Emerging from Jamaican reggae in the 1970s, dancehall not only refers to the physical spaces in which Jamaican gatherings and parties are held, but the music, fashion, and specific dance styles that are characteristic of it.  Like many Caribbean dance styles, it was developed as a means of creating a sense of identity in the presence of colonial rule.  Jamaicans are exposed to this form of dance at a young age, as dancehall and all of its attributes are inherent aspects of their culture.

Below is video exemplifying typical dancehall dancing, which places a strong emphasis on circular or isolated hip motions known as “winin.”  The girls are having fun, not using dance as a means of seduction, and are clearly celebrating their pride in their country.

In an interview with Natalie Keyssar, a photojournalist who explores aspects of Caribbean culture in Brooklyn, New York, she explicitly discusses dancehall culture and the role dance plays in allowing young Caribbean people to escape violence in their neighborhoods.  She specifically discusses the role of women in dancehall and the Dancehall Queen Sarah.  She expresses an admiration for these women, and emphasizes the role dancing, specifically dancehall, plays as a uniting force for the Jamaican population in Brooklyn, New York in particular.

Below is an audio recording of an interview with Natalie Keyssar in which her perspective on Caribbean Dancehall in New York City is examined.

As clearly mentioned by Keyssar in the interview, the provocative dancing these Dancehall Queens perform is not a means of objectification, but of empowerment.  These women are not meant to be sexualized figures; they are individuals who are coming together to enjoy themselves, show off their skills, and maintain a sense of unity and strength against some of the street violence they are facing in their neighborhoods.