She is Black Caribbean Culture: Meet Teheria Viechweg

Teheria Viechweg is a passionate educator and dance teacher with over 25 years of experience.

Teheria holds a Diploma in Dance from Ballet Creole and a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic Approaches from the University of Derby Online. Additionally, Teheria has a Post Graduate Diploma in General Psychology from Roehampton University Online and a certificate in Somatic (trauma treatment) experience from St. George's University.

As a dance teacher and culture advocate, Teheria has worked with students from various schools, for special national and regional events.

Teheria has also taught different Grades and is presently teaching Grade 2 students and has a certificate in Understanding Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD.

Aside from teaching, Teheria enjoys swimming, reading, and traveling.

Teheria completed the cross-harbour swimming challenge and loves hanging out with friends. Teheria is also passionate about building the confidence of students and women and has taken up the challenge of helping them achieve their full potential. 

What or who inspired you to get involved in culture, and what does it mean to you as a black Caribbean woman? 

Dance has been my passion for as long as I can remember. From an early age, I realised it helped me develop healthy self-esteem and a sense of identity. When I dance, I am aware of how strong and flexible I am and how I can take what I've learned and make it my own.

 The same is true for culture. As Caribbean women, we have inherited traditions and practices from our ancestors, which we cherish and honour. However, we also add our own flavours and truths. Caribbean culture is something uniquely sacred to each individual, yet it also weaves a thread of wholeness that keeps us together as a collective.

What has been your most fulfilling experience with your involvement in culture so far?

I don't have one specific memory that stands out to me, but I have been involved in dancing and cultural activities for more than two and a half decades. Every year, there are moments that I will cherish forever.

Recently, I had the privilege of working with the world-renowned storyteller and stage producer Riccardo Keens Douglas to produce a national event celebrating my nation's 50th anniversary of Independence. Over the years, I have also travelled to Europe and the US, sharing my culture through dance with other nations. These experiences have always been rewarding.

The most fulfilling experience for me is seeing the development of the dancers in my troupe. It's gratifying to recognize their increased self-acceptance and self-confidence as they perform on stage and learn more about their roots through dance.

Our culture is rooted in resilience, but there can be shame or misconceptions about how it is displayed and where it originated. How do you encourage young black Caribbean women to embrace and honor their culture?

I once heard someone say that people tend to make up things when they do not have enough information.

This statement underscores the importance for black Caribbean individuals to share their own stories about our culture and its significance. Our culture plays a significant role in shaping our identity and provides us with a sense of pride and belonging.

It is influenced by our African, Indian, and Amerindian roots. Sharing our stories from all perspectives and backgrounds will help us feel at ease with our origins. Embracing our cultural heritage enables us to shape the future we desire and provides us with a sense of direction and purpose.

How does your work in culture help to promote legacy within our communities?

I am deeply motivated by the idea of building a legacy. By sharing my skills and stories at my dance studio, I am able to contribute to the preservation and passing on of our culture to the next generation in a safe and meaningful way. 

Many of my students eventually become teachers at my studio when the need arises. Some have continued to dance elsewhere, and a few have even established their own dance companies. Knowing that I have played a role in their growth and that they are using what they learned to teach others in their own way is incredibly rewarding. This helps to promote our beautiful, powerful, and dynamic culture to the world and for generations to come.

As each one, teaches one, each one reaches one.

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