Hop-skipping in single file, a column of matching dancers entered a semi-circle of white tents at Greenland Field in East End and made their way to a maypole.
Two by two, they snatched streamers, one for each hand, and began to dance in a circle as complex symmetrical designs appeared out of thin air.
The Aug. 6 performance was one of several events held in East End and Long Look last week as part of activities surrounding the 70th August Emancipation Festival.
Earlier the same day, the festivities got under way with a mini parade from the East End Police Station to the Greenland Field, where attendees also enjoyed craft displays, local food, and music from the Four Strong Fungi Band and Leon and the Hot Shots.
Desirae Pemberton, who was among the maypole dancers, explained her group’s performance.
“We have different plaits known as the grand chain, the spider and the twister, to name a few,” Ms. Pemberton told the Beacon. “And this is usually done to folklore music.”
The group’s outfits, she said, were also traditional.
“Our dress is the madras print or skirts,” Ms. Pemberton said. “And underneath our skirts we have on a pantalette — the females that is — also known as a bloomer.”
Displays
Residents under the surrounding tents presented displays they felt were traditional to their part of Tortola.
Near the fire pits and freshly cling-wrapped bread, Dariel Lettsome sat crocheting behind a table of handmade wares including straw-wrapped bottles and woven hats.
A flat-bed truck parked nearby featured an exhibit of local calypsonian history.
Ms. Pemberton, who is also a calypsonian, was eager to explain this form of traditional VI artistry as well.
“Calypsonians are the voice of the people of the community in which they live,” said Ms. Pemberton, who performs under the stage name “Princess Didi.” “Songs can be used to create history. They are often full of complaints, and to get a message across [use] irony or analogies.”
Premier
Also among the attendees was Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, who as Seventh District representative in the House of Assembly is responsible for much of the East End and Long Look area.
As his family members served pot bread and pound cake at one of the tents, Dr. Wheatley explained how the East End parade has “dwindled” in recent years.
“I think perhaps maybe we need to contemplate doing [the East End parade] a bit differently than what happens in Road Town, when you have all of the troupes with the Trinidad-Brazil-type costumes, and whether we do something more cultural here in East End/Long Look — something more family-friendly,” Dr. Wheatley said. “We engage our religious institutions, business institutions, civic organisations and see if we can organise a different type of parade. But, you know, that’s something that as a community we have to talk about.”
Aside from pondering next year’s activities, the premier said he was enjoying celebrations including a beach-day family reunion with more than 100 people (which he described as on the small side for a gathering of relatives in the VI).
Also a tradition in his family, he said, is a Sunday church service followed by lunch or dinner.
Rise and Shine Tramp
The East End activities continued early the next morning with the village’s Rise and Shine Tramp, which for many revellers ended with a plunge off the Beef Island bridge.
Afterwards, residents gathered on the beach at Long Bay for a party featuring music from DJ Pushpop, Selecta Taz, Boss, Harella, Pascal the Artist and Signal Band.
