When Alette Williams took up the mantle as president of the National Dance Association (NDA) on May 26, she came armed with a list of goals she hopes to accomplish during her three-year tenure. Chief among them: to create an environment where dancers feel supported, valued and motivated, advocate for fair compensation to protect their financial interests and tackle pressing issues such as copyrights and insurance.
The 38-year-old Princes Town native was captivated with dance since childhood but was forced to dash her dreams of pursuing it professionally due to a knee injury at 18.
Despite this, she has actively supported the dance community and brings a wealth of experience and insight to the presidency. Her journey with the NDA began as assistant secretary in 2010, followed by a role as public relations officer in 2012.
Reflecting on her nomination to the presidency, which went uncontested, Williams tells Her, “It’s heartening to know that the community remembers my contributions and recognises my passion for the art form.
“This new role signals an opportunity to leverage my skills and experiences to elevate the NDA’s position. I am committed to fostering and encouraging a vibrant dance community, providing mentorship, and ensuring that the NDA thrives as a model of cultural expression and innovation.”
Echoing the sentiments of her peers in the creative space, Williams calls for greater recognition and respect for the broader creative community, lamenting its often-overlooked status in national cultural discourse.
As president of the NDA, she is committed to shifting perspectives and dispelling misconceptions about creative pursuits. “People believe that these endeavours are mainly for recreation, entertainment, or as a form of release.
“As a result, activities are often confined to specific times of the year or particular groups, limiting their perceived importance.
“Policies should reflect the understanding that the creative economy, also known as the orange economy, is a valuable contributor to the nation’s prosperity.
“Young people should be encouraged to pursue their interests in creative fields.
“They should be seen as legitimate career paths, not merely hobbies for social media,” maintains Williams, who believes that creativity is fundamental to everything we do; whether it’s dance, acting, music, spoken word, or calypso.
Each art form, she says, serves as powerful vessels for storytelling, cultural preservation, and societal change.
Citizens are not exempt from this conversation.
Williams believes that everyone has a role to play in supporting the growth of the creative sector.
You can assist the NDA by: “Staying informed about activities, events, and initiatives; sharing our content and helping spread awareness about our mission and goals.
“Financial contributions are always welcome. Donations help fund programmes, events, and resources that benefit the dance community. Every contribution makes a significant impact.”
With a BA in Mass Communications and a Master’s in Business Development and Innovation, Williams is a first-generation entrepreneur who balances her passion for dance with her professional role as a communications strategist and CEO of Outright Concepts Limited, a creative strategic communications agency.
She serves as the marketing and media manager for the NGC Bocas Lit Fest, the largest literary festival in the Anglophone Caribbean.
“My life has segued through many painful ebbs and exciting flows from the loss of my father to the loss of my hair through stress,” she says. “I am always learning and willing to be mentored. I am a lover of innovation and people. I’m an ambivert and empath.
“My mother is my pillar and I’ve been fortunate to have had powerful men and women throughout my life to lead me at different phases of growth and development.”
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