The Kwadril is a St. Lucian Creole folk dance derived from the European Quadrille. It is performed primarily at

private parties which are organized by a host in a private home or rented hall, with musicians paid by the host.

Kwadrils are held throughout the year, except during Lent. The modern kwadril has declined in popularity; it had

come to be seen as a symbol of colonialism around the time of independence, and was shunned as old-fashioned

and out-of-date. More recently, some aspects of St. Lucian society have come to promote the kwadril as a symbol

of Lucian culture.

Kwadrils are unlike other St. Lucian dances in that they must be memorized and choreographed, with only slight

room for personal interpretation and improvisation. Learners act as a sort of apprentice for more established

performers. A successful performance brings respect and prestige for all participants who dance the correct steps

which are traditionally said to "demonstrate control over behavior, manner, and skills" and "symbolize... a set of

special values linked with a higher social class".

Kwadril music is provided by an ensemble consisting of a four-stringed instrument called the cuatro, a rattle, the

chakchak, bones called zo, a violin, banjo, mandolin and guitar. A kwadril consists of five separate dances: the

pwémyé fidji, dézyèm fidji, twazyèm fidji, katwiyèm fidji (also avantwa or lanmen dwèt) and gwan won (also

grande rond). The lakonmèt, also called the mazouk, is especially popular and is the only closed couple dance

which originated in Saint Lucia.

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