I am Icilda, originally from Clarendon Jamaica. I came to the UK in the 70s, age 15, to join my parents. I am easy going, kind, friendly and sociable. I enjoy dancing, entertaining, sewing, gardening, travelling and walking. I am a retired child minder, foster parent and carer.

I first saw quadrille dancing in 2010 at a fundraising dinner for a Jamaican hospital. JÁNUKA dancers came on stage, dressed in their lovely bandana costumes. I watched them dance with excitement and said to myself “I must join this group”. I recognised seeing some of the dance moves by older people, to drum and banjo music, during my childhood, but I did not know they were dancing quadrille.

I joined JÁNUKA in 2013 and enjoy learning the different steps and interacting with other members. The dances are energising, help me to relax and feel good. No way can I sit down and not move to the quadrille music.

Quadrille dancing is part of my cultural heritage and I dance it with pride in remembrance of our ancestors’ bravery and resilience. I am obliged to pass it on to the next generation and beyond, so that they can appreciate how our ancestors’ enjoyed themselves during and beyond slavery, to keep their spirits high, to overcome pain and suffering.

My thanks to Beverley Bogle, our group coordinator, for her patience and time.