Thoughts with Roxy Menzies

Here at Wukkout! we’re all about celebrating dance and exploring its capacity to invoke joy, love, community, and unity. Similar to how the Caribbean is a fusion of many different cultures, we celebrate ALL forms of dance, especially this April 29 for International Dance Day.

Did you know these famous dancers have roots in the Caribbean?

You may be surprised to learn about their dance accomplishments as many have transitioned to acting or behind-the-scenes with producing and directing. Regardless of what these individuals are currently up to, they all credit their love and ability for dance for where they are today.

LES TWINS

If you don’t know – trust us, you know! Identical twin brothers Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois are stars and legends that have made their way from street dancing in Paris, France, to performing for Beyonce and Jay Z and even having characters created for them in the MIB: International movie.

These self-taught, gravity-defying dancers are widely known as the Kings of new style hip-hop dancing and are using that to build an empire that includes producing, modeling, and teaching. They may be known as the French twins, but they proudly acknowledge their lineage to Guadeloupe.

2. VICTORIA ROWELL

If you’re a fan of soap operas, you’ll remember Victoria’s character “Drucilla” from The Young and The Restless. At eight, she began studying ballet, eventually leading her to perform with American Ballet Theatre II. Ballet paved her path to modeling, acting in numerous film and tv roles, and guest teaching overseas.

Victoria’s lineage takes her to “the rock” – her father was Jamaican.

Dance has continued to be a huge part of her life. The Young and the Restless even wrote ballet into her character’s storyline; many of us can remember those scenes of her practicing.

3. ZOE SALDANA

Famously known for blockbuster films like Avatar and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, some of us remember Zoe Saldana from her debut as a feisty ballet student in Center Stage. Zoe’s heritage goes back to the Dominican Republic (where she trained in dance) and Puerto Rico, with some publications reporting Haitian ancestry.

In interviews, she has spoken fondly about her love for dance and even dusted off that training for Sia’s “Free Me” music video a few years back.

It’s fair to say that having dance training or a natural affinity to dance and movement gives actors an advantage for their art on stage and on the screen.

4. TANISHA SCOTT

Lizzo + Tanisha Scott, Amazon Prime *“Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”*

A celebrity in her own right - this Canadian-born hip-hop and dancehall Queen credits her Jamaican heritage for her love of music and dance. Tanesha was the IT girl in the early/mid-2000s top hip-hop videos and transitioned to choreographer, developing artists, and creative director. If you watched Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, you saw Tanisha offering real-world advice and busting a move with Lizzo.

Tanisha’s connection to her Caribbean roots shines through her work with artists like Rihanna, Sean Paul, Beanie Man, and many more.

Remember that Drake video that people still refer to? Hotline Bling, that’s Tanisha near the end with a hat on, putting down some moves with Drake.

5. ROSIE PEREZ

Rosie Perez, *“Do the Right Thing” (1989)*

Proudly outspoken about her Puerto Rican roots, this self-taught dancer was discovered in nightclubs and asked to join Soul Train at 19. Perez has spoken about her tough upbringing and how dance was a significant source of stress relief. With plans to major in biochemistry, she dropped out of school to focus on a dance career.

Currently, she may be associated with a career in acting, but she’s forever immortalized for dancing in the opening credits of Spike Lee’s iconic Do The Right Thing!

She was a choreographer for Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, Bobby Brown, and In Living Color’s The Fly Girls (where another Puerto Rican started out - Jennifer Lopez).

We love International Dance Day but let’s face it – we celebrate dance EVERY day!

*Can’t make it to a live class? Make sure to check out Wukkout! OnDemand.

Writer, dancer, and educator; Roxy Menzies has been around the globe infusing artistry, knowledge and soul into her work with movement. When she isn't working on her first book about the 1st Black Pilates elder, who was instrumental in the world of dance -- she's ready to grab har flag and wine it like nobody's watching!

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY: 5 FAMOUS DANCERS OF CARIBBEAN DESCENT

Thoughts with Roxy Menzies