SCHEDULE
At What Time?
[ OUR TIMETABLE ]
Here’s the schedule for an unforgettable three days of dance workshops, performances, and cultural experiences.
6:00 pm -
8:00 pm
Cayman Drum Workshop
Studio Theatre, FJ Harquail Cultural Grounds
The Cayman Drum Workshop offers an immersive experience in traditional and modern drumming techniques, celebrating island rhythms.
9:00 am -
10:00 am
Cayman Traditional Dance - Quadrille
Intergenerational Hub
Experience the vibrant tradition of Cayman’s Quadrille dance in this immersive workshop, celebrating the island's cultural heritage.
10:30 am -
11:45 am
West African Dance
Intergenerational Hub
Explore the energy and rhythm of West African dance in this dynamic workshop, celebrating traditional movements and vibrant culture.
12:15 pm -
1:30 pm
Plies on Dub - Fusion Contemporary Choreography
Intergenerational Hub
Plies on Dub blends contemporary dance with dub music, creating a unique fusion of graceful movements and rhythmic beats.
2:30 pm -
3:30 pm
Riddim Up! - Traditional Drum Workshop
Intergenerational Hub
Riddim Up! is an energizing traditional drum workshop that brings the heartbeat of island rhythms to life through powerful drumming techniques.
4:00 pm -
5:15 pm
Afro Modern Dance
Intergenerational Hub
Afro Modern Dance combines African-inspired movements with modern dance techniques, creating a powerful and expressive fusion of styles.
5:30 pm -
6:45 pm
Old School Dancehall
Intergenerational Hub
Old School Dancehall takes you back to the roots of dancehall culture, with classic moves and vibrant rhythms that defined the era.
6.00 pm
Performance Show
Harquail Theatre
The performance show features an exciting lineup of talent, including UCCI Dance Company, Tamara Thomas Dance, Red Boat Experience, Theoline McKoy Primary School, Fuego Latin Dance, Djeli Dance feat. UCCI DC, CINDC, and Dreamchasers Cayman, showcasing a vibrant fusion of dance styles and cultural expressions.
TICKETS
How Much?
[ CHOOSE A TICKET ]
Tickets are available for purchase on www.ticketplus.ky
Tomtom Pass
The Tomtom Pass includes access to three dynamic dance classes on Saturday, October 19th.
$40.00
[ OCT 19TH ]
Djembe Pass
The Djembe Pass grants access to two dance classes and the exciting showcase event.
$50.00
[ OCT 19TH & 20TH ]
Conga Pass
The Conga Pass gives your access to the drum workshop on Friday, any 2 dance classes on Saturday and the showcase event.
$65.00
[ OCT 18TH, 19TH & 20TH ]
Djun Pass
The exclusive Djun Pass gives you access to all workshops on Friday and Saturday and to the showcase event.
$130.00
[ OCT 18TH, 19TH & 20TH ]
Click here for the full list of tickets:
GUESTS
[ OUR INSTRUCTORS ]
OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
We’re excited to welcome five exceptional guests who will enrich the dance conference with their unique insights and performances.
Kemoy Outar
[ PERCUSSIONIST ]
Kemoy is a popular and well-practiced professional Traditional Drummer and Percussionist from Kingston, Jamaica. He started his rhythmic career in high school, where he was a founding member and leader of the drum corps in 2005. From that moment, his interest peaked, and he decided to stay the course and make it his profession. He has trained with master drummers in Jamaica and from the mother continent, acquiring a keen ear and skilled hands for traditional rhythms. His professional career spans eight years, during which time he has worn many hats. These include being an accompanist for dance classes in both modern and folk dance styles, serving as Musical Director for major productions like Jamaica Independence Grand Gala, and being the Musical Director and Lead Composer for the world-renowned dance company L’Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force. Additionally, Kemoy has performed as a percussionist for recording artist Keznamdi. Currently, he is Adjunct Faculty at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, School of Dance, where he teaches Traditional Caribbean and West African drum rhythms. He also arranges and plays music for dance classes. In addition, Kemoy is a drum instructor at Ardenne High School in Kingston, Jamaica, where he teaches students to master various percussion instruments and prepares them for performances and competitions on major stages, such as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s annual Festival of the Arts. Kemoy believes deeply in the preservation and promotion of Afro-Caribbean culture. He expresses this through his art and skill, educating and entertaining the masses with the melodic rhythms of the Djembe, Djun Djuns, and Congas.
Tamara Thomas
[ PERFORMER/CHOREOGRAPHER ]
Tamara Thomas is a peaceful warrior and activates that calling through birth-work, education, performing artistry, and choreography. After receiving her B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University, she toured with Chuck Davis' African American Dance Ensemble. While completing her Master of Fine Arts in Dance at Temple University, she served as a member of Kariamu and Company Traditions and Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble. In addition to being a performing artist, as a choreographer, she has showcased her works at events and venues such as World Café Live, the Temple Black Alumni Arts Showcase, the Black Women's Arts Festival, the International African Arts Festival, the American College Dance Association Regional Conference, the Chale Wote Arts Festival in Accra, Ghana, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where she received the 2017 Chuck Davis Emerging Artist Fellowship. Her artistic vision involves the integration of arts and nation-building from the inside out. This focus has been shared with organizations such as Dreams Wilmington, Upward Bound, and inspired the creation of The Nkonsonkonson Afrikan Youth Ensemble in Kingston, Jamaica. As a career educator, she has provided instruction at Temple University, Rowan University, New Media Technology Charter School, the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts in the School of Dance, the University of Georgia, Goucher College, and Medgar Evers College. Currently, she is a Teaching Artist with the Brooklyn Academy of Music and works as a Health and Nutrition Life Coach, Doula, and Yogi through her established LLC, Sola’s Wellness Garden – Health Nutrition Coaching and Doula Services.
Brian Watler Jr.
[ CHOREOGRAPHER ]
Brian Watler Jr. is a multi-talented individual, known for his achievements in academics, community service, and the arts. A graduate of John Gray High School, he served as Head Boy and received recognition as a Proud of Them recipient in 2013 for his academic prowess and community contributions. Brian pursued his passion for graphic design at the Savannah College of Art & Design, graduating with honors in 2016. His creativity and talent were further acknowledged when he won the People’s Choice Award for designing Muzey, the mascot for the Cayman Islands National Museum. Brian continued to excel academically, earning a Master of Science Degree in Digital Marketing & Advertising with distinction from Liberty University in 2021. In addition to his academic and design achievements, Brian is deeply involved in promoting Caymanian culture through dance and illustration. He has choreographed multiple award-winning Quadrille pieces for the National Children’s Festival of the Arts and volunteered to teach Cayman's national dance. As the owner of the patriotic apparel brand Awleh! and a member of the UCCI Dance Company, Brian has represented Cayman at international festivals, including the Jamaica Dance Umbrella Festival. He also honed his artistic skills at the Rock Retreat in Gibraltar, mentored by renowned illustrators and authors. Brian's dedication to preserving Caymanian heritage and promoting cultural awareness is evident in his work as a Marketing, Events & Design Coordinator for the National Museum. Through his vibrant illustrations, he brings history to life and showcases the unique aspects of Caymanian culture to the world. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Brian received the Heritage Cross award in the Emerging category at the National Arts & Culture Awards in 2023.
Randy Chollette
[ ARTIST/MUSICIAN ]
Artist/Musician Randy Chollette: This consummate artist has many forms of expression. Musically he seeks innovation and unique self expression through writing, rapping, singing, drumming… His themes are just as all encompassing; the world around him, cultural identity, social commentary, but the one common element is the spiritual nature of his works. Simply put, they touch you. His music connects his existence to that of every other part of creation; a universal kind of brotherhood and humanity.
Nicole Durrant
[ PERFORMER/CHOREOGRAPHER ]
Nicole started dancing at age 3 when Ms. Sheila Barnett encouraged her grandmother to enroll her in ballet classes. She continued her dance journey as a youth in her church dance group and took classes at the Jamaica School of Dance Jr. Department. Dance became her career path when she decided to pursue higher education in the art form at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. She now resides in the Cayman Islands, where she teaches dance technique to students aged 7 through adult. As a choreographer, she has set works on the Cayman Islands National Dance Company and Spark School of Performing Arts. Additionally, she has staged works for cultural shows such as Red Sky at Night and Gimistory. Nicole has also independently produced two theatre productions titled *"Introspection"* in July 2018, and *“HindSight… was it really 2020?”* on August 1st, 2021, at the Prospect Playhouse. Venturing into the visual arts world, Nicole participated in Cayman Art Week 2023 with an immersive multidisciplinary installation titled *“Talking to Hazel”* at Parcel 110. This work was a tribute to her late grandmother, who was a strong and revered matriarch in her family. Nicole has a deep love for dance and is particularly passionate about traditional dances of various societies. She believes that understanding the dance of a people leads to a deeper connection and insight into their culture. To Nicole, dance is an innate secondary language that should be used to speak loudly about any and everything.