Showing posts with label Dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dance. Show all posts

Friday, January 30, 2026

Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans

 
Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans

Newsband - Carlito Catalano: Dancing Odissi Across Oceans
 
Our son Carlito makes the news again! Featured in an interview in Newsband, another newspaper in India. Well done son. We love you. 💗
 
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From the verandas of The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas to international Odissi stages, Carlito Catalano's journey is one of devotion, resilience, and cultural bridge-building. As the sole practitioner of Indian classical dance in his homeland, this artist has turned solitary passion into a global pursuit.
 
 
More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano

Indian newspaper screenshot featuring Carlito Catalano
 
The Bahamas Dances Odissi: Carlito Catalano
 
 
Our son Carlito has been featured in the Indian DCN News Epaper today. Read it in their dance column "Rhythms and More".
 
Congratulations again son. You make us all very proud.
 
More articles about Carlito Catalano.

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 
Carlito rehearsing in India

Carlito rehearsing in India

 

Introducing Bahamian Artist Carlito Catalano & Odissi

 
 
Bahamians exhibit an incredible versatility that is truly remarkable.
 
It’s likely that you, like many of us, have never encountered Odissi, an ancient and intricate form of Indian classical dance. I was introduced to this captivating art form only recently (sort of), thanks to a dear friend (𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰 ~ Bit.ly/4n31U1c) from my television days at the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas. His son, Carlito Catalano, is a pioneering Odissi practitioner in The Bahamas. 
 
Carlito has devoted himself to mastering this expressive dance, known for its graceful movements and rich storytelling rooted in Hindu mythology. His passion not only highlights the beauty of Odissi but also enriches the Bahamas' cultural tapestry, offering a unique fusion of traditions that celebrates both this Indian heritage and the Bahamian spirit. Through his performances and teachings, Carlito fosters greater awareness and appreciation of this centuries-old dance form, enabling audiences to experience its elegance and profound emotional depth. 
 
Carlito Catalano is celebrated for his unconventional path in the arts, having taught himself the intricate and graceful movements of Odissi and Bharatanatyam through a wealth of online resources and instructional videos during his teenage years. His self-directed study reflects a passion for classical dance and a commitment to mastering these traditional art forms.

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Culture at the Cay

 
Culture at the Cay

Culture at the Cay

Get ready for Culture at the Cay!


The Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture invites the public to Arawak Cay, Nassau, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 12PM to 10PM for a full day of Bahamian music, art, food and family fun.

Enjoy exciting activities including breadmaking and pizza making, live painting by Preston Hanna, the All Bahamian Book Fair, costume and decorating competitions, Bahamian Flix, game time, a national dance showcase, and so much more!

Bring the entire family and come experience the vibrant spirit of our culture by the sea.
 
Don’t miss it!

Monday, January 5, 2026

Body, Space & the Cinematic Encounter

Our son Carlito's short film to be showcased in India.
 
Body, Space & the Cinematic Encounter
 

Body, Space & the Cinematic Encounter

These works explore how movement is shaped by space—architectural, natural, urban, or imagined. The camera becomes a choreographic partner, revealing new relationships between body, site, and time. Here, dance film is less about documentation and more about spatial dialogue and cinematic composition.
Showcasing:

Dis Connection by Carlito Catalano (8 minutes 40 seconds)

Movements in Transition by Sudhir Ambasana and Sayli Kulkarni  (8 minutes)

The Whispers of the Cage by Vaishnavi Dhore (12 minutes 28 seconds)

Ceremony of the Crows by Nikolina Nikoleski and Priyasha Bhardwaj (3 minutes 55 seconds)

Mangalore – The Sky and the Sea by Luke Sydney (4 minutes) 

Apavarga by Sairam Kannan (4 minutes 13 seconds)

Sunday, December 28, 2025

2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade: December 25th, 2025

 
 
 
 2025 Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade: December 25th, 2025 
 

Boxing Day: Meaning and Origins

 
Jukanoo Parade

"Boxing Day in The Bahamas" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Boxing Day: Meaning and Origins

Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas, and is a public holiday in many countries—especially those with historical ties to the British Empire, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Caribbean. Wikipedia

The name Boxing Day may seem strange at first, but it comes from a centuries-old tradition of giving “boxes” of gifts, money, goods, or charity to those in service roles or in need. In earlier times, aristocratic households gave servants and tradespeople gifts or gratuities—sometimes in decorative boxes—on the day after Christmas. This was both a form of gratitude for their service and an opportunity for workers to visit their own families after working on Christmas Day itself. Encyclopedia Britannica

Another linked tradition stems from the practice in Christian churches of placing alms boxes for donations to the poor; these boxes were opened and distributed on December 26, which is also the feast day of Saint Stephen—Christianity’s first martyr, known for his service to those in need. Wikipedia

Over time the holiday evolved. In some countries it became associated with sporting events (e.g., football and cricket matches in the UK and Australia) and, in many places today, major shopping sales. In others—particularly the Caribbean—it became a day for vibrant cultural celebrations rather than simply a day of rest or commerce. Encyclopedia Britannica

Friday, December 26, 2025

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Green Turtle Cay New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade

 
Green Turtle Cay New Years Day Junkanoo Parade flyer

Green Turtle Cay

New Year's Day Junkanoo Parade

 
January 1st at 2:00PM
Starts at the Basketball Court
 
Celebrating the Origins of Junkanoo-
FROM WHICH WE CAME 

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Foreign Cultural Influence

 
Woman twerking on dancefloor.

"Stop Twerkin' an' Start Workin'" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 

Foreign Cultural Influence

 
Have we noticed that foreign reggae music has infiltrated and become a big part of our Bahamian culture for many years now?
 
There's a Christmas event happening now on the basketball park by me. They started off by playing a half-dozen Bahamian songs then they switched to hardcore dancehall reggae and that's all they've been playin' for the last two hours. How da hell we get like dis an' what could we do 'bout it?
 
Beware of other cultures taking over.
 

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

Shirley Hall Bass Foundation
Professional Training & Cultural Exchange
 
Carlito Catalano standing in dance studio

 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

Friday, October 17, 2025

Sunset Dance

 
Female dancer on beach at sunset

"Sunset Dance" - Bahamas AI Art
 ©A. Derek Catalano
 
 Download full size: 1024x1536

Monday, September 1, 2025

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Father's Day Drumbeat

 
Me singing and beating a goatskin drum.

 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.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

Limbo Dancer nightclub floorshow

 "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.

Monday, June 2, 2025

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

 
Female fire dancer nightclub floor show.

 "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.

Saturday, May 31, 2025

The Golden Era of Nightclubs and Nightclub Entertainment in The Bahamas

 
Interior of Golden Era Nightclub with big band and dancing patrons.

 "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.

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Ākāra - A Bijayini Satpathy's Choreography

 
Dance performance poster

 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 article: Shirley Bass Foundation Sponsors Bahamian Dancer

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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

Carlito Catalano Odissi dance pose.

 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.