Gombey Festival Honouree, September 13, 2014
The infectious, brilliant, hypnotic, drumming, colorful and unique regalia and intricate choreography of Bermudian Gombey dancers never cease to attract countless spellbound spectators who cannot resist being so caught up in ritualistic fervour of the dance that they find themselves following the Gombeys as they parade the streets. One constant devotee of this dance movement is Gary Phillips. He will follow a Gombey troupe anytime, anywhere. However, more importantly, Gary is both cognizant and appreciative of the dance’s historic and artistic significance. He also reveres its valuable place in Bermuda’s cultural mosaic.
When Gary was a young boy, his mother frowned upon his desire to become a Gombey dancer, no doubt partly because of the stigma that existed in those days and partly because of the long distances the dancers covered, parading from one end of the island to the other. Gombeys, however, are in his blood. His Grandmother Florabelle Phillips’ cousin was Charles Norford, who came from St. Kitts and was the leader of one of Bermuda’s Gombey troupes. In addition, his father, Kenneth Peniston, danced with the Dan Hughes Gombey troupe. It is highly likely that Gary, like many other Bermudian children, disobeyed parents’ objections and followed the Gombeys as they danced all over the island. Sometimes, the children had difficulty finding their way back home. Very often their disobedience resulted in licks (spanks). This did not stop them from breaking the rules again and again.
Intense admiration, respect and love for the Gombeys motivated Gary to help revive this important dance tradition which seemed to be in danger of being lost. It was definitely submerged under the impact of the law, negative criticism, the arrival of the motor car which prohibited masquerading along the streets, and, of course, snobbery. His efforts included showcasing the Gombeys at Department of Tourism marketing events in the United States of America. This he did during his 14 year tenure as the Director of Tourism, although such an effort was not without opposition.
In the summer of 2001 Bermuda was featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s annual Folklife Festival on the mall in Washington, D. C.; and Warner Gombeys and Place’s New Generation Gombeys were among the participants. Gary was involved in the fieldwork research and presentation of the dance; which facilitated an understanding for the views of Gombey dancing and music. He has served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Department of Cultures annual Gombey Festival; an event which was preceded by the now defunct Gombey competition, for which he was judge.
There perhaps is no better person than Gary Phillips to fulfill the role of judge when it comes to Gombey dancing. He knows the historic aspects. He also knows every drum beat rhythmic pattern that accompanies the dance. He is so knowledgeable about every nuance of the dance that he can perform them to the satisfaction of any Captain. These dance movements included: the road beat, the snake dance, the breakwood, the belly wobble, the climb, the three story high, the intricate footwork and the subtle head movements. He could also easily dance the role of the Wild Indian, the Trapper, Chief Warrior, or Chopper and certainly knows the Captain’s role.
Gary, in all aspects of his life, advocates authenticity, professionalism and in-depth knowledge. He loves to see these qualities manifested in all of Bermuda’s Gombey troupes. Largely because of his perseverance, courage and passion for this art form, the Gombey movement remains alive. Gombey dancers are included in the annual Bermuda Day Parade; are featured on Front Street, Hamilton during Harbour Nights; represent Bermuda during tourism events and other cultural projects both locally and globally; provide entertainment at private events; parade the streets on Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and sometimes on Easter Monday; are permitted to masquerade at certain funerals and, through the Department of Culture – during the months from November to March every year – they are showcased in weekly lecture demonstrations for visitors and locals.
Gary speaks with pride and awe of this local tradition. His whole family has caught the Gombey fever from him. His five month old grandson has been initiated into the Gombeys, and his daughter has accompanied him on numerous occasions when he is following Gombey crowds, especially during the Bermuda Day Parade. His wife, Tricia, has shared him willingly over the years with these exotic dancers. She has also studied the movement in depth and has written about it.
Bermuda owes a great debt of thanks to Gary Phillips for helping to stave off the demise of the Gombey dance, with its regalia and its music, and its family traditions. It is indeed one of Bermuda’s oldest authentic and colorful art forms.
Thank you Gary Phillips for being a Champion of Bermuda’s Gombeys! The Department of Culture is honoured to salute you.
