Hype' Prendergast were two dance icons who inspired Miskovsky when she first came here. The 'Back To Basics', 'Jiggy Jiggy' and 'Row Di Boat' dances, which were created by Bogle, as well as 'Signal Di Plane' and 'Pon Di River' moves, which were created by John Hype, inspired her to record their moves.

"I filmed John Hype and his squad (John Squad). Then I did a story on Black Roses, Boysie, and Mr Wacky (Bogle) himself. I travelled with them around Europe and it was really fantastic," said Miskovsky, whose parents, Karel and Pirjo Miskovsky, are musicians.

love affair

There is hardly a dance you will attend today and not see 'Chikitita', usually accompanied by her partner Kenrick 'Sick in Head' Brown, who is also a dancer. Miskovsky said she has developed a love affair with the lifestyle.

"When I first saw the dance moves and heard the Jamaican music I didn't understand its language. But, the patterns of movements, dance styles, and creativity captured my love," she recalled.

Miskovsky - "After I finished the documentary I had about a hundred hours worth of information. I got proposals from BBC and from the Swedish Television." - Contributed photos