To be able to dance signifies several things. All of which points to freedom.
One of the first things that comes to mind when we watch some dance is their abilities. Being able to do something is rooted in freedom.
A good dancer is one that is free. Free from restriction and tightness. Free from the paralysis brought by too much analysis. Free from doubt or worry or ambivalence. Free from being pinned down, or stuck in one location or position. Free to connect in a most intimate way, with music. Free, perhaps above all, means: to, just, be.
In the Caribbean, we dance because we feel and are fed by the music we listen to. We dance because we are the children of our forefathers (and foremothers) and we find freedom the exact same way our ancestors did. Through music. Through the power and language of the drum. We dance because it is an expression of our individuality. All of us can be together on the road for Carnival, or in a Fete but we all are still free to personally interpret the music we all are listening to because we are free to do so.
One of the low key reasons we dance is to become more of ourselves. Muscle memory, or simply put, practice, means that the more we dance the better we get at it. It being, expressing ourselves. Expressing our unique way of interpreting the music that defines us.
We dance because dancing is a positive, mystical act that that fulfils and completes us whilst we exert and put out energy. We whine because it makes us feel good. We whine to choose peace. To remain in a state of sanity when it seems the whole world has gone mad. We dance to affirm ourselves and our preeminence over others. Rather than to allow ourselves to be ruled by the opinions of others. Or to even care what other people may think. To be sure, dancing like no one is watching in a public place with plenty of people around is intensely liberating.
Interestingly, whilst people may have a fear of public speaking. It would be great to find out whether public dancing, helps them get over that fear? Another big reason why we dance (in public) is because the power of music grants us the authority, to feel good regardless of where we are.
Music Is Our Motivation.
Music is our motivator and fuel. Whilst the rest of the world may have forgotten the importance of music. We hopefully never will. We know from personal experience just how sweet Soca music is. Afrobeats will always have a very dear place in our hearts. We need that real Dancehall music, to make us jump up and Dance. We have an urge to show off with someone sexy, as we Salsa together.
Konpa music takes us away from where we physically are, to a realm where everything is okay. Even after we leave, we’ll be back to bachata again. The hold that Bouyon music has on us is simply something we can never ever break away from.
The Caribbean is rich beyond our wildest dreams. As Pirates Of The Caribbean, we can attest that everyday is an opportunity to discover new treasures this region is home to. Music is the heartbeat of the Caribbean. Whether it is Reggaeton, Reggae, Ragga, Dancehall, Dembow, Soca, Steelpan, Calypso, Bouyon, Dennery Segment, Benna, Bomba, Salsa etc etc etc. It highly accurate to note that a lot of music is born in the Caribbean and then goes on to shape the world and global culture.
Nevertheless, the point is by virtue of being in the Caribbean. One can find oneself in an island (or a country), or region, that is surrounded by a variety of music that serves as motivation to move. Admittedly, someone that loves Caribbean music can do so from anywhere in the world, thanks to technology. However, being physically present in the Caribbean, means one can indirectly consume Caribbean music often by virtue of hearing their neighbors playing it, it being played at events and in the cars of drivers and even at supermarkets. (Hearing music playing at the Supermarket, is one of the best things about living in the Caribbean).
Whilst the Caribbean may lack in other areas, it is musically rich. The relevance of this is a heightened quality of life because whether your having a good day or a bad day. Music, is a great way to either make a good day better, or make a “bad day” less bad.
Moreover, music is our motivation, to keep on moving. Which is essential to surviving, particular if one is going through hell. Put a different way, music, is a life hack. Music, is one of the ways we in the Caribbean, ensure that we survive and it has been that way for generations.
Speaking of dance, big up Royal G, Chriss Choreo, XO Dance Label, Empress Cece, Inhale Me, King Kayak, Bizzy Boom, Squid, Father Phillis, Mr Killa and all dancers worldwide!!!!!
