Baby Susan: A Life of Dance, Love, and Cultural Legacy
Brian Sankarsingh reflects on the life and legacy of Trinidad and Tobago's Indian Cultural Dance Icon - Susan Mohip
TO OUR LOYAL READERS: Hi everyone, it’s Brian here. Before we dive into today’s article, I’d like to ask for a small favour. This year, we're aiming to grow our community of readers. We're proud to be in the top 1% of Substack publishers for consistent content — which means you can count on us for a steady stream of engaging, thought-provoking articles, all completely free.
We don’t charge for subscriptions, but if you enjoy what you read here, please consider sharing our Substack with a friend or colleague. It’s a simple way to support our work and help us reach more curious minds.
Thanks so much! Now, here’s today’s article
If you’ve ever watched Susan Mohip perform, you know that what she brings to the stage is more than movement. It’s memory; feeling; it’s love in motion. For decades, she’s shared that love through dance and music, shaping the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago with every performance, building a deeper appreciation for Indian dance with every mesmerizing hand gesture and every tinkling of the ghungroos on her feet. This stalwart performer’s journey started while she was yet a child – Baby Susan danced her way into the hearts and imaginations of many. As an adult she continues to inspire, motivate and encourage everyone who is blessed enough to come into her orbit.
Recently, Susan was honoured at the Nishard M, Mom and Me concert, receiving an award for her outstanding contributions to culture. This recognition wasn’t about a single performance—it was about a life’s work. A life of giving and dance.
She spoke plainly and honestly about the experience:
“It was a wonderful experience. I met so many people who love and support my dance and career as a performer. Thank you all for the love and support. I did a reflective piece and dedicated this to all moms and to the wonderful audience. It was really beautiful. I must say that I was very emotional as I reminisced the smiles and love received from my audiences throughout my journey and still do to this day. Having support and love from my children Ajnish and Sunanda and my hero Rana by my side was worth every minute.”
That moment—emotional, grounded, real—captured who she is. Susan’s story isn’t just about dance. It’s about staying true to yourself in a world that often asks you to be someone else. It’s about raising children and caring for a family while keeping your art alive. It’s about choosing culture, again and again, even when it costs you. It’s about continuing to give, long after the applause fades and the seats are left empty. Indeed, Susan life and work is a reminder that the effort of a performer goes beyond the stage. It happens weeks and even months before you see the performance. It lives in the connections made over years. It lives in the quiet gratitude of being seen, not just by fans, but by the next generation of artists.
Susan’s journey is a master class in the understanding that legacy is not about fame. It’s about impact. It’s about staying rooted in your values and your community. It’s about selflessly giving from the heart, and graciously receiving, when the time is right, a moment of recognition that affirms your path.
As she said so simply:
“As I continue to give you my love through dance and music, I will always be your Baby Susan.”
And she is.
Always Your Baby Susan (Dedicated to Susan Mohip) I danced before I spoke feet tracing stories in the dust music folding into memory audience into kin I give you all I have each movement a letter each rhythm a prayer each costume a thread in the tapestry we wove together over years We watch entranced We clapped Hands sore and reddened We cried We remembered And so did she Every face every smile every tear-streaked ovation are part of who she is We called her name A flower handed back for every footfall and every twirl Scattered on the stage She stands there But not alone She is held by her loved ones who are her lifelines in flesh and in spirit With each pirouette She speaks the only truth She knows That love is the dance Support is the stage Gratitude is the music As long as there is a song a stage a pair of eyes a heart ready for the revelation She will dance She will give She will be
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry and prose on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
Thanks for reading Seeking Veritas by The Professor, The Poet & Friends! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.