Carnival .... Taking it to the next level

[snowbird]

Seeing that Carnival is now one of T&T's major 'exports'.... I am wondering why the 'original creators' haven't done like so many of their 'customers' and ..... taken it to the next level by adding .... choreography

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNj0Rtz7qLU&sns=em

so far MacFarlane (and Peter Minshall before him) are the only ones who have attempted to elevate the art form... it is obvious others (outside of T&T) view the art form they way they do.

[Sly1]

SNOWBIRD: Good idea but that would take away for wining up on each other.

[miktay]

The choreography cud include wining.

[snowbird]

On another thread there is mention of 'Dimanche Gras' being revamped

..... Now tell me how 'spectacular' would it be if they could get representation from some of the bands who will be parading on Carnival Tuesday.... have them do a choreographed routine..... like you see in the Olympics closing ceremonies.

.... Tell me people wouldn't come to T&T to see that.

Right now T&T 'wasting' all of those costumes by simply having people jump around in them for a few hours....then when they get fed up ...or as soon as they cross 'the stage'....(like my nieces) throw away the head piece....then jump up in just.... bikkini.

[Falcon]

Tourists want to jump up in fete, go Maracas, visit panyard, and sleep late then play mas when they on holiday. Nobody will go to your daily choreography practice.

The market is fine with some bands that cater for drop-in jump up people, and the other bands that want to do fancy scmancy moves. This aint Brasil where Samba skool practicing whole year and we ent want the competition to go that road of performance arts.

In any case, they should cancel the whole damn Carnival business, and make people get serious about productivity. No play without wuk.

[snowbird]

Some people may see the art form as purely......jump and wine..... as such T&T will continue to attract that market because that is what is advertised.

If they take it to the next level.... they can possibly attract a whole different market.

..and no one is saying....'every masquerader' has to take part in this choreographed show..... just enought participants to put on a show worthy of promoting....and why shouldn't there be a 'performing arts' component to carnival..... that is something the 'main strem' world would be interested in embracing....right now Trini style carnival outside of T&T is just embraced by....expats. L
Look at how well Peter Minshalls creations were received by the world.

Trinidad carnival has to grow...and more than just in size.

Oh, and by the way....when the Olympic closing ceremonies committee wanted a show 'worthy of world viewing'.... it was Minshall they turned to.... not any producers of 'Brazilian Carnival'.

[Falcon]

right now Trini style carnival outside of T&T is just embraced by....expats.

Oh really?

[Sirius]

I would love to see a more choreographed carnival. Something as simple as providing attractive awards for the best choreographed bands could get the ball rolling. By all means let people have their jump and wine carnival if they so desire, but I am all for putting things in place to make the crossing of not just the stand but crossing any judging point a truly fantastic sight.

There will of course be those who will strongly object to any kind of change made to the public orgy that we call T&T Carnival.

[snowbird]

You hit the nail on the head there...... magic word that normally motivates people......MONEY!!! Add to that...BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!

In this case, prize money and bragging rights will be enough of an incentive to get the band leaders on board....

Falcon may think 'Trinis' can't be bothered to make their way to 'dance classes' to prepare for the extravaganza

..... look at how may people 'year round' ..... practice their pan....then make their way to 'pan yards' to prepare for panorama.

It is all in selling this to the bandleaders....and making it worth their while.... I see a whole new industry here.

[Falcon]

many tourists pay carnival
many tourists dont play Panorama

[letric]

Seeing that Carnival is now one of T&T's major 'exports'.... I am wondering why the 'original creators' haven't done like so many of their 'customers' and ..... taken it to the next level by adding .... choreography

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNj0Rtz7qLU&sns=em

so far MacFarlane (and Peter Minshall before him) are the only ones who have attempted to elevate the art form... it is obvious others (outside of T&T) view the art form they way they do.

Why don't you?

[snowbird]

Why don't you?

Me? I am no big time mas/cultural promoter / mas producer..... I am simply one 'cog' in the big foreign wheel.... getting involved... for love of the art form.

Actually .... after my experience of trying to get involved 'deeper' in Carnival in TO last year..... I came away with a very bitter taste in my mouth.....

letric.... after spending most of my life/career in corporate Canada ....working with efficiently run organizations....the first thing I realized it..... some Trinis have a very different attitude to 'business'..... for me it was nothing but a source of 'frustration'.

If I could promote T&T culture....without having to work with 'Trinis' ...... I'd do it in a heart beat.

Working with Trinis on anything cultural.... "been there, done, that, will never do that again" rather continue to stick to my role as just one of the .... peeons.

Don't know how Poser does it.

[letric]

Me? I am no big time mas/cultural promoter / mas producer..... I am simply one 'cog' in the big foreign wheel.... getting involved... for love of the art form.

Actually .... after my experience of trying to get involved 'deeper' in Carnival in TO last year..... I came away with a very bitter taste in my mouth.....

letric.... after spending most of my life/career in corporate Canada ....working with efficiently run organizations....the first thing I realized it..... some Trinis have a very different attitude to 'business'..... for me it was nothing but a source of 'frustration'.

If I could promote T&T culture....without having to work with 'Trinis' ...... I'd do it in a heart beat.

Working with Trinis on anything cultural.... "been there, done, that, will never do that again" rather continue to stick to my role as just one of the .... peeons.

Don't know how Poser does it.

Why not ask him?

[snowbird]

Why not ask him?

Cus (having been burned)..... I have no desire to go any further..... or get any deeper involved in organizing anything involving.... people from ....you know where. kar take de 'mentality'

[letric]

Cus (having been burned)..... I have no desire to go any further..... or get any deeper involved in organizing anything involving.... people from ....you know where. kar take de 'mentality'

Are you implying burned by him (Poseur)?

[snowbird]

Are you implying burned by him (Poseur)?

Eh eh...by my people

.... Poser is involved in Trini cultural in another province (maybe more than one)..... and that man have 'stamana'... he, unlike me..... kno how tuh wuk wid he peeps.

[snowbird]

many tourists pay carnival
many tourists dont play Panorama

What percentage of 'tourist' who play mas are actually 'visiting' Expats.... ah betting.... a big percentage.

[snowbird]

Now here are two Trinis who are trying take 'Mas' to the next level.....

Not sure if they will succeed though....something seems to be missing from their designs :

http://trinidadcarnivals.com/video-k2k-band-lauch

[snowbird]

Better video of K2K band launch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojh5dFm0kU8