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A to Z of Anansi the spider.
S is for Song (and Dance)
Anansi likes music. He sings, plays a fiddle, and dances.
I can make the assumption that he likes music because it came with him from Africa and that it evolved, over time, to reflect the various islands where his stories were told.
In the Virgin Islands, Quelbe (pronounced quail-bay), is the official music. The bands are also called scratch bands. The traditional dance is the quadrille. It is a dance where the steps are called out, similar to square dancing. I can see Anansi taking part.
Here's a video of quadrille dancers, in traditional costumes, preforming during Carnival in St. Thomas, 2012. Just watching a minute or two will give you an idea of the flavor of this traditional music and dance.
S is for Song (and Dance)
Anansi likes music. He sings, plays a fiddle, and dances.
I can make the assumption that he likes music because it came with him from Africa and that it evolved, over time, to reflect the various islands where his stories were told.
In the Virgin Islands, Quelbe (pronounced quail-bay), is the official music. The bands are also called scratch bands. The traditional dance is the quadrille. It is a dance where the steps are called out, similar to square dancing. I can see Anansi taking part.
Here's a video of quadrille dancers, in traditional costumes, preforming during Carnival in St. Thomas, 2012. Just watching a minute or two will give you an idea of the flavor of this traditional music and dance.
And here's a Quelbe Festival that took place on St. Croix in 2012.
You sure know how to delight your readers early in the morning. It's still early morning DARK but I want to get up and dance. Love the music and the costumes....More, more.
ReplyDeleteI bet when Anansi dances, he's all legs...
ReplyDeleteThose costumes are amazing. Colorful and festive.
ReplyDeleteI love Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights. For three years this was the soundtrack of my life. I miss it terribly. I do think once you have lived in de islands your soul is always trying to get back.
ReplyDeleteIt snowed here last night. I really needed this on this early morning. Thanks!
So enjoyed seeing and hearing this music and dance! I'd like to go to St. Croix someday... My sister went there for their honeymoon and loved it! Thanks for dropping by my blog and commenting!
ReplyDeleteLoved the music and the dancing. Anansi had to do both!
ReplyDeleteSo much exuberance in their music. The dancers were smiling. I would imagine Anansi would be as well.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I can see the similaritiy between folk dances of African origin that are a part of the culture of Puerto Rico and those of the Virgin Islands. The joy and color are heartwarming. Thank you for sharing. Your cousin in San Juan, PR
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your culture. I am learning so much this blog hop and can't wait to visit to put my knowledge to good use.
ReplyDeletehttp://katloveswriting.blogspot.com
I am sure Anansi must be quite a good dancer, with all his legs moving in all directions ;)
ReplyDeleteA Spider quadrille dancing. I would love to see that :)
ReplyDeleteOoh! I love square dancing. Admittedly I've never danced that dance, but I'd love to try it out.
ReplyDeleteTrue Heroes from A to Z
Oh, I love the quadrille! The music is so catchy. Great videos!
ReplyDeleteThat is really cool!
ReplyDeleteThe music is infectious! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFun!
ReplyDeleteI like song and dance, too. :)
I love the music and the dancing! So delightful - cheerful with great rhythms. Thanks for the vids!
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome! I love that style of music.
ReplyDeleteI loved the dance and the music was amazing.
ReplyDelete