Caribbean dance has a very polarizing perception between the U.S. and the Caribbean. Caribbean dance in the U.S. is perceived as very sexual and provocative in nature. When you dance with another, it is mostly seen as a notion for sexual invitation. This is very apparent in certain forms of modern music in their lyrics and videos, as the socasize instructor notes in her interview. Artists such as Drake [One Dance] and Justin Bieber [Sorry] using Caribbean styled beats/productions in their songs where they sing about sexual activity or having music videos with very sexualized choreography in it. However, in the Caribbean, this could not be farther from the truth. Dance is seen as inherently fun in nature in the Caribbean- it is a form of expression and celebration.

In this clip, we can see how these two different perceptions can lead to a lot of issues. A caribbean celebration within an American mindset can create unhealthy situations. This campaign aims to address the american perception head on by juxtaposing the “suggestive women” with regular day jobs and their careers. From educators, to doctors, etc. A Caribbean woman is not defined by one night/day of how she dances. They are so much more. But just because of what they are, it is not “below” them to let loose and have fun every once in a while. They are human.

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Caribbean CCNY students celebrating their culture

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CCNY Students taking part in Caribbean Choreography

Every single person in these photos are college students. Students trying to further their education. This event took place during Caribbean week on campus, and everything you see was student organized- from the DJ, to the costumes, to the dancers. Strengthening the position of how caribbean dance is celebratory in nature and doesn’t entail a certain negative characteristic.