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Rhythms and Movements: Celebrating Trinidadian Limbo Dance and Steel Pan Music
This dynamic concert features award-winning Trinidadian-American steelpan artist, composer, and educator Josanne Francis, joined by an ensemble of musicians–Daron Roberts (drums), Ellington Carthan (piano), Knox Barber (bass), Atesh Indarjit (tabla), Modupe Onilu (percussion), and Elijah Jamal Balbed (saxophone)–and limbo dancers from Trinidad and Tobago.
Presented as the culminating event of a two-day residency at Skidmore College, Rhythms and Movements highlights the steel pan’s unique role as a symbol of sustainability, resistance, and sonic brilliance, alongside the limbo dance’s transformation from spiritual ritual to performance spectacle. The result is a vibrant, interdisciplinary celebration of Trinidadian heritage through sound, rhythm, and movement.
About the artists
Dr. Josanne Francis is a steelpan artist, composer, and educator from Trinidad & Tobago. She has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and collaborated with artists such as Jon Batiste, Etienne Charles, and Phylicia Rashad. A passionate advocate for cultural exchange through music, she is the founding director of Steelbands at the University of Maryland, where she also leads community engagement initiatives. Dr. Francis is the creator of Steel on Wheels and co-founder of the Elite Pan Consortium, and holds a PhD in Music Education.
Daron "Synco" Roberts is a Trinidad and Tobago-born percussionist, composer, and educator specializing in steelpan. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, he serves as Associate Director of the Rhythm Project and holds degrees from Northern Illinois University and the University of Southern Mississippi. A former child prodigy, Roberts has earned national recognition in Trinidad and Tobago and performed with artists such as Andy Narell, Liam Teague, and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez. His work spans live and studio recordings across jazz, gospel, funk, and Caribbean genres.
Dance Troupe
Makeba Gabriel is a celebrated Trinidadian dancer and educator known for her signature limbo style and dedication to preserving Caribbean folk traditions. With over 25 years of experience, she has performed internationally and was a featured limboist with Universoul Circus for more than a decade.
Kendra Murray is a Tobago-born dancer and youth mentor with over 26 years of experience across folk, contemporary, and street dance forms. She has performed around the world and led cultural education programs throughout Tobago. Kerry Ann Julien is a vibrant Trinidadian dancer with over 15 years of experience on local and international stages, including Universoul Circus. She is also a mentor and theater collaborator, dedicated to nurturing creativity through movement.
Delores Alexander is a seasoned dancer, actress, and comedian from Trinidad with more than three decades of experience in performance and cultural leadership. She has toured globally and remains a guiding force in Trinidad and Tobago’s arts scene.
Lucette Regis is a Trinidadian dancer, choreographer, and educator with training in folk, classical, and contemporary dance. She is the founder of Sixth Position Studio ‘NARODNOST’ and currently teaches theatre arts and dance at the national level.
Cleavand “Arlington” Serries is a Trinidadian dancer and choreographer known for his fusion of Caribbean folk, West African, and contemporary dance. He has choreographed for world leaders and continues to influence Caribbean dance through mentorship and innovative productions.
Presented by the Skidmore College Department of Music in collaboration with the Department of Dance. Sponsored by the Office of Special Programs/McCormack Artist-Scholar Fund, the Presidential Discretionary Fund, and the Arthur Zankel Music Center, with co-sponsors in the Asian Studies, Black Studies, and International Affairs, and Environmental Sciences and Studies programs. Made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3221617-0
