Babies and toddlers rip the runway

Most fashion shows feature tall, slender models. But on Sunday babies and toddlers from daycare centres around the territory broke that stereotype when they entertained more than 100 residents.

No stage or lights were needed during the “Baby Show” held at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex as part of activities for Early Childhood Education Month.

The parade of babies and toddlers — a fundraiser to help purchase resources such as storybooks for daycare centres — was part of a larger effort that also includes plans to provide training for preschool teachers, said Jerelyn Callwood, an education officer at the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The show

For nearly two hours on Sunday, babies and toddlers took turns showing off their outfits as an audience of mainly parents and other family members applauded.

They were dressed as doctors, firefighters, nurses, chefs and even the Incredible Hulk.

Most of the children were accompanied to the centre of the gym by their parents.

Shondrea Turnbull escorted her twins: Elijah was dressed as a businessman in a pair of black dress pants and a purple shirt, while Amelle sported a black dress and a black hat depicting a fashion designer.

Though the show was fairly simple, Ms. Turnbull believes it helped build participants’ confidence.
“It gives them a good experience and opportunity to feel clapped for and appreciated by the applause and love from the audience,” she said. “I would say this builds confidence and allows them to start getting out there to show themselves and allows them to be individuals and be themselves, whether they are walking themselves or the parents are with them.”

Showing support
Such support is important, Rachel Findlay said as she helped prepare her son Lucas to showcase his territorial wear.
“I think he’s quite capable of walking the runway, and he will have the full support and he will be all right,” she said. “It is extremely important to support the children from stage one and up.”

Yvette Faulkner travelled from Virgin Gorda to watch her granddaughter Isabella Frazer parade her costume as a “sailor queen.”

Ms. Faulkner thought the event was a success, and said she hopes similar shows will be held on the sister islands.

“Being the first year, I thought it was very nice,” she said. “I think there should have been more schools involved, but I enjoyed myself.”

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