Last call for Dragon Girls

The Dragon Girls will perform for the last time in the Heritage Day Parade this year as they celebrate their tenth anniversary.

Founder Terenay Bascome said the group was formed in 2003 to participate in the parade and to promote the old Blue Dragon Restaurant.

Due to financial constraints, this will be the last year of the Dragon Girls.

“I was always called ‘Dragon Girl’ by my family and thought it would be natural that the group carried this name.

“I was a majorette for the Clevelettes (Cleveland County) in my younger years, was a leader for cheerleader squads and subsequently became involved in many dances/fashion shows.

“I used this experience to bring young ladies of different ethnic backgrounds together to formulate and practice routines, based on a Chinese theme, reflecting the restaurant.”

Mrs Bascome said the group has had more than 100 members over the years but a large core of the group was between the ages of four and seven.

This year, the showcase will focus on the younger girls.

“The little girls’ group is making this year special. Young Dragons will bring a good touch to the parade with their beautiful gowns and dances.” 

“The idea was to end with the Dragon Girls and introducing the Young Dragon Group and allowing that to continue, however, with all the hard times, expenses and challenges, this is most definitely the last year for the whole group.”

Mrs Bascome thanked Edna Dill, her sister Deadra Burch and her husband Leon Bascome for all their help over the years.

“The Bermuda Day Parade is a big project and a large financial undertaking.  We had to work together to accomplish this and we made ten years.

“We have had a fantastic time contributing to the sights, sounds and colours of Bermuda Day.

“One of the most gratifying aspects of the actual day is providing giveaways to the crowd, such as toys, fans and fortune cookies.

“We always run out before Church Street. “

Mrs Bascome advises anyone looking to get involved to make sure you have a strong support base.

“The crowd appreciates your time and everything you do to pull it together for that day”, she added.