I am Carmen, from Trelawny Jamaica. I came to the UK in the 60s, age 8, with my brother, to join our parents. I am sociable, trustworthy, organised, and enjoy team work.

I worked in Advertising, the management side of Adoption and Fostering and as a Teaching Assistant in Primary Education. Now retired, I enjoy singing, gardening, reading, dancing, as well as making new friends.

I was invited to join JÁNUKA by Beverley Bogle in 2012. I knew nothing about quadrille then, but once I saw it, I remembered my father dancing something similar. It was the only kind of music that got him moving.

When I dance quadrille, I get carried away with the music. It transports me to a happy place, forgetting all my stress and worries. It is a gracious, elegant, stylish, uplifting and enjoyable dance. The sheer joy it brings helps my health and wellbeing. I enjoy the camaraderie with my fellow dancers and our costumes are beautiful, and worn with pride.

I learn that Quadrille is not just a dance. It tells our story. Our ancestors danced it to communicate, to strengthen their will to survive the hardships of slavery. I want to keep our history and traditions alive, help to teach and empower individuals for generations to come, and leave a lasting legacy for my children and grandchildren.