Meet Endrow, an assistant at the DFR Santé and a lover of dance. He tells us how this passion came about and talks about his ambitions for traditional Guyanese dance.
Can you tell us about yourself
I work at the DFR Santé as an Appariteur. My main job is to make sure that the computer equipment in the classrooms and the department is working properly, and to set up the video projection courses for the PACES. I also help out with schooling.
Tell us about your passions
Since I was very young, I've always wanted to work with computers. It was my very first passion. My second passion, which came a little later, is dance: hip-hop, traditional Guyanese dance, Kizomba, Bachata, Salsa, Carnival, etc. I love all styles of dance. I love all styles of dance. I also like sport, especially basketball. Finally, I also enjoy organising events: parties, events, etc.
Tell us about your passion for dance. Do you dance in a variety of styles, or do you have a particular style?
My passion for dance stems from the fact that, from a very early age, at all family events and so on, there was always the inevitable 'dance party'. I enjoyed watching the grown-ups do it. As time went by, I started practising and enjoyed dancing. Today, it's unthinkable for me to be at a party where there's no music or dancing. Worse still, I can't sit still if there's music or other people dancing! Since then, I've broadened my skills by practising different styles of dance (reggae, zouk, compas, Kizomba, Bachata, Salsa, Kuduro, Biguine, Mazurka, traditional dance from French Guiana, etc.). I'm very curious and versatile. I'm a very quick learner in this field. For me, dance is much more than a passion: it's a time for expression, relaxation and escape. It's vital! I express what I feel through this art form. Today, I specialise in traditional dance, which links me to the roots of my country. But I haven't abandoned other dances.
How long have you had this passion?
When I was very young, my mother enrolled me in the BALOUROU group, where I began my apprenticeship. I then turned to hip-hop dance. At Lionel Agarande's request, I joined his traditional Guyanese dance class at the National School of Music and Dance, now known as the Conservatoire de Musique, Danse et Théâtre de Guyane. Three years ago, with some of the students from the course and our teacher, we decided to create our own group called "A.C FLANMAN" #NouBelKéPikan.
Can you tell us about your first public performance?
My first public performance was on the ENCRE stage for an end-of-year demonstration of dance classes at the Conservatoire de Musique, de Danse et Théâtre de Guyane (CMDTG), formerly the École National de Musique et de Danse (ENMD). It was a very stressful but rewarding experience. It was an unforgettable experience.
If you had to keep just one memory of all the projects you've worked on, what would it be?
It's complicated to choose just one memory. Every performance I've been involved in, whether it's a video, a stage or something else, has given me a different experience and helped me to improve.
What qualities do you think you need to enjoy this leisure activity?
As with any discipline, you need a love of what you do, a lot of commitment and strength of character. You mustn't be afraid to make mistakes, to start again and again. You have to know how to surpass yourself, to surprise yourself, to rediscover yourself and, above all, you can't count the hours. The main quality that my family recognises in me, and which helps me a lot in my passion and in life, is to never give up and to see things through to the end.
What are your next challenges? How do you want to develop this passion?
My challenge is always the same, to match or even surpass my teacher who supports me in this discipline. As far as the evolution of this passion is concerned, I hope one day to be able to take or see the traditional dance of French Guyana beyond its borders. French Guiana is evolving and dance needs to keep up with that evolution.
