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 quadrilles are very dear to JANUKA’s hearts. Beverley is hugely knowledgeable and a gifted communicator. Whether it’s in a performance or a workshop class, she brings the rich history of the dances to life. It is an inspiring and sometimes troubling story of colonialism, oppression, resilience and the power of self-expression. Beverley and JANUKA bring it all joyfully to life. They have never failed to inspire our festival visitors.
JANUKA make friends wherever they go. They have caught the eye of artists beyond the arena of traditional dance. The group’s dynamic and graceful style was superbly captured by our artist in residence, Tony Coombs’, in his collection of original pictures published as ‘Dances From Around The World’ (2019)
We cannot thank JANUKA enough for their support for Dance Around The World. We have learnt so much from their focus and values. Traditional folk material, be it music, dance or spoken word, is always fragile; often pushed to the edges of the cultural scene. JANUKA’s outstanding work in the service of the quadrille tradition has undoubtedly promoted wider interest in the dances and respect for the story that they, and the folk archive more widely, have to tell.
JANUKA’s magical dancing lights up any dance programme, anywhere. The Jamaican quadrilles are a vibrant living tradition and they couldn’t be in better hands.
FROM: ANNE LEACH – FESTIVAL DIRECTOR – DANCE AROUND THE WORLD ANNUAL FESTIVAL – CECIL SHARP HOUSE- 2 Regents Park Road – London NW1 7AY (July 2023)
