Rooted in dance

Reequal Smith has been involved in dance since she was four years old. Reluctantly at first, she became an integral part of the dance community in her hometown of Nassau, Bahamas. “There was a time I didn’t want to dance but my mom reminded me that we don’t let anyone take away our joy.” Since then, through all the ups and downs, Reequal continues to focus on the joy and fun associated with dance. “It’s not always easy, but I always remember to come back to myself, to my culture.”

Through her dedication and discipline in dance, Reequal had opportunities for cultural exchanges when she was younger. “You learn a lot when you’re immersed in someone else’s culture, in their home. I’m so grateful for the ways that those experiences opened my mind and my heart.” Being exposed to other cultures, including other ways of dancing, are core and formative memories for Reequal. “These experiences opened my eyes to what is possible.”

Never one to shy away from hard things, Reequal brings a life-long love of movement into all she does. She shared beautiful stories of connection to the land that birthed her. One of the dances she choreographed paid homage to the flamingo, the national bird of the Bahamas. “The flamingos were taken from their natural habitat and almost went extinct, but they survived and now thrive in their homelands.” Reequal unapologetically and eloquently likened the experience of the flamingo to the experiences of her ancestors. “Everything I do includes my culture.”

For Reequal, dance is a way of life. “It’s community, it’s culture, it’s connection. It’s how I express myself in the world and how I connect spiritually.” She is classically trained in a variety of dance styles and carries traditional knowledge as a fire dancer. She understands the importance of bringing culture and tradition into contemporary entertainment in considerate and meaningful ways. “I’m proud to bring my culture to the stage and respectfully weave traditions into contemporary movement.”

Reequal came to PEI to attend the School of Performing Arts Program at Holland College, and she fell in love with the Island and decided to stay. She has been actively involved in the community since her arrival. Reequal has shared her love of dance with many people through her work as a dance teacher, choreographer, and most recently as the lead on a project to address gender-based violence. She has been part of the River Clyde Pageant since 2019 and has been a continuous contributor to DiverseCity Multicultural Festival. “This is what I live for. I feel alive and free when I can express myself through dance.”

Along with her many artistic contributions, Reequal is also the Program and Events Coordinator with Black Cultural Society of Prince Edward Island. “It has been such an honour to coordinate events for Black History Month and Emancipation Day for the last few years.” 

Reequal effortlessly weaves culture and education into her dance and her life. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Reequal’s commitment to sharing her culture never wavers. “Dance is a healing practice and helps me connect deeply to my roots.”

As the owner and operator of Oshun Dance Studios, Reequal is committed to curating spaces for women to feel empowered and connected. “Dance is one of the ways that I encourage people to take up space.” As I listened to Reequal talk about her relationship with movement, it became clear that there are many lessons to be drawn from dance that can be applied in daily life. “Every step on stage has a purpose, even if it doesn’t look or seem that way to the onlooker.”

Recalling and retelling stories from her prolific dance career, Reequal graciously shared her appreciation for all the people and places that held and supported her in the journey. “I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people who supported me along the way.” As a self-proclaimed life-long learner, Reequal eagerly partners and collaborates with a wide range of creatives to bring her magic to the stage. “I want to continue building these community connections so that we can all share our cultures and traditions in contemporary spaces.”