Welcome to Barbados Dance Project (BDP)
As the founder and artistic director of BDP, I am proud to share the journey of our organization, which has been a transformative force in the Barbadian dance community for the past 10 years. Our mission is to provide tuition-free dance training and performance opportunities, fostering a platform where local dancers can grow and express themselves. Over the years, we have empowered dancers to perform on stages across the Caribbean region, offering invaluable experiences in the world of professional dance.
In addition to our summer intensive, BDP has launched BDP Lab, a series of workshops throughout the year, featuring both international and local artists. We are thrilled about the next chapter in BDP's evolution, which includes the relaunch of the BDP Ensemble and continued growth of our BDP Lab programming.
BDP operates in conjunction with all dance studios on the island, offering supplemental training to support the overall well-being and development of dancers in Barbados. Our aim is to enhance the training already provided at local studios, fostering a collaborative approach to nurturing the next generation of dance talent.
The Barbados Dance Project aims to educate, collaborate, and engage with the Barbadian community through dance. Since 2014, BDP has made a significant impact, not only in the lives of our students but also in their personal journeys. BDP is a catalyst for inspiring the community, bringing people together through the universal language of movement.
Our Three Pillars:
Educate: Summer Intensive & The Lab
Collaborate: Partnerships
Engage: Experience our BDP ensemble
A Legacy of Excellence
Many of our alumni have continued their studies at some of the world's most respected institutions, including:
Barbados Community College
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill
NYU Tisch School of the Arts
SUNY Purchase
Ryerson University (Toronto)
Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (Jamaica)
University of Arizona (USA)
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (UK)
Our Supporters: A Global Community
For the past six years, BDP has been successfully funded through Kickstarter, a crowdsourcing platform that has connected us with supporters from around the world. People from Barbados, the U.S., Canada, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and Germany have contributed generously, making our tuition-free program possible.
Because of this support, our students can walk into the dance studio free from financial concerns, allowing them to focus entirely on their craft. The opportunity to study and perform without the burden of tuition fees enables them to express their passion and creativity fearlessly, with confidence and determination.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you who has believed in BDP, in our youth, and in the growth of dance in Barbados. Your support is instrumental in helping us build a brighter future for the next generation of dancers. Together, we are making Barbados a place where dance can truly flourish.
-Jamal Rashann Callender, Founder
