It was fulfilling. It was a lot but I really loved it.
These were the sentiments expressed by veteran dancer and educator Dr Cheryl Bernabe-Bishop as she described the process of helping dancers from eight dance companies who were a part of the bèlè performance at the Independence celebrations held at the National Cricket Stadium at Queen’s Park.
As the Spice Isle of the Caribbean commemorated its Golden Jubilee last Wednesday, the island’s rich and enticing culture took centre stage as various groups highlighted the different eras of Grenada’s history.
Spectators witnessed cultural performances which included Indian as well as African unique dances which included the bèlè/belair dance.
In an exclusive interview with THE NEW TODAY, Dr. Bernabe-Bishop said that despite the challenges, she was honoured to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebrations and described the work undertaken as “tedious.”
Referring to the bèlè as one of Grenada’s exquisite artforms, the veteran dancer/teacher pointed out that teaching the dancers various techniques were a part of the process to ensure the movement was graceful and effective during the performances.
“Bele is one of our most beautiful cultural dances. So to be able to know these dances, the essence of these dances and at the same time also show the elements of dance, there were a lot of movement,” she said.
In addition, she stated that the outfits worn on the night were used to enhance the performances.
“It was an abstraction of bèlè in a sense. If you realise they didn’t wear any petty coat but they wore really wide skirts and the reason for that was to use the skirts for the tapestry of flair and colour where one can catch the beauty,” she said,
According to Bishop, her hope was passion for dance to be instilled during the process so the artform can be pursued amongst the youth.
In the preparation for the Independence Day performance, ring games were incorporated so that the veteran dancers can impart their wisdom and values into the dancers and instill harmony among the performers.
“All of these traditions were not passed down to them and when you teach them, they liked it. I used ring games to generate that kind of energy in particular with the circles to signify unity and a sense of togetherness. It was the vehicle in which I used for the mass movement.”
Dr. Bishop noted that it was a good feeling to be working with Grenadian children.
The educator told THE NEW TODAY that with the rise of technology, it brought a lot of comfort to young people, however, many of the island’s culture was not passed down to them.
“Something happened there and I believe because for one Arts Festival was a channel for these things. We haven’t had it for a while but even so… before it used to have things like community groups, mini concerts and little folk groups within schools and so little dances and so were taught, the storytelling is being passed down.
“I believe that the vicious and swift move of technology has created a shift. At some point the ball was dropped and people took on the pop music and the dance and being like people like Michael Jackson and everyone just moved to that and they forgot about the folk.”
The veteran dancer hopes that moving forward initiatives are created to maintain the national pride seen on February 7.
She disclosed that although the drone show was “spectacular”, there were many who did not recognise the value of the performances on the field.
“It was truly an honour to be asked…to be a part of the celebration. You look around and you wonder – is it just the moment? How can we sustain that move…? I hope that the creatives put structures in place… Recently the focus was placed on the drone, yes it was spectacular, we agree with that but praise also what happened on the ground because it took a lot of time and effort…It was also enjoyable.”
The school principal underscored the necessity of a national dance company so aspiring dancers would have a goal to aim for.
“I am hoping that we just don’t drop the group off like that – we can continue maybe not everybody but some because there’s been a need to start a national company. It is critical. I knew when I joined a dance group, I would go further, for these (young folks) they seem like they want to dance but where do I go from here?”
Despite the influence of American culture in Caribbean life, the educator believes that initiatives should be put in place to preserve Grenada’s culture.
“…Once they hear the drum, the drum does something for them, they are ready to move. So I am hoping that we get back on course and have little groups in schools, have those of us who were around for a long time should help with training, help with restoration so you can see at some point you have a children’s festival or something. But of course, something has to be done for use to ensure that we pass on … what we have as Grenadians and cherish it,” said Dr. Bishop.