Barbara Requa

Fabulous and fitter than many Jamaicans half her age, legendary dancer and co-founder of the Edna Manley School of Dance, Barbara Requa OD, has had a tremendous career.

And even though she retired from the institution a few years ago, she is still at it. Few teachers retire from the classroom and then return – but then again, few teachers are like Requa, also a founding member of the National Dance Theatre Company.

all woman writer Tyrone S Reid recently sat down with the legend at the School Of Dance, a day after a retirement celebration (Triptych) was held in her honour at the Little Theatre, to find out why, after so long, the thrills of success are still coming in waves.

TSR: On Monday, a retirement celebration was held in your honour at the Little Theatre. How was it for you?

BR: It was wonderful. I was very surprised and thrilled at the magnitude of the celebration. I was also very impressed with the performances.

TSR: You retired from the Edna Manley College in 2004 but you still teach there. Will you be retiring fully anytime soon?

BR: Officially, I retired in 2004 so I am no longer fully on staff. I teach one class per semester. As one of the co-founders, I want to keep an association with the school and I can do so by teaching part-time.

TSR: Teaching seems to be one your passions.

BR: Yes, it is a passion of mine; I like to share my knowledge.

TSR: And you have been teaching for about 30 years?

BR: I have worked as a teacher for the past 45 years. I taught Physical Education for 12 years at St Andrew High and at Mico College.

TSR: Do you think it is more challenging to teach dance as opposed to other subjects?

BR: It’s a challenge in terms of presenting the information to students. With dance education, the way how you pass on the information to different age groups might be different because of the different levels of understanding.

Also, you are kept on your toes in terms of new trends and research. You have to keep up with the new trends. Every year something new comes up in the field and you have to keep current. I attend conferences abroad to gain new knowledge. I just came back from one in Holland in July.

TSR: As a pioneer in dance and dance education in the region, how has the art developed in Jamaica?

BR: The performance aspect of dance has grown and developed tremendously over the years. I think that through the pantomimes, the NDTC and through the new companies that have sprung up, dance has really grown in Jamaica. We now have 5-6 dance companies in Jamaica.

TSR: Which aspect do you think needs improvement?

BR: We’re still lagging behind in teaching our children. One of my major concerns is that we need to put dance education fully into the school curricula, starting at the primary level. Because dance is not fully a part of the school curriculum, we find that most of those who come here [Edna Manley] have no base. We seriously need to start from the primary and secondary levels and get trained people to teach it.

TSR: As a founding member of the NDTC, what are your thoughts on the company’s new generation dancers?

BR: It is just fantastic to see them carry on the legacy. I am also associated with many of them through the School of Dance. Most of them were my students here, and now some of them are teaching here, so it is like a family.

TSR: In 2004, you received the national Order of Distinction for contribution to dance in Jamaica. Was it something you expected?

BR: It was a big surprise; I wasn’t expecting it. The honour is one of the high points of my life. It is good to be recognised when you are still living and alert. (Laughs).

TSR: Who are some of the people you would credit with helping you have such a successful career?

BR: Mainly, Ivy Baxter, my first dance teacher and my colleagues at the NDTC for the incredible learning experience and my whole process of development.

TSR: What is the main project you will be tackling during your retirement?

BR: I am working on a book for dance teachers, Guidelines for Teachers in Dance Education. It is almost finished; I am going to start working on the last chapter, then seek funding to get it published.

TSR: What are some of your other interests?

BR: I love jazz and classical music. I studied piano for about 8 years. I also enjoy gardening and fundraising. I do projects with the School of Dance alumni to help raise funds for needy students who want to pursue dance as a career.

TSR: What is your favourite Jamaican home-cooked meal?

BR: Rundown with breadfruit and bananas.

TSR: Which authors do you enjoy reading?

BR: I love John Grisham novels and recently I started reading Andrea Levy’s Small Island. She is really good.

TSR: If you could be a tree for a day which would you be and why?

BR: The mahoe. It is beautiful, broad, powerful and strong.