The word ‘dance’ in Trinidad and Tobago usually connotes gyrating to soca or grooving to calypso music — but there is another dance style gaining popularity among Trinbagonians: Latin dance.
Whether to spice up a fitness workout, to entertain an audience, or just for a fun social event — there is something for everyone in the Latin dance community, from the beginner’s level straight up to a professional performance.
This past May 2014 marked the sixth year of Salsa Fiesta T&T, the “Ultimate Caribbean Salsa and Soca Experience”; an annual event featuring internationally recognised instructors and performers, with over 40 workshops for all levels of dancers and Latin dance parties including competitions and shows.
You will sweat, and you will get fit“I have to warn you — once you get an introduction to the environment, it’s super addictive,” says Mekeisha Fraser.
“And it involves a lot of cardio,” adds Kyle Ali. “So you will sweat, and you will get fit — but you’ll have fun doing it.”
Mekeisha and Kyle are two of the directors of the Rhythm & Style Dance Company, a dance performance group that participates at the annual Salsa Fiesta event. The semi-professional group is a part-time occupation for the members, who all have their own individual careers — but every chance they can, they unite to live their passion and hone their craft.
Rhythm & Style Dance Company
Kyle’s introduction to latin dance was in the late 1990?s, when he was cajoled by friends into coming to a social event.
Latin dance has a stigma in our culture“Latin dance has a stigma in our culture — Trinidadian men tend to think it’s a thing for women or ‘questionable’ fellas,” he admits, laughing. “But when I went to my first event, I was like — wow! Firstly, there were more women which meant the men were in high demand, so it was a nice social scene… and soon it wasn’t even about that; I just really liked the atmosphere and the whole vibe.”
His passing interest soon developed into a full-fledged passion. After dancing and competing for several years, Kyle established the Rhythm & Style Dance Company in 2003 along with his two friends Michael Fortune and Teisha Castillo. Mekeisha Fraser joined the group in 2005.
Today, the Company consists of 14 core members as well as other associates that they may call upon for particular events.
Collectively, the members of the Company have participated in various Latin and ballroom competitions all over the world including Trinidad, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Miami; and have gained certification by the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress in the Styles of New York, Puerto Rican and Folk Salsa. Some members are also certified in judging for competitions.
Latin Dance in T&T
While Rhythm & Style have registered with the Ballroom Dance Association and the National Dance Association, there is still no Latin Dance Association — something the dance company hopes to change in times to come.
“So far, we have piggybacked on other genres,” Mekeisha says. “But we all have to come together as a community and make our own way. Everyone who is certified has had to travel abroad to get their qualifications. We really want to be able to certify the people we train, and establish rules and regulations to protect the community.
“There is so much that latin dance can offer as a national sport, as a family event, as a community-gathering event, as a cultural experience — not to mention as an alternative and fun form of fitness.”
The same way I would train my gymnasts — for strength, flexibility and staminaBut beyond having a good time, there is no denying: it is hard work.
“I train my students the same way I would train my gymnasts — for strength, flexibility and stamina,” says Kyle, whose primary profession is a gymnast and coach.
“And I have had experiences where persons already involved in dancing end up struggling through one of our practice sessions. We do a lot of drills just to warm up, so it can be challenging when you now get into training for performance.”
Mekeisha also notes that through dancing, her fitness level has improved significantly.
“I find that now, I can run around the Queen’s Park Savannah without stopping, and without even realising where the extra energy is coming from,” she says.
“People think you need a gym to stay fit — you don’t. Dancing is serious cardiovascular training — you may not feel it while you are dancing, but trust me: every muscle in your body is getting a thorough workout.”
Latin Dance & the Corporate World
Rhythm & Style Dance Company is primarily geared for the dance enthusiasts who are interested in taking their performances to the next level — whether this may be on the social dance floor or at a stage performance. They also regularly organise workshops with a focus on improving particular skills — for example, ladies’ styling, men’s spin techniques, and performance training.
Classes for a private group or company can be arranged with individual members of the Company, who also operate independently.
What better way than to dance?“We don’t have a regular class schedule for ‘drop-in’ sessions like some dance schools, as we are primarily a performance group,” explains Mekeisha. “But there is a lot of flexibility for what we can offer to those who want to learn, at any level of expertise. If a company wants private sessions for staff, we reach out to our members to see who is available and located in that area.”
She notes that over the past few years she has witnessed a growing interest in the corporate world for latin dance.
“Employers want to encourage fitness and health among their staff, and what better way than to dance?” she says.
And, as she points out, an introductory series of classes does not have to be the end of the employees’ foray into latin dance.
Opportunities to nurture a career as a dance performer and entertainerThere are social events, skills workshops, and local and international competitions. There are also opportunities to nurture a career as a dance performer and entertainer. Also, one can become associated with congresses and accompany latin dance groups worldwide.
“…And all without quitting your day job,” she adds. “At Rhythm & Style, we all do it successfully while balancing other jobs. It is a fun way to get people at the office to interact with each other in a relaxed environment, and it’s also a chance for someone to experience something they may not have reached out to try on their own — and you never know, you just might get hooked!”