Quadrille classes resurrect cultural rhythm of old

By Lindsey Turnbull

Cayman’s National Dance, the Quadrille, has been seen infrequently in recent years, but a collaboration between the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands National Museum is breathing new life into this important tradition, with Quadrille classes set for the new year.

The classes, conceived under the National Gallery’s community programming for its Fourth Cayman Islands Biennial, Archipelago, have been set up as a way to highlight and celebrate Cayman’s cultural heritage and engage the public at its various Biennial host venues across the districts. The first Quadrille lessons took place in December at the National Trust Mission House in Bodden Town. The next will take place at the National Museum courtyard in George Town on 10th January. All lessons are led by the talented, Brian Watler Jr., the National Museum’s Marketing/Events and Design Coordinator

“We are thrilled by the warm response to our recent Quadrille dance class led by the talented Brian Watler Jr., a vibrant initiative produced by the National Gallery as part of our 4th Cayman Islands Biennial programme, and delivered in collaboration with the National Museum and the National Trust Mission House, two of our esteemed 4th Cayman Islands Biennial host venues,” the National Gallery said.

This event underscored the Gallery’s commitment to connecting the community with Cayman’s cultural heritage and opportunities for wellness through dynamic experiences that highlight the importance of preserving heritage through the arts, they said. 

Following the first dance class, the second Quadrille class in January will allow even more people to step into the rhythm of Cayman’s history and discover the joy of this dance.

Origins of Quadrille

Mr Watler gave some background to the origins of the dance to highlight why the Quadrille has been so beloved in the Cayman Islands.

“The Quadrille was the favourite dance of fashionable French society in the late 18th century and arrived in English ballrooms in the early 19th century. Brought to the Caribbean through English and French colonisation, it became part of plantation and social life across the region,” he explained.

“Quadrille refers to a set of four couples arranged in a square. The head and foot couples face each other, as do the side couples. Its steps draw from French and English dances, performed with poise, formality, and a touch of chivalry,” he continued. “In Cayman, the Quadrille evolved into a distinct tradition. Enslaved people observed these dances and, denied the right to carry their own languages, songs, and movements, they adapted what they saw. They added rhythm, expression, and local character, shaping what is now known as the Cayman-style Quadrille or sand/kitchen dance.”

The Cayman Quadrille features six figures, each blending different dances and steps, with the sixth figure combining several styles within itself. A caller guides the dancers through each sequence. Historically performed at garden parties, town halls, and community gatherings, it was especially popular during Christmas celebrations.

Today, the Cayman Quadrille stands as the National Dance of the Cayman Islands. It reflects resilience, creativity, and cultural survival, preserving the history, spirit, and identity of the Caymanian people through movement, music, and community.

Mr Watler added that, in terms of costume, he understood, from conversations with older persons who witnessed or participated in town hall dances, that men were well dressed in jackets, while women wore long skirts that could flatten out the faster she twirled. This was the attire for town hall dances only, while kitchen/sand dances were more camp style in the yard, so possibly more casual attire, he advised.

“While gathering in the “cookrum” (outdoor kitchen) in the backyard, they made music with whatever instruments they could find, i.e., pots, pans and graters, while others danced. That’s how the name kitchen music and kitchen dance came about,” he added.

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