Carlton Henry: Preserving Dominica's Cultural Legacy Through Dance and Dedication

"My work doesn’t end when I leave the office; I live and breathe culture every day"

In the picturesque village of Grand Bay, Dominica, Carlton Henry has emerged as one of the island's most prominent cultural ambassadors. As the acting Senior Cultural Officer at Dominica’s Cultural Division, Carlton has dedicated his life to celebrating and preserving the island’s vibrant heritage, a journey that began unexpectedly in his youth.

Born and raised in Grand Bay, Carlton recalls the moment that marked his first encounter with Dominica’s traditional culture. “I got involved in culture mysteriously,” Carlton reminisces with a smile. His cultural journey began during a summer program in the 1990s, where he was introduced to traditional Dominican dances, particularly the heel-and-toe and flirtation dances. He fondly remembers being a primary school student, uncertain of his age but undeniably captivated by the rhythms and movements of the island’s traditions. “I always enjoyed watching people dance,” Carlton says, “but I don’t know how I got interested.” What started as a passive admiration of traditional dance soon blossomed into a lifelong passion.

However, Carlton did not immediately dive into the world of cultural performance after that summer experience. He acknowledges that his fascination with dance was a slow-burning flame that ignited fully at the age of 18. The turning point came after watching videos of the Tradibelle Cultural Group, a local dance troupe. Their performances struck a chord deep within him. Carlton recounts how the elegance and grace of one dancer in particular, Teacher Addie, inspired him. “The way she danced, the way she carried herself—that pulled me in. I wanted to be a part of that,” he explains. This desire led him to join the *Tradibelle Cultural Group*, where he has now been a dedicated member for over a decade, honing his skills and embracing the depth of Dominican traditional dance.

For Carlton, dance is more than just an art form; it’s an identity. His mastery of bele—a traditional Dominican dance—has earned him the affectionate title of “Mr. Bele” among locals. While he remains humble, many in Dominica view him as one of the best *bele* dancers on the island.

In his current role as acting Senior Cultural Officer, Carlton’s responsibilities are vast, often blending his personal life with his professional duties. "Even on personal time, I might get a call for advice or consultation," he shares. "My work doesn’t end when I leave the office; I live and breathe culture every day." This relentless commitment underscores his belief that culture is not just something to be performed on stage but lived and practiced daily.

For Carlton, culture is all-encompassing. He speaks passionately about the importance of Creole, noting that certain emotions, expressions, and experiences are best conveyed in the native language. “When I speak Creole, it’s from the heart, and people can feel it. It’s more than just words,” he says. This understanding drives Carlton’s dedication to ensuring that Creole language and traditions remain relevant in modern Dominican society.

His work in the Cultural Division has been nothing short of transformative. Over the years, Carlton has spearheaded initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Dominican culture, not only on the island but on the global stage. He has represented Dominica at numerous regional and international cultural festivals, showcasing the island’s unique traditional dances, music, and folklore.

Carlton’s contributions to the cultural landscape extend beyond dance. He has been a chaperone for numerous pageants, including Miss Wob Dwiyet—where his girls won three years in a row—Madam Wob, Ti Matador, Carnival Princess, and Miss Dominica, where his protégé Francine Baron won in 2014. His extensive involvement in pageantry further reflects his commitment to promoting Dominican culture. In recognition of his efforts, he received a Special Recognition Award at the 2016 Golden Drum Awards for the Promotion of Traditional Culture and Pageantry.

As he reflects on his journey, Carlton emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation in an ever-evolving world. “Culture is the backbone of our identity,” he asserts. “We must continue to nurture and share our traditions so that future generations can understand where they come from.”

Today, Carlton Henry stands as a custodian of Dominica’s cultural legacy. His tireless efforts to promote and safeguard the island’s traditional dances and folklore have left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape. From his humble beginnings as a young boy captivated by dance to becoming one of Dominica’s foremost cultural leaders, Carlton’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and pride in one’s heritage.