Beat Of The Drum Is Calling

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture’s Department of Culture hosted several events during independence heritage week, including The Movement of Rhythm Folk Dance and Drum Show Thursday night.

While many things make Bahamian culture so rich, Senior Cultural Affairs Officer Sonovia Pierre, says this particular event centered on the less-featured art forms of dancing and drumming, allowing the artisans of today to honor the legacies of the great dancers and drummers who have trained many over the years.

Drummer Alexander Bullard says he is grateful for the experiences and knowledge he gained during his time with Howard Bethell.

Tiara Johnson, performing with her mother, Victoria Macintosh-Josey’s Dance Group, has been dancing all her life and is professionally trained in many styles.

She says she wants to bring back the good ole days when Bahamian dance forms were a la mode.

English tourists Melanie and Charlotte Beaumont say the show was an amazing cultural experience.

Director of Culture Dereka Deleveaux-Grant says more opportunities for talented bahamians are on the way leading up to the 50th indepependence celebrations, and she is pleased with these performances.