CARIFESTA XV took dance to the streets!

The south of the island came alive when CARIFESTA XV’s “De Road Pulse Party” transported dancers from the region on a music truck through the streets.

The Bus x CARIFESTA XV bus challenge began at the Barbados Community College (BCC), featuring dancers from the Cayman Islands National Dance Company Ltd. and the UCCI (University College of the Cayman Islands) Dance Company.

Then, with the Barbados Police Service and Barbados Defense Force escorting the music truck and the buses, “De Road Pulse Party” started its way to the first stop, Oistins.

As the music truck made its way to Barbados’ most southerly town, the dancers showcased their talents and dedication by dancing and singing along to the music played by the DJs, no matter the artist.

Between the dancers and the commentators, Paula Anne and the Coordinator Nathan Gibbons, interacting with the bystanders, there was never a dull moment on the music truck.

The loud beat lured people to come out of various establishments and their homes to catch a glimpse of the music truck as it passed by. Bystanders on the roadside could be seen recording, waving, dancing, and singing along with the dancers.  Drivers blew their horns to show support, as some drivers and passengers could be seen dancing along, whether by moving their heads or moving their hands along to the beat.

Once the dancers reached the main stage in Oistins, the performances began with two dancers from Expression Through Dance (ETD) in Anguilla. They were followed by Barbados’s own Anomaly Dance Academy, who performed “Vibe Tribe” choreography to Kpuu Kpaa by Shatta Wale. Next came UCCI Dance Company from the Cayman Islands with their dance “Bacchanal”, set to Kem a pa sote.

The Cayman Islands National Dance Company Ltd. then took the stage, showcasing a Soca mix with choreography, “Still under construction.” The performances ended with a number dubbed “Vanilton” by the cultural group from St. Cuthbert's Mission, Guyana.

The last stop for the “De Road Pulse Party” was the Accra Beach Hotel & Spa, where all the dancers got off and walked behind the truck. This was led by Clé Woods, who taught the dancers the choreography to his song “Party Nice”. As the dance groups walked further down Highway 7 the public joined in as they followed the contingent.

Written by:

Victoria Boyce

Youth Correspondent - CARIFESTA XV