THE TOBAGO Alpha Dance Academy’s concert, today, at the Hampden/Lowlands Multipurpose Facility, is more than just another feel-good event for founder and artistic director Aquisia Frederick-Thomas.

For her, it provides an opportunity to again showcase her academy’s versatility but on a much grander scale.

Revered for its mind-boggling limbo performances, the group has achieved significant recognition both at home and abroad over the years, cementing its status as one of the island’s leading traditional dance ensembles.

Frederick-Thomas said at the event, scheduled to begin at 6 pm, patrons will experience what she termed “a variety of art, music, dance pieces, all coming together to show the diversity of the academy.

“I am hoping that this concert will raise more awareness of the academy in the TT space and build membership. But more importantly, I am also hoping to build the confidence in my students by helping them to get used to performing before an audience. I do have some babies where this will be their first time on stage. So this is just the beginning for them,” an excited Frederick-Thomas told WMN on December 12.

She believes the concert would not only resonate with dance enthusiasts but culture lovers and average Tobagonians.

“The concert is about Alpha’s creativity and having the people leave with the dances on their mind. Whatever stories the dances tell should remain in people’s mind.”

Established in 2015, the academy is based at the Signal Hill Community Centre – a space which has allowed it to build a solid foundation.

The non-profit group, which has about 25 active members, specialises in folk and contemporary dance. But the limbo remains its signature focus.

[caption id="attachment_1126635" align="alignnone" width="767"] Founder and artistic director Aquisia Frederick-Thomas. -[/caption]

Frederick-Thomas is a dance co-ordinator in the multicultural unit of the THA Division of Education, Research and Technology.

She holds a certificate in dance and a degree in dance education, both from the UWI, St Augustine campus. Her master’s thesis focused on the history and evolution of the limbo dance in Tobago.

The dreadlocked dancer told WMN the inspiration for the academy came from “a deep passion for movement, creativity and young people.

“As a limbo specialist, I wanted to create a platform that enabled me to pass on the tradition and longevity in the folk traditions and also provide the same opportunities for young people that was offered to me, regionally and internationally.”

She said the limbo is a combination of several physical elements.

“It is about how low you can go under the stick because that is the purpose – showing your skill. You must have the correct technique, flexibility, strength in your stomach, thighs and back. It is a combination.”

Originally from Belle Garden, Frederick-Thomas grew up in Les Coteaux, Tobago’s folklore capital.

Her involvement in dance began at the Franklyn Methodist Primary School, which has since been renamed the Tablepiece Governm