This live (unedited) performance was done by the Manchoneil Cultural Group on December 4, 2010. It was done at Great Huts in Portland, Jamaica.
The speaker says that maypole was popular on the plantations in Jamaica during the period of slavery and colonial rule. If the slaves made mistakes in the dance, there would be mishaps on the plantation, but if the dance was done properly, there would be fewer accidents in the coming season.
The pole appears to be made of bamboo, and is supported by a stool with a hole in the top where the pole fits through. Two performers hold onto the pole to provide added support.
They are dancing to the tune ‘Rukumbine’, and a second tune that I don’t recognise. There’s lots of Jamaican style dance moves and footwork.
The moves are a very creative mix, very much a dance for an audience.
Good use is made of the way the ribbons are held. A two hand hold with the hands well apart allows for controlled ribbon sway and also for clear visual movements when passing other dancers.
They begin with a plait and then add extra figures going down the pole. After a short plait, each couple make a two-person twist by going round each other, then the twists are used as the foundation for a web move which gradually tightens around the pole (they were performing with fewer dancers than normal – the web would have spread out more if the had their usual dozen dancers). The web move (if I’ve got it correct in the poor lighting) has everyone wrapping their ribbon twice with their ‘corner’ and then twice with their partner, then twice with corner, etc.
After they have finished the web, they undo the dance until the pole is bare, and then hold their ribbons to make a tent shape over a group of young children who dance round the pole, holding hands.