Dance as Cultural Memory

In the French Caribbean, music and movement remain inseparable:

Traditional Dances

Biguine Martinique's couple dance influencing jazz: "Biguine taught the world Caribbean sophistication before salsa existed," notes dance historian Madeleine Leclair.

Quadrille European court dance créolized: "We took their stiff dances and gave them soul," laughs instructor Henri Guédon. "Now French people come here to learn quadrille we preserved better than them."

Mazouk Slow, sensual dance maintaining African hip movements despite colonial prohibition

Contemporary Movement

Wine/Whine Hip rotation fundamental to Caribbean dance: "The wine is prayer, meditation, and celebration," explains choreographer Léa Galva. "Colonial churches called it vulgar because they feared its power."

Dutty Wine Neck rotation dance causing medical concerns but cultural pride

Pavement Dance Street dance culture creating new moves weekly