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
AfriRetentive 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 us 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
This class focuses on the History of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and the Traditional Carnival Character dance forms that emerged out of the Canboulay riots of 1881, (known as ‘Cannes Brulees’, or ‘Burning of the Cane’). ‘Cannes Brulees’ was commemorated by the extinguishing of cane fires in the sugar cane plantations, during the era of enslavement. The class also focuses on the deconstructing and reconstructing of the Traditional Carnival Character dances, in order to build narratives inside contemporary dance practices.
Photography by Joseph Mora
Photography by Tate Navarro
Photography- Karen Johnstone
Photography- Karen Johnstone
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
CARIBBEAN FUSION AND AMERICAN FUSION
Class Description
Dive deep into the mesmerizing fusion of Caribbean and American dance in this one-of-a-kind class. Drawing inspiration from authentic Caribbean scenarios and vernacular dance forms, participants will be immersed in the rich Caribbean movement sensibilities. Alongside, elements of American modern and contemporary dance will be interwoven, creating a harmonious blend that showcases the potential for these forms to bridge cultural gaps and narrate hybrid stories. The dance narratives will encompass interpretations of Caribbean experiences such as market vendors, washerwomen, the Canboulay riot reenactment, rituals, local birds, a ‘wake’, and an exploration of local folklore and carnival characters. Moreover, a keen study into the dynamics of male and female relationships in Carnival will be undertaken.
Photography 1 by Meghan Helman
Photography 2 by University of Iowa Dance Department
WHIN, WAVE, BUBBLE AND ROLL
Class Description
This class focuses on the popular and secular dances of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. Participants will be introduced to Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Dance phenomenon, and the improvisational and dynamic way of moving/dancing in Carnival Parties (Fetes) and Masquerades (Mas). Participants will also be introduced to Jamaica’s Dancehall dances, like the ‘Bogle’, ‘One Drop’, ‘Butterfly’, ‘Tek way yuhself’, ‘Willie Bounce’ and others. Through discussion sessions, participants will gain basic knowledge on how these dances have helped shape the movement practices in the Caribbean.
Photography by Daniel Figaro
Soca Dance
Class Description
Soca music is the driving force behind the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The rhythms are specially designed to keep you energized with bodily gestures improvising to the music. The movement culture of Soca is deeply rooted in African and East Indian rhythms. Soca Dance is a unique study in how to fuse and mix various movement traditions by finding their bridging elements.
Photography By Haley Nelson