About

Historical Background

In the sixties and seventies Trinidad and Tobago had a vibrant dance culture that reflected all the dance forms practiced in Trinidad and Tobago. Every year groups came together to present an annual dance festival to showcase the talents of their members. As time went by, dance leaders of the day, encouraged by Ms. Marjorie Padmore of the then National Cultural Council (1971- 1983) agreed to combine the efforts of the dance leaders of the south headed by Mr. Torrance Mohammed and those of the north lead by Mr. Cyril St. Lewis to form a national body for dance in Trinidad and Tobago. Thus in September 1980 this body called the National Dance Association of Trinidad and Tobago was born.

Incorporation of the Association:

In 1997, The National Dance Association of Trinidad and Tobago was incorporated by an Act of Parliament No. 28 of 1997 to herald in a new era for the Association as we and the rest of the world moved into the 21st Century. This process was spearheaded by Mr. Cyril St. Lewis, who was the President of the Association for the period 1994 – 1997. Thus we became the umbrella body for dance in Trinidad and Tobago

Left to right (standing): Mr. Eugene Joseph , Mr. Gene Toney, Mr. Franchot Thomas, Mr. Andre Ettienne (deceased 2006), Mr. Rajkumar Krishna Persad, Mr. Carlton Francis (deceased 2000), Mr. Torrance Mohammed (deceased 2021), Mr. Astor Johnson (deceased 1985), Mr. Satnarine Balkaransingh, Mr. Cyril St. Lewis (deceased 1997) & Mr. Eric Butler | Left to right (sitting) : Mrs. Indira Mahatoo, Ms. Molly Ahye (deceased 2018), Mrs. Julia Edwards- Pelletier (deceased 2017), Miss Joyce Kirton (deceased 2020), Mrs. Jean Coggins- Simmons (deceased 2005) & Ms. Patricia Roe (deceased 2020).

To foster and promote the development of dance in all its forms in Trinidad and Tobago. To increase awareness of dance, its traditions and generally to advance interest, education and participation in dance – both nationally and internationally

To advise and assist members of the Association with regard to any matter affecting in any way whether directly or indirectly, their professional character or interest

To advance and improve dance in Trinidad and Tobago by arranging and providing for or participating in the holding of festivals, exhibitions, meetings, competitions, lectures, classes and the granting of scholarships

To encourage, promote, sustain and foster communication, good fellowship, interaction and cooperation between dancers

To maintain and promote high standards of dance in Trinidad and Tobago and to this end, to promote, encourage or undertake, organize research and experimental work in dance – especially in areas such as : Caribbean Folk, Indigenous, Caribbean Dance Terminology and the creation of unique styles and techniques emanating from the cultures of Trinidad and Tobago

To promote the welfare of retired and infirmed or needy persons who worked professionally or otherwise in the art of dance

To conduct and assist in conducting arbitrations and other proceedings for settlements of disputes and difficulties whether between members of the Association and persons who are not members and to appoint Arbitrators and Umpires and to receive and pay remuneration in respect of such arbitrations and other proceedings

To take or assist in taking all proper proceedings (legal or otherwise) to maintain high standards of professional and ethical practices

To consider, promote and support improvements in the law which appears to be conducive to the attainment of the aims and objects of the Association and to lobby, resist and or oppose anything which appears detrimental to the interests and or rights of any of the members of the Association or development of dance in Trinidad and Tobago by taking legal proceedings or otherwise

To ensure that the Association is recognized legally as the national entity establishing and promoting the entire dance culture and interest of all the dancers throughout the islands of Trinidad and Tobago

In the furtherance of, and not in limitation to the general activities purposed herein and set forth, it is expressly provided that the Association shall also have the following powers

To invest the monies of the Association into both short term and long term arrangements which will further the attainments of the aims and objectives of the Association

To acquire property of any nature whatsoever by way of purcahse, exchange, gift, bequest, devise, grant, donation, subscription and other lawful method and may hold, manage and administer the same

To sue, rent, demise, grant, convey, mortgage, surrender, exchange, sell or otherwise deal with or dispose of all or any property from time to time vested in it.

To establish a National Dance Theatre Company of Trinidad and Tobago to promote and encourage the development of all forms of dance and the role of dancers in Trinidad and Tobago

To procure, to be written and to print, publish, issue and circulate gratuitously or otherwise any reports or periodicals, books, pamphlets, leaflets or other documents which edifies the body of dancers and/or promotes the aims and objectives of the Association

To affiliate or become affiliated with any organizations (whether in Trinidad and Tobago or elsewhere) having as its objects the promotion of dance and to acquire and undertake all or any part of the assets, liabilities and engagements of any such organization which the Association may lawfully acquire

To establish a Trust Fund and to provide and recommend scholarships and other forms of assistance to members

To do all or any such acts and things as are necessary or convenient yo attain the aims and objectives of the Association.

Historical Background

Incorporation of the Association:

Mr. Torrance Mohammed (Deceased 2021): 1980-1984; 1992-1994; 2004-2006; 2006-2008

Mr. Aubrey Adams (Deceased 2007): 1984-1986

Ms Joyce Kirton (Deceased 2020): 1986-1988; 1988-1990; 1991

Mr. Felix Harrington (Deceased 1992): 1991-1992

Mr. Cyril St. Lewis (Deceased 1997): 1994-1996; 1996-1997

Mr. Eugene Joseph: 1998-2000

Dr. Carol La Chapelle: 2000-2002

Ms Hazel Franco: 2002-2004

Mrs. Emelda Lynch-Griffith: 2008- 2010; 2010-2012; 2012-2015; 2015-2024

Current president - Ms Alette Liz Williams: 2024 – present