The Tobago Ole Time Wedding is a theatrical performance that depicts several customs and rituals observed by Tobagonians “back in the day” from the village of Moriah. Throughout the procession the wedding party demonstrates several traditional dances which include the Tobago jig, brushback and the heel and toe. (Pictured on the left)
Tobago Jig is danced at rural gatherings o celebrate Weddings, Christenings and other such functions which call for community merry-making. The Jig was initially developed from the enslaved mimicking their masters and their hands served as coattails. Hence. the Tobago Jig shows signs of European influence as the movements are patterned after the Gigue or Jig of pre-eighteenth century England and France.
Brushback is popular dance step for the procession during the Ole Time Wedding. It is characterized by the distinctive three-step “brushback.” which is accompanied by fiddler and tambrin.
Heel and Toe, which is done during the Ole Time Wedding, as the name suggests is characterized by steps that emphasize the movement of the feet by tapping the heel then toe and moving around your partner as part of the procession for the ole time wedding.
Tobago Reel is usually danced on occasions for festival and rituals and pays homeage to those of Congo ancestry despite the dance retaining its original structure influence from the Scottish. The Tobago Reel is done before marriage to honor the ancestors so that they couple is blessed and offered spiritual guidance.
Quadrille and Lancers are no longer performed in the Trinidad and Tobago, however it can be found up the island chain of the Caribbean.
