Culturama CAS Reflection 6 (#LO6)

Although I haven’t been able to do a CAS reflection on Culturama since last year (considering it’s held only in season 1 of each academic year), I thought it important to do so for this year’s Grenadian dance. A week before light-plot of the show my dance leaders (and friends) were told by our cultural supervisor that one of the songs was not appropriate as it originates from Jamaica rather than from Grenada. This was very frustrating both for the leaders and for us as dancers who had dedicated a significant amount of time into learning and refining the associated dance moves. However, the bigger picture was the fact that we should be culturally sensitive and that if such a song is a form of cultural appropriation rather than appreciation, eliminating that should be the priority. The cultural advisor explained to us that we had to be particularly cautious about treating the songs and dance moves with respect and consideration as there is a dark history of slavery embedded in the Caribbean, and Carnaval (the dance celebration we’re emulating) is a festive occasion for the abolishment of such slavery. All this taught me that in spite of the initial annoyance that such a last minute alteration to our dance, such actions have far more deeply rooted ethical and historical considerations that should be taken into account. I believe this event made me more open-minded, not to mention that the formation of the dance still ended up working out effectively so that it looked great on stage!

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