Taking Flight with “Birds of a Feather”

When the Bim Cheer Federation took the stage at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) this year, their Pom routine “Birds of a Feather: A Tribute to Rio” soared with colour, rhythm, and purpose. Under the guidance of choreographer Justin Poleon, the performance brought together the precision of sport and the heart of storytelling — earning the team a NIFCA Silver Award and solidifying their place among Barbados’ emerging performing arts talents. 

For Director Dana Dear, the inspiration behind the piece was about more than movement. “We thought that Pom, based on the NIFCA criteria, was the closest to jazz, but we wanted to infuse the high-energy nature of Pom into the piece,” she explained. The team found their muse in Rio — the animated tale of birds who find friendship and love despite their differences. The result was a routine that merged athletic intensity with emotional depth, reflecting a larger message of unity. 

“We wanted something fun, energetic, and family-friendly that reflected the values of unity we’re trying to build between the dance and cheer communities,” Dear said. That idea of connection — across styles, backgrounds, and generations — became the heartbeat of the performance. 

While Pom is traditionally a discipline focused on athleticism and precision, the Federation recognised that Barbadian audiences value narrative and artistry. “Pom is not a storytelling performance,” Dear admitted. “But we recognised the importance of storytelling in Barbados’ dance culture, so we tried to capture narrative through formations and choreography that conveyed emotion and message while staying true to Pom.” 

In “Birds of a Feather,” dancers embodied the Blue Macaws, Red Parrots, and Yellow Cockatoos of Rio, using formations, lifts, and explosive transitions to evoke flight and freedom. Every leap and turn was deliberate — a fusion of form and feeling that reflected the sport’s balance of discipline and expression. 

The National Performance Cheer Training Programme under the Federation has become a launchpad for young Barbadian athletes interested in Pom and Hip Hop. Through an intensive 13-week block training system led by coaches Mandi Marie and Kristen Bailey, athletes are prepared for international competitions in the United States and beyond. 

“It’s not natural to our cultural movement vocabulary to be so regimented,” Dear said. “But the skills we teach benefit dancers overall, especially those aspiring to become international professionals.” 

The Federation’s international partnerships have also been key to its growth. Collaborations with the University of Minnesota, Team USA Pom, and Canadian choreographers have exposed local athletes to world-class instruction. These efforts have inspired a generation of performers — including former National Team athletes Demiko Newton, Megan Alleyne, and Khyra Williams — who are now making their own mark on Barbados’ creative landscape. 

Since its inception, the Federation has carried Barbados’ flag at the World Cheer Championships, a stage where over 100 nations compete. “Representing Barbados and showcasing our nation’s talent has been an incredible privilege,” Dear shared. Though funding and logistics remain challenging, the experience has been life-changing for the athletes. “There are truly no words to describe what an honour it is,” she said. 

Even with those pressures, the Federation continues to push forward, blending artistic excellence with national pride. The group’s performances stand as proof that Barbadian athletes can compete — and excel — at global standards. 

Behind the glamour of the routines lies a foundation built on grit and teamwork. Managing athletes aged 12 to 18, balancing rehearsals with school schedules, and fine-tuning choreography within tight timelines was no easy feat. “We pulled this routine together just one week before preliminaries,” Dear recalled with a laugh. “We didn’t expect to make it to semifinals — but we did, and eventually reached the finals.” 

Now, the Federation’s focus is on sustainability and expansion. With support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, they are rebuilding secondary school teams, training certified coaches, and establishing community programs — including one at Passage Road that has already seen over 70 participants. They also plan to develop a permanent home for cheerleading in Barbados and are preparing to travel to Florida and Mexico for international championships in 2026. 

At its core, the Bim Cheer Federation is about transformation. “Life’s challenges should sharpen, not shake you,” Dear reflected. “We encourage our athletes to be purpose-driven, mentally clear, and relentless in pursuing their goals.” 

Through sport, art, and discipline, the Federation continues to shape not just stronger performers, but stronger people. Their wings, once confined to small spaces, now stretch toward limitless skies — proving that when movement meets purpose, even the smallest wings can indeed spark great change. 

And as the Federation continues to rise, Dana Dear extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team behind the scenes — Renika Norville, Dominic Alleyne, Kimberley Cadogan, Lisa Payne, and Nicole Hill — whose tireless work and unwavering commitment keep the programme soaring higher with every performance. (PR)