Compas Dance

 

 Mr. Michel F. Jacques  (U.S.A.)

 

      The relationship between words, sound and body movement gives students better understanding of the three ways of communication, linking people all over the world together. Using salsa as one of the most popular dance in the Latin America and the Caribbean countries as an example to attract the young to dancing. A good opportunity for me to contribute in the inclusion is the meringue/compas. A very complicated musical art form; Created by a Haitian musician, Nemour Jean-Baptiste, published in 1955 after the disparition of the French meringue to the republic of Santo Domingo. This era, was the beginning of a new Haitian society. The music remains in the heart and soul of the people as a national identity. It is still unknown to most of the world.

 

    Dancing for me is a visual art form of music, the people needed to use carefully to gain a national and cultural identity. It is to all of the objectives, the Compas social dance is created. I have been observing a big decline in civilization in the world today. A cross-cultural war confused traditions and fashions. Social dancing as part of education starting from elementary school is the answer to a better society to come.

 

    Everyone has the ability to hear music and enjoy him/herself without the need to visit a studio for dance lesson, in the same way, people learn to speak and understand a native language prior to attending any school. It is a natural progression of tradition and cultural mores. Dance, one way to communicate, is a unique creation for people of all cultural backgrounds to express themselves through music. The multi-cultural study of dance presents a distinctive opportunity to enhance and enrich our understanding and communication with others. It is an exciting opportunity for young people to combine their natural ability and talents with their knowledge of the fundamental subject taught in school. Learning this art form and exploring it to its highest possible level will offer our lives an added dimension with benefits beyond the physical and mental well being. Learning to dance well is equivalent to speaking a language fluently. The skill of communicating in a language fluently may lead society to peace.

 

 

 

 

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Presented at the 19th World Congress on Dance Research

Larnaca, Cyprus, 9-13 November 2005