We booked JANUKA initially as a dance company to deliver a Quadrille dance workshop but soon learned that they were much more. We were entertained and educated about the history and context of Quadrille that dated back many years to colonialism in the Caribbean. Each workshop delivered was intergenerational bringing old, young, and different cultures […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Anne Leach
Elegant dancing with the energy and spirit of the Jamaican quadrille tradition JANUKA have been an essential part of our programme, at The Dance Around The World Festival, for well over ten years. The group’s beautiful, elegant dancing is suffused with the energy and spirit of the Jamaican quadrille tradition. The historical roots of the […]
Tribute to JANUKA – Phenomenal JANUKA Dancers
In 2018 I met Beverley the founder of JANUKA, The Quadrille Dance Group. I was invited to a show and was immediately astounded by its uniqueness and its educational significance. I found their performance exquisite, breath-taking and mesmerising. Their movements are sharp and precise. The sequence of their dancing intrigued me as it included numerical […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Ella
My first experience of JÁNUKA was in September 2016, when I was invited to attended “An Evening with JÁNUKA”- “The Will To Survive” Part 2. I did not know what to expect, but went with an open mind. It turned out to be quite a spectacular evening with the parading and outburst of colours, cultural […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Joan S
Tribute to JANUKA: by Joan S Joan’s Tribute – “Lang run …Shaat ketch” In 2006, I attended a charity function to raise awareness of the need for Black and Minority Ethnic bone marrow donors. JÁNUKA Quadrille dancers performed at this event. I was duly impressed by the energy and enthusiasm emanating from them, and the […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Mr. Desmond Clarke (Quadrille Instructor)
Tribute to JANUKA: From Mr. Desmond Clarke (Quadrille Instructor) on the occasion of our 10th Anniversary celebration. THE REAL PERSON WITHIN THE SLAVE Congratulations JANUKA on your tenth anniversary. May you continue to serve your purpose and achieve your goals indefinitely. What you are experiencing here this evening, ladies and gentlemen, entertaining though it may […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Ralph Waithe
A Journey with JANUKA: I became aware of JANUKA in 2009 and the Quadrille dance quickly stirred my cultural and spiritual awareness. The dynamic drumming that precedes JANUKA performances holds my captive interest; it evokes the memory of our African slave ancestors whose adaptation of Ballroom Style to Camp Style became a medium of communication, […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Cliff Purchase
I personally have known JANUKA for approximately 8 years. During that time, I have seen a group of women, who met in 2005 under the tutelege of “Mr Desmond Clarke” to learn quadrille, develop into a formidable group of quadrille dancers. I can recount meeting them during those early days of rehearsal at an Antenatal Clinic […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Gennette Edwards
Hello Beverley and the JANUKA group, Congratulations on all your past events and launch of website. The launch evening was so lovely and must have been very special for everyone. Januka has achieved a lot over the years. My favourite aspect of the group is their sense of respect, dignity and pride in promoting Jamaica’s culture, history […]
Tribute to JANUKA by Caspar James
I met members of JANUKA first at a fundraising party in London and was immediately overwhelmed by their warm hospitality and boundless energy; dancing quadrille in between serving up courses of delicious food and fine drinks! I was determined that they should come to Norwich where myself and my organisation, Culture Crossroads, have put on […]