Dominica Traditional Dance
Dominica is known for its' extensively celebrated creole heritage. The series of activities hosted during the independence season represents the commitment to culture as well as sustenance of the African traditions that were left behind by our ancestors. In his research, Dr. Lennox Honeychurch noted that the agricultural practices on the large nineteenth century estates in Dominica were owned by the British. Dominica could not have hoped to match its' counterpart islands in their money making abilities from sugar plantations. Therefore, the owners hired lower-class British citizens to work the fields.
The constant rivalry between the British and original French settlers made monopolization of island affairs and practices problematic. Each group of settlers brought with them their own customs and practices to the island, resulting in the variations in folk dances practiced today. Although slavery has been abolished, some of the practices still remain and the island still performs some of the dances as a reminder of our ancestors’ toil. The Bélé dance was introduced by the slaves to depict their strong African heritage. The main instrument used is the Tambou “drum” and a supporting instrument, the Ting Ting “Triangle”. It involves a male and female (in Creole, Kavalyé and Danm) and a choir with a lead singer. Jing Ping represents the pinnacle of musical creativity in Dominica. It includes a variety of dance forms such as quadrille, lancers, flirtation, polka/heel &toe, schottische, mazouk and waltz. Jing Ping music adapts traditional creole melodies and calypsos to unique style. |
Bélé
Bélé are folk songs of West African origin, traditionally performed recreationally in the evening during the full moon and more rarely, during lavèyé (wakes). The bélé tradition has declined in the 20th and 21st century, but is still performed for holidays like Easter, Independence Day, Christmas, Jounen Kwéyòl and patron saint Quadrille
The Dominican quadrille generally has four different figures, the pastouwèl, lapoul, létéand latrinitez. Some regions of Dominica such as Petite Savanne, are home to local variants such as the caristo. Many quadrilles are found across Dominica under a wide variety of names. In addition to the standard quadrille, the lancer is also an important Dominican dance. Accompaniment for the quadrille is provided by a four instrument ensemble called a Jing Ping band. |