Movement with Meaning

Passion and creativity filled the National Cultural Foundation’s Dance Studio as dancers from across the island immersed themselves in a workshop led by Michael Jackson Jr., an internationally acclaimed performer and educator whose passion for movement and expression has taken him from New Orleans since the age of 14 to the Duke Ellington School under the direction of Charles Augins and to stages around the world. Jackson has taught master classes all over the world including Tokyo, London, South Africa and more recently within the Caribbean region in Jamaica, Trinidad and now Barbados in collaboration with Plié for the Arts; an academy for dance, music and acting.

For Jackson, seeing a high level of passion and expressionism from the participants was his overall aim. He said “this workshop is a space to make a mess. I want them to dance and feel like the studio is a safe place, because back then when I started dancing at 14, that is what the studio was for me. I try to coach with my personal journey in mind. My coaches gave me room to make mistakes and that is how I grew. That is exactly what I want to recreate for others.”

Michael Jackson Jr (centre) with two workshop participants.

The international master class series workshop, which was hosted in collaboration by Plié for the Arts and the National Cultural Foundation, forms part of a growing effort to nurture and showcase Caribbean dance talent on the regional and international stage. For Marisa Benain, artistic director and coordinator at Pile and of the master class initiative, the aim is both visionary and practical, and that is to connect dancers across borders and give them access to the type of professional, expressive training that prepares them for global opportunities.

“What we are doing is expanding our regional presence. We have already done similar programs in Trinidad and Jamaica and now we are here to offer the same experience in Barbados. The idea is that everyone has the chance to take part in the masterclass, and from there, we select some of the stronger performers to represent the region in future international showcases,” she explained.

Michael Jackson Jr (left) and Marisa Benain, Artistic Director at Plié For The Arts going over notes.

Throughout the session, the energy was palpable. Dancers, some seasoned, others new to contemporary forms, pushed through complex sequences, and for Jackson the emotion in the room was unmistakable. “One thing this island has is heart. You can feel the passion behind every dancer here. It is not even just about technique but about energy, storytelling and connection.”

Benain agreed, noting that she was inspired by the enthusiasm and work ethic of the participants. “You could see how eager they were to learn and the passion they have behind dance. There is so much natural creativity and drive here. They are focused, and they want to grow. That kind of spirit is what we look for.”

The collaboration also underscores a broader goal to establish a vibrant Caribbean network of dancers capable of performing on par with the best in the world. Selected dancers from workshops like these will go on to audition to join the Plié Caribbean Collective and share the stage with acclaimed international dancers on a regional tour.

National Cultural Foundation, Cultural Officer (Dance) Alicia Payne-Hurley, (second left front row), Joelle Flimn, Senior Dancer at Plié Collective & Workshop Assistant (front row centre), Michael Jackson Jr (front row second right) and Marisa Benain, Artistic Director at Plié For The Arts (front row, right) and the participants at the workshop.

“We want to have the best dancers in the Caribbean performing on the same level as the best in the world. So, these master classes are all about long-term growth and giving these artists a stage that matches their potential,” she said.

For many participants, the workshop was as much about self-discovery as skill, and also a reminder that creativity thrives where courage meets opportunity. Through this guidance, they were encouraged to find their voice and let go of the fear of imperfection. And with Jackson reflecting on his own beginnings and personal journey, he knows just how powerful that process can be.

His final message to the dancers was simple but profound: make a mess. “Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Let them guide you. Keep pushing, keep dancing and let your passion lead the way. (PR)