Sea Nymph

• The term "Calypso" is believed to be derived from classical mythology in which a sea nymph of this name detained Odysseus on the island of Ogygia for seven years.
  
  

Social Commentary

• According to Toronto-lime.com, Calypso singing and dancing involves a tradition of conveying both good and bad social commentary.
  
  

Carnival

• According to Latinballet.com, the Calypso and limbo were born in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the land of the steel band. Women were once banned from playing in Calypso bands but are now permitted. Trinidad and Tobago is only seven miles by sea from Venezuela. Trinidad's population is a mix of French, Dutch, Spanish, English and African. Tobago is populated by people of African descent. The Calypso song and dance are two of the main features of the Caribbean Carnival, which begins in Trinidad two days before Ash Wednesday at exactly 5 p.m. The themes of the Calypso music can be abusive, critical or constructive and intellectual.
  
  

Trinidad

• Calypso is closely associated with the black reconstruction period in post-emancipation Trinidad. French planters came to Trinidad in the late 18th century, bringing with them African slaves. At this time, attempts were made to ban the playing of musical instruments, and efforts were also made to ban or at least control the annual carnival. However, slaves were allowed to dance on Saturdays and Sundays. The plantation owners observed these dances with great suspicion, knowing that there can be a connection between rebellions and dancing and singing assemblies. Some argued that dancing on Sundays was sacrilegious but the dancing of the slaves continued. Although it was recommended, at the time, that the slaves learn how to do the minuet, which is a much more subdued dance, that never came to pass. The slave dancers' pelvic movements, considered "indecentes" (Spanish for "indecent") lived on.
  
  

Diaspora

• Calypso song and dance, particularly in Trinidad, rose out of the censorship and social conflict that the people had to endure. The dance is associated to Black Diaspora music, and expresses satire, protest, praise, conflict and blame as well as affirmation and celebration. (Diaspora means the scattering of people, culture or language that was formerly concentrated in one place.)