Honorees for 2010

Alyson Bown has danced her way through life, gracing many a stage at home and abroad. Dancer, model, choreographer, she has accumulated a wealth of experience which she readily and unselfishly imparts to others.

Trained in the school of the masquerade and lifelong observer of the tradition, regarded in Trinidad & Tobago as an integral part of our existence as a people, she is herself a designer and produced a children’s band for over ten years.

Alyson became “TAN TAN” in 1990, the queen created by Peter Minshall’s carnival band, and has worked closely with him since then, taking the mas into other arenas internationally. Examples are the opening ceremonies of two Olympic games and in capitals such as Tokyo, Paris, New York, Moscow and Singapore. She has also taught performance techniques to international groups including the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.

Alyson credits a number of individuals and associations with having contributed to her development as an artist and being responsible for the many awards and commendations she has received at home and abroad. Molly Ahee, The Malick Folk Performers, Dr. Helen Camps, Meiling, Judy Sanchez, David Rudder and Dr. Peter Minshall are such persons.
In 2003 Alyson was honored by The City of New York and in 2004 received The Humming Bird Medal Gold from the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Alyson considers herself especially blessed to be born in our beloved republic with its rich history and the unique culture and relishes the many occasions on which she has represented her people.