Legacy in Action: Champions for Tobago Culture – A Conversation with Kelly-Ann Withstrum, Tutor and Choreographer, YouthQuake Performing Company
Posted Dec 03, 2025
Tobago’s cultural heartbeat is carried by the people who nurture it every day, and few embody that spirit as vividly as Kelly-Ann Withstrum. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) is pleased to feature her in our Legacy in Action: Champions for Tobago Culture series, celebrating those who safeguard the island’s heritage and guide its creative future. As tutor and choreographer of YouthQuake – a vibrant performing company of more than 80 young dancers – Kelly-Ann has dedicated more than two decades to shaping the next generation of Tobago’s cultural ambassadors. Her work blends formal dance training with the island’s rich traditions, helping young performers grow into confident, culturally grounded artists. In our conversation with Kelly-Ann, she reflects on her personal journey, the unique character of Tobago’s culture, and the importance of passing on this legacy to those coming up behind her. Below, she shares her story in her own words.
1. Tell us about your journey and what inspired you to dedicate yourself to preserving and showcasing Tobago’s culture.
My dance journey began at the age of five, and over the years, dance evolved from a passion into a profession and, ultimately, a purpose. Growing up in Tobago, I was immersed in a cultural landscape rich with storytelling, traditional characters, folk movement, and communal expression. As I advanced in my formal training and later taught in diverse communities at home and abroad, I recognized the profound impact Tobago’s culture had on audiences everywhere. That experience solidified my commitment to not only preserve our traditions, but to ensure they remain vibrant, relevant, and accessible to the younger generations. My work is driven by a desire to honour Tobago’s artistic heritage while inspiring others to appreciate its depth and significance.
2. In your opinion, what makes Tobago’s culture unique, and why is it important for people around the world to experience it?
Tobago’s culture is distinguished by its authenticity, resilience, and intergenerational strength. Our traditions, whether expressed through dance, drumming, storytelling, or festivals, carry a strong sense of identity and community. What sets Tobago apart is that culture here is not staged or manufactured…it is deeply woven into daily life. Visitors are able to witness and engage with practices that have been passed down through families and communities for decades, sometimes centuries. Sharing this heritage with the world is essential because it offers a rare connection to authenticity at a time when many cultural experiences are becoming increasingly commercialized. Tobago invites the world to experience something real, meaningful, and rooted in history.
3. How does your work help visitors connect with Tobago’s culture, and what do you hope they take away from the experience?
Through YouthQuake’s performances and cultural showcases, visitors experience Tobago’s traditions through the lens of young, dedicated performers. Our work often highlights traditional characters, folk dances, and culturally inspired choreography, allowing audiences to see the continuity of heritage from one generation to the next. I hope visitors leave with an appreciation for the artistry, discipline, and historical significance embedded in our cultural expressions. More importantly, I hope they recognize the value of preserving and supporting cultural heritage both in Tobago and in their own communities..
4. What challenges have you faced in keeping Tobago’s traditions alive, and how have you overcome them?
One of the ongoing challenges is engaging young people in cultural preservation in a world increasingly influenced by global media and digital trends. Teaching throughout Trinidad and Tobago and internationally has shown me that sustaining interest in traditional art forms requires creativity, adaptability, and relevance. I address this by integrating traditional elements into contemporary choreography and teaching methods that speak to today’s youth. Limited resources also present obstacles, but strong community partnerships, advocacy, and persistence have allowed the work to thrive. Despite these challenges, the enduring enthusiasm of young dancers continues to affirm the importance and impact of cultural preservation.
5. Can you share a moment in your career that made you feel especially proud to share Tobago’s culture, and why was it meaningful?
A particularly meaningful moment occurred during a performance in which our youngest dancers portrayed traditional Tobago characters with striking confidence and poise. The audience which included both locals and international visitors responded with genuine emotion. For visitors, it was a powerful introduction to Tobago’s cultural legacy. For me, it was a vivid reminder that our traditions are alive and thriving in the hands of the next generation. Moments like these underscore the significance of the work and reaffirm the transformative power of culture when shared with intention and pride.
6. When you think about the future of Tobago’s culture, what excites you most, and what advice would you give to the next generation of cultural champions?
I am encouraged by the growing sense of pride and curiosity among young Tobagonians about their cultural roots. More young people are recognizing the value of heritage and are eager to participate, perform, and contribute to cultural development. My advice to emerging cultural champions is to remain grounded in their identity while embracing growth. Learn from elders, practice the art forms diligently, and seek opportunities to innovate without compromising authenticity. Culture evolves with each generation, and its longevity depends on their commitment to honouring and advancing it.