Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

Shirley Hall Bass Foundation

Professional Training & Cultural Exchange

 

 Our son Carlito Catalano

We're all proud of you Lee 😊 

 

Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

A Cross-Cultural Artistic Achievement

Carlito Catalano, a dedicated Bahamian dancer specializing in Odissi classical Indian dance, recently completed a transformative artistic journey with his performance at the University of Chicago's Logan Center. His three-part collaboration with Mandala Arts Chicago explored themes of slavery, migration, and civil rights through the powerful lens of cross-cultural dance. Read full story>

 

More posts about Carlito

Sunset Dance

 

"Sunset Dance" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

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Calypso Dancers

 

"Calypso Dancers" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

FREE download

Father's Day Drumbeat

 

 Father's Day Drumbeat 

 

Me playing around with the goatskin junkanoo drum on Father's Day back in 2019. Tryin' a new rake 'n' scrape beat. My cousin Claudia joined in with a shake dance. lol. We all jus' havin' fun.😊 Nassau, Bahamas. View video.

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

 "Limbo Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

 

While widely associated with the Caribbean, the origins of limbo dancing, and its specific evolution into nightclub floor shows in The Bahamas, represent a fascinating blend of ancient African traditions and modern entertainment. This essay will delve into the deep roots of limbo, tracing its ceremonial beginnings, its migration and transformation in the West Indies, and its eventual popularization as a staple of Bahamian tourism and nightlife.

The Dancing Flames: Origins and History of Fire Dancing in The Bahamas

 

 "Fire Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Dancing Flames: Origins and History of Fire Dancing in The Bahamas

 

Fire, an element of primal power and captivating beauty, has held a significant place in human culture across the globe. From ancient rituals to modern entertainment, the manipulation of flames has manifested in various art forms, among them the mesmerizing spectacle of fire dancing. In The Bahamas, fire dancing possesses a unique history, intertwining African roots, indigenous practices, and the evolution of the tourism and entertainment industries. This essay will delve into the origins of fire-related performances in the archipelago, trace its historical trajectory, and explore its presence in contemporary Bahamian nightclub floor shows.

 

 "Golden Era Nightclub" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Golden Era of Nightclubs and Nightclub Entertainment in The Bahamas

 

Introduction

From the 1930s to the early 1970s, The Bahamas enjoyed a dazzling era of glamour, live music, and nightlife unlike anything else in the region. Often referred to as The Golden Era of Nightclubs, this period transformed the Bahamian capital of Nassau — and, to a lesser extent, Freeport — into hubs for celebrities, jazz legends, socialites, mobsters, and curious tourists. These decades saw an explosion of entertainment venues where local talent and international stars mingled, giving rise to an unforgettable cultural moment. Today, that legacy lingers in memory and myth, but its real impact on Bahamian identity, tourism, and music remains profound.

Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography

 

 Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography

 

My son Carlito will be dancing in Utah. 

 

Ākāra is retelling of quintessential dances of Odissi when it emerged as a national dance - expressed through young global practitioners of today, whose life and realities are far and unfamiliar to the land of Orissa. - View Instagram post.

 

Related video:  PRAVESH Odissi Performance

Related article: Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Dancer

Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Odissi Dancer's Journey to India

 Carlito Catalano

We are all proud of you son.

 

Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Odissi Dancer's Journey to India

 

The Shirley Bass Foundation proudly announces its sponsorship of Carlito Catalano, a pioneering Bahamian practitioner of Odissi, one of India's classical dance forms. This sponsorship will enable Carlito to further his studies in India, marking another milestone in his remarkable journey as a cross-cultural artist.

Despite the geographical distance between The Bahamas and India, Carlito has cultivated a deep connection with Odissi dance through determination and modern technology. His journey began in his early teens when he discovered Indian classical dance videos online and began teaching himself the intricate movements and choreographies of both Odissi and Bharatanatyam. In 2019, Carlito's dedication led him to study with renowned dancer Bijayini Satpathy at a workshop in Atlanta. When the COVID-19 pandemic shifted dance instruction online in 2020, he seized the opportunity to begin regular virtual training with Satpathy, who has since become his guru. This relationship has blossomed into multiple trips to India for intensive workshops under her guidance.

While maintaining a career in the insurance industry, Carlito has achieved significant milestones in his dance journey. He completed the Indian Classical Dance Educators' Professional Development course at UNC Charlotte in 2020 and was selected for the competitive Unrehearsed Artist Residency Program in 2023, conducted by San Francisco's Nava Dance Theatre. Through this residency, he created a short film documenting his experiences as a solo artist.  Read full story.

 

Related video: PRAVESH Odissi Performance by Carlito Catalano

Paul Meeres: A Biography

 

Paul Meeres

Photo - ©Carl van Vechten, 1932

 

 

Paul Meeres: A Biography

Paul Meeres was a gifted Bahamian dancer, performer, and entertainer who captivated audiences across the United States and the Caribbean during the mid-20th century. His dynamic performances, blending Caribbean rhythm, dance, and African heritage, allowed him to become a prominent figure in the entertainment world and a trailblazer for Black Caribbean artists. Meeres' journey from the Bahamas to international acclaim serves as a testament to his artistry, resilience, and the evolving landscape of race and identity within the entertainment industry of his time.

PRAVESH Odissi Performance

 

 Our son Carlito Catalano presents PRAVESH - A debut Odissi performance.

 

It was held 7pm, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at The National Art Gallery, Nassau, Bahamas.

Well done son. We're all proud of you.

Father's Day Drumbeat

  

Me playing around with the goatskin junkanoo drum on Father's Day back in 2019. Tryin' a new rake 'n' scrape beat. My cousin Claudia joined in with a shake dance. lol. We all jus' havin' fun.😊 Nassau, Bahamas.

East Bay Dancers

 

"East Bay Dancers" ⒸA. Derek Catalano

Mural by June Collie, east Bay St., Nassau, Bahamas.