Kieron Dwayne Sargeant has been exploring his African roots through dance for decades, coming up in ranks as a dancer specialising in Caribbean dance.
The son of the soil, dancer and choreographer is the newly appointed Assistant Professor of Dance, Caribbean and Latinax studies at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York, USA. He recently shared some significant cultural similarities he observed between Trinidad and Tobago and the African countries he visited, including Ghana, Togo and Nigeria.
Sargeant believes that music and dance are embodiments of an “indomitable spirit” ...not just artistic expressions. He uses his platform as a professor to create and develop his own courses which allow him to incorporate Trinbagonian cultural elements into his lectures.
“This opportunity is not just about teaching dance steps; it’s about sharing a rich cultural narrative that is deeply ingrained in the identity of Trinidad and Tobago. One of the key elements I incorporate is music, particularly soca, which is synonymous with Trinidadian culture. By using soca music in my classes, I provide students with a tangible experience of how we dance and move, especially during Carnival. This not only teaches them the physical movements but also immerses them in the energy and spirit of Trinbagonian festivities.
“Additionally, I bring into my teaching the traditional dances, songs, and games of Trinidad and Tobago. Through these dances and songs, students learn about the diverse influences that shape our cultural identity, from African to Indian, and how these meld to create the unique fabric of Trinidadian culture,” Sargeant said. Read More
A cultural journey through dance. (2024, March 6). Trinidad Express Newspapers. https://trinidadexpress.com/features/local/a-cultural-journey-through-dance/article_7fe1ccbe-dbf6-11ee-bd7b-1b64c18bea6d.html
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