MASTER CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Dances of Trinidad and Tobago

Class Description

Step into the enchanting world of Trinidadian and Tobagonian dances and uncover the rich tapestry of their intricate roots and influences. 'Dances of Trinbago' is a masterclass designed to guide dancers through the multifaceted retentions and influences that have shaped these Caribbean marvels, revealing their distinct essence and allure. Rooted in a deep history of cultural blending and integration, these dances transcend boundaries, connecting coordinates and continuing traditions, resulting in a vibrant interplay that the world repeatedly celebrates, references, and even causes to go viral.

The dances from Trinbago tell stories that bridge epochs, honor legacies, and ignite passions. They've not only charmed global audiences but have also influenced prominent personalities from the iconic Katherine Dunham to the sensational Nicki Minaj..

Here's a roadmap of our dance journey:

Tribute Dances: A heartfelt homage to the ancestors of the African continent and the First People, these dances embody reverence, pride, and heritage. While they serve as tributes, they don’t strictly replicate the original aesthetics of these communities.

  • African Tribute Dances: Koromanti, Ibo

  • First People Tribute Dances: Caribs, Arawaks, Amerindians

Afri-Retentive Dances: A testament to the indomitable spirit of African culture and its enduring influence, interwoven seamlessly with diverse global threads.

  • With French Influence: Bele, Pique, Minuet

  • With Spanish Influence: Joropo, Castillian, Parang

  • With Pure African Retentions: Manding, Temne, Congo,Bongo, Limbo.

  • With British Influence: Tobago Jig, Reel

East Indian Retention Dances: Experience the rhythmic allure and fluid movements that are hallmarks of East Indian dance traditions:: Jahroo, Kollatum, Dandia, Kathak.

Join me to enrich your dance vocabulary, appreciate cultural integration, and revel in the captivating dance forms that have deeply influenced and continue to inspire many worldwide. This class promises an authentic and exhilarating immersion into the very soul of Trinbago dance.

Canboulay To Carnival

Class Description

Join me in this insightful class Canboulay To Carnival, where you will explore the rich history of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and its Traditional Carnival Character forms. Originating from the Canboulay riots of 1881, these dances have deep cultural roots, stemming from the ‘Cannes Brûlées’ or ‘Burning of the Cane,’ a significant event where enslaved Africans extinguished cane fires on sugar plantations. This class provides an in-depth understanding of these traditional dance forms and their historical context. However, the primary focus is on how to use these traditional characters for character development and generating movement material in the creative process.

I will guide participants through the deconstruction of Traditional Carnival Character dances, breaking them down to understand their core elements. He will then lead you in reconstructing these elements to create new, dynamic narratives within contemporary dance practices. This approach will help you integrate traditional movements into your own creative work, enhancing your ability to develop unique characters and generate innovative movement material.

By the end of the class, you will have not only a thorough understanding of the historical significance of these dances but also practical skills in using traditional forms for contemporary character development and creative expression. This class is ideal for dancers, choreographers, and cultural enthusiasts looking to deepen their practice and connect with the rich heritage of Caribbean dance.

Photography by Joseph Mora

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Photography by Tate Navarro

Photography- Karen Johnstone

Photography- Karen Johnstone

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DANCES OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

Class Description

This class centers around movement practices from the African Diaspora.  A holistic approach is applied to understanding and investigating spiritual practices, historical, cultural and musical knowledge centered on dances from Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, New Orleans and linking them to their West African retentions.

Photography by Meghan Helman

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CARIBBEAN FUSION AND AMERICAN FUSION

Class Description

Experience the captivating integration of Caribbean and American dance in this unique class. Participants will engage with authentic Caribbean contexts and traditional dance styles, allowing them to fully appreciate the intricate movement qualities of the Caribbean. Simultaneously, aspects of American modern and contemporary dance will be incorporated, resulting in a seamless fusion that highlights the ability of these dance forms to connect cultures and tell hybrid narratives. The dance stories will reflect various Caribbean experiences, including depictions of market vendors, washerwomen, reenactments of the Canboulay riot, rituals, local avian life, a ‘wake’, and explorations of local folklore and carnival figures. Additionally, there will be a focused examination of the dynamics between male and female relationships during Carnival.

Photography 1 by Meghan Helman

Photography 2 by University of Iowa Dance Department

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WHINE, WAVE, BUBBLE AND ROLL

Class Description

This course emphasizes the widely recognized and contemporary dance styles of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. Attendees will explore the vibrant Soca Dance culture of Trinidad & Tobago, characterized by its improvisational and energetic movements typical of Carnival celebrations (Fetes) and Masquerades (Mas). Additionally, participants will be introduced to various Dancehall styles from Jamaica, including the ‘Bogle’, ‘One Drop’, ‘Butterfly’, ‘Tek way yuhself’, ‘Willie Bounce’, among others. Through interactive discussions, participants will acquire foundational insights into how these dance forms have influenced movement practices throughout the Caribbean.

Photography by Daniel Figaro

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Soca Dance

Class Description

Soca music serves as the central element of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. Its rhythms are meticulously crafted to maintain high energy levels, encouraging spontaneous bodily movements in response to the music. The cultural practice of movement associated with Soca is profoundly influenced by African and East Indian musical traditions. Soca Dance represents a distinctive exploration of how to blend and integrate diverse movement styles by identifying their commonalities.

Photography By Haley Nelson

The Healing Waters: Holding Space for Each Other

Join me for a session inspired by the cosmological and cultural imagery of Yemanja, the “Goddess of the Ocean.” Through deep improvisation, we will channel her healing waters, allowing us to engage with memories and emotions that resonate deeply within our cultural experiences. Water carries both memory and possibility, helping us heal layers of ourselves that are often unseen and unspoken.

Community Agreements: This is a space to come as you are. Whether you choose to share, engage, process, release, channel, talk, or simply be—know that your presence is valued in this moment, within our collective, contemporary now. Let’s flow together.