(2:1) Taking part in a Panel discussion
On the 2nd night, we travelled at sunset to a place called Genot Exilie for a panel discussion about Quadrille in the diaspora.
The panel comprised of group leaders from the 4 International Groups. Beverley, our Group Coordinator, was well prepared to represent our group. The Mayor of Francois and other dignitaries asked several questions in French, translated into English, about the continuation and impact of quadrille in our respective diaspora communities. In response to the variety of questions asked, it transpired that we had a lot in common, especially our passion and determination to promote our sub-cultures in our own unique way. The panel discussion over-ran but it was a solemn experience
The panel comprised of group leaders from the 4 International Groups. Beverley, our Group Coordinator, was well prepared to represent our group. The Mayor of Francois and other dignitaries asked several questions in French, translated into English, about the continuation and impact of quadrille in our respective diaspora communities. In response to the variety of questions asked, it transpired that we had a lot in common, especially our passion and determination to promote our sub-cultures in our own unique way. The panel discussion over-ran but it was a solemn experience
(2:2) Opportunity to Showcase Our Quadrille Dance Styles
Our 1st performance took place on the 2nd night at Genot Exilie after the Panel discussion. It was late into the night (after 11pm) when we excitedly danced for the first time. This was a long, tiring day as we were still adjusting to the time difference.
Our 2nd performance was dance workshops at Ecole Elementaire Emmanuel Bruno and Anne Marc schools. We were impressed with the children’s behaviour, enthusiasm, interest, eagerness to learn and participate in dance. They danced with such ease, rhythm and style. We loved the time spent at the 2 schools.
Our 3rd performance was in Sainte–Anne a tourist resort at the southern tip of the island. This was a truly exceptional and unforgettable experience.
When we arrived, the evening’s entertainment was already underway. The town square had been decorated with buntings, balloons and electric light bulbs strung from poles that twinkled in the moonlit sky.
There was a raised platform in the middle of the square for dancing. From the upstairs balcony of the Mayor’s office, the setting looked magical. As we looked down across the town square we could see the Marina, the aquamarine sea, small boats bobbing in the harbour and people dressed in vibrant clothes mingling, laughing, eating, drinking and enjoying the evening’s entertainment.
Our group was warmly welcomed. We danced our style quadrille to our recorded music. The audience was full of praise regarding the uniqueness of our music, dance and costumes. After dancing we had a photo opportunity with the Mayor and other local groups that performed. The hospitality was far beyond expectation and greatly appreciated.
We were informed the next day that our performance was televised on the local television station. We were pleased to hear that.
Our 4th and final performance was at the Salle des Fetes This was the climax of our experience, eagerly anticipated. There were lots of performers dressed in brightly coloured costumes, laughing, chatting and patiently waiting to be called to perform on a high brightly lit open stage.
The large audience filled the open ground space in front of the stage, enjoying, clapping and cheering each dance group, encouraged by an MC. There was a wonderful carnival atmosphere.
The programme was running very late. It was hot, tension was rising, and it was nearly midnight when we were called to perform. By this time the crowd was already dispersing and due to technical problems, our dance time was cut short. However our performance was applauded by the remaining audience, although very frustrating and disappointing for us.
(2:3) Observing other styles of quadrille dancing
When we were not scheduled to dance, we were taken to different venues to observe other groups, dressed in an array of brightly coloured costumes, dancing. The atmosphere at these full to capacity venues could be described as celebratory, exhilarating and anticipatory. The sophistication, elegance and energetic performances of varying lengths and styles, were sights to behold. We were truly mesmerised by the splendour and creativity to the dancers.
The similarities, differences and variety of choreographies of the Haute Taille quadrille were evident. The live musical accompaniment and the instructions from “The creole speaking Caller” gave an original authentic impression of quadrille dancing in the good old days. The feeling aroused was certainly different to our silent dance routines to pre-recorded quadrille music. We noted elements of some dances that we might at some stage include into our quadrille dance routine.
(2:4) Groups Bonding Day
Another highlight of our trip was the ‘Fun Day’ at Espace Filia. The location in this big open space was perfect. The day was arranged for all the dance groups to socialise, to eat together and to teach and learn some of each group’s dance movements. This Bonding Day grounded us to the Caribbean roots of quadrille, historically linked to enslavement. We were all connected by the different types of quadrille danced in the Caribbean by European colonisers.
The mixture of English, French and Creole languages spoken by the dancers enabled some of us to practice speaking in another language. We all had a fantastic time together.
(2:5) Visit to Habitation Clement (The Rum Factory)
Our visit to the rum distillery was surreal. The rum factory is set in 300 hectares of land, owned by Homer Clements, a former Mayor of Francois. The unguided tour of the factory was of historical interest. The old sugar mills, artefacts and images of black people who worked on the sugar plantation were enlightening.
Walking around the surrounding mahogany fields was relaxing. The different fruit trees, flowers and exhibits were captivating.
We conversed, socialised, picked mangoes and later enjoyed our picnic lunch in the grounds. This reminded us of childhood days in Jamaica.
The highlight of this visit was the rum tasting session in a small crowded room, bustling with tourists. We merrily sampled the variety of rums, rum punch and brandy from their extensive range. We certainly did not leave empty handed.
(2:6) Visit to the Town Centre
We visited the coastal town of Francois to do some souvenir shopping. This is a small quiet, clean “ghostlike” town with many old wooden buildings, French style architecture, and quaint shops.
We were surprised at the small number of people in the town on that day and wondered if it was an atypical week day.
Of historical interest was the Camille Darsiere Square, where the old courthouse, now the cultural centre of Francois is located. There is a huge statue of Victor Schoelcher, a French politician, journalist and prominent 19th century abolitionist, who obtained a decree from the Martinique Committee of Colonist to abolish slavery in the French Empire. Slavery was abolished in Martinique in 1848.
(2:7 ) Visit to Catholic Church
Early on the Sunday morning, we were taken to the Catholic Church in town along with the other International groups, all dressed in our costumes. Many of us are not Catholics and were unfamiliar with the order of service, however we soon felt at home when we were greeted by the Priest, who spoke English and was of Polish descent.
We watched and listened as the Islander’s placed their harvest baskets at the altar and responded to the Priest’s instructions. We were able to relax and enjoy the service, with the little knowledge of French we had. It was a blessing.
The Catholic Church Service
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(Updated 2025)