Happy feet . . . Cadeeves sights set on making parents proud

Cadeeve Charles has a single goal in mind, and that is to make his parents proud. And the focused 17-year-old plans to make it a reality through his talent, dance.

“I’ve always had a passion for many art forms but it is my mum who really gave me the initial introduction to dance. She showed me lots of music videos with choreography and I have been fascinated since. My main focus and what matters most to me is making my parents Jamelah Raja and Clifford Charles proud by becoming successful and being a role model to the upcoming youth,” he told Bajan Vibes.

The former student of St Paul’s Primary and Graydon Sealy Secondary said he has always been a “mover” from birth but he really started dancing around the age of six in front of the television set.

“I used to consider dance more of a hobby but in recent times I am taking it more seriously. I see myself as an artist and dance as my painting because I use dancing as a way of expressing myself through each movement by physically telling a story to my audience.”

Cadeeve recalls the first time he performed in front of a crowd, which was ten years ago. “My first performance was actually at one of my friend’s parties back in 2010. Then I decided to join my primary school choir organized by The Mighty Gabby, which lasted from 2013 to 2014.”

The teenager then made a bold step while at secondary school. He joined a performing arts group and though “nervous” during the audition, he aced it.

“When I finally got the hang of secondary school, I decided to take the arts more seriously and joined a performing arts group called Operation Triple Threat. It wasn’t easy though. I had to audition.”

He continued: “I was a bit nervous because that was the first time I have ever auditioned for anything but luckily I got in and I enjoyed the classes, especially dance. I performed with them from 2017 to 2019. I was also pursuing Theatre Arts at the Graydon Sealy Secondary and I performed on numerous occasions from 2018 to 2019.”

Cadeeve’s music of choice is hip hop, but he declares: “I can dance to any genre that I desire.” He admits that he is heavily influenced by Chris Brown, Usher and Michael Jackson as he works diligently to perfect his craft.

“I aim to always push myself and never give up. If I can’t perfect a move right away, I learn it bit by bit because everything in life is a process. Most important is to become more skilled each time I hit the floor.”

Closer to home, Cadeeve said he is eternally grateful for the guidance and tutelage he received from Graydon Sealy teacher Stephanie Chase.

“My greatest accomplishment was receiving a Grade 1 in Theatre Arts in Secondary School but I couldn’t have done it without my teacher Ms. Stephanie Chase who motivated and educated me on all three disciplines of art and also my parents for giving me guidance and their full support…”

The young dancer prides himself on creating his own style of dance. While he may draw inspiration from others in the field, he is intent on always creating his own unique way of executing the art-form.

“I’ve never copied a choreography. Bit by bit, I always add my own sauce to it because by watching other dancers, it helps me gather ideas and I add those ideas into my own choreography.”

The performer readily admits that he has big plans for the future. “I see myself being successful and doing something big in whatever career I choose to pursue because I always strive to be the best. I would like to perform with my favourite dancer, Chris Brown, one day and have the opportunity to perform on Broadway.”

While Cadeeve has big dreams of growing his talent, he is mindful that Barbados has many limitations as it relates to taking dance to another level.

“Here in Barbados, there are very limited facilities to actually elevate the art of dance but Barbados does produce some good dancers who go overseas to evolve and showcase their talent to a wider audience.”

However, the teen does not intend to let these challenges hold him back. He is advising others not to let it deter them either. “Find your source of motivation, discipline yourself, and don’t give up on any journey you desire to take within dance. Always push yourself.”

He has been making wise use of the down time since the global pandemic restrictions have been implemented. “COVID-19 is a slow but interesting process because I’m studying for exams but I’m also learning new things, doing lots of research, practicing new moves, techniques and eating, of course. So basically, I’m being as productive as possible.”

Cadeeve will one day be his own boss. “I will become an entrepreneur because my grandfather and my dad were entrepreneurs and as a child, I would always be in the store watching them both so I grew to have a passion for it.”

When he is not dancing he enjoys acting, singing and drawing. He also finds solace and peace in thinking about his family as he taps into the positivity he’s bringing to the world. (IMC)