At just 7 years old, a Belmopan Primary Schooler has caught the eye of many spectators with his otherworldly and precocious skill in Garifuna dancing.
Jomarie Lanza searched for and found the very uniquely named "Onique", on Friday after we saw a few videos of his masterful performance at Hill top court in the capital. She found out more form the boy of many dance moves, but few words:
There are many styles of dancing in Belize, but for 7 year old Onique Herrera, at his tender age he appears to have mastered the footwork that follows the vibrant beating of the south's Garifuna drums.
It comes so naturally to him that he seems almost to levitate, and when we met with the young boy and his mother on Friday, he told us his love for dancing emerged from his love for his Garifuna culture.
Onique Herera, Dancer
"I am 7 years old and I name Onique Herera."
Jo-
"Okay Onique, You're a dancer right so when did you start dancing."
Onique Herera, Dancer
"When I was six years old."
Jo-
"And I heard that you play drums too, you like playing the drums?"
Onique Herera, Dancer
"Yes ma'am."
Jo-
"And why do you like dancing?"
Onique Herera, Dancer
"Because of my culture its Garifuna, and my granny likes to dance and my aunty."
Jo-
"You have any favorite songs?"
Onique Herera, Dancer
"I like when my uncle sings sweet pain band."
It's a rare spectacle for anyone to see a child move with such mastery and confidence, especially in front of a crowd.
For Onique, it started at home where his love for music, dance and his culture were nurtured by his family. And as he grows older those moves don't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Belmopan's mayor Sheran Palacio is Onique's Aunt.
