For most people, Bermuda Day begins when the parade hits the streets. For the people inside it, Bermuda Day starts months earlier.

Long before the crowds line Front Street, before the music systems are switched on and before the first whistle cuts through the air, rehearsals are already under way across the island.

Dance groups are practising routines late into the evening. Gombeys are tuning drums and repairing regalia. Majorette leaders are organising uniforms, coordinating rehearsals, fundraising, teaching routines and making sure every performer is ready for one of the biggest cultural days of the year.

What the public see on Bermuda Day is the final result. What they don’t always see is the preparation behind it.

For Rated E! dance group founders Sacha Dill and Kevonte Jennings Lathan, preparation begins almost immediately after the previous year ends.

“Preparation for Rated E! begins as early as mid-December,” Ms Dill says. “Auditions take place during this time to carefully select participants for the season ahead.”

That early planning period allows the group to transition smoothly into rehearsals in January. But choreography is only one part of what they are building.

Ms Jennings Lathan said: “When building our routines, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where meaningful connections can be formed with our dancers. The family dynamic and bond shared within the group extends far beyond the steps themselves.”

That emotional connection becomes part of the performance itself. Especially on Bermuda Day, where energy matters just as much as technical execution.

Ms Dill says: “Music selection and energy are the foundation of our Bermuda Day routines. The ‘E’ in Rated E! stands for ENERGY, and we take pride in upholding that standard.”

Every detail matters, from the music choices to the pacing of routines and crowd interaction.

“Our goal is to create an experience that is vibrant, powerful, and unforgettable.”

But with growth comes challenges including rehearsal days and times.

Mr Jennings Lathan explains: “When we first started the group in 2013, we were only 12 members strong. To now have a group of 41 is truly a blessing. One of the biggest challenges is scheduling rehearsals because our dancers all have commitments outside of the group.

“Those rehearsals are about more than practice. It’s time to connect and continue building together as a team.”

Then Bermuda Day arrives.

Ms Dill says: “The feeling is truly indescribable. As we line up, there’s an overwhelming rush of emotions. Nerves; sweaty palm; excitement; happy tears; pure adrenalin. In that moment, every rehearsal, every challenge and every sacrifice comes together.”

She continues: “There’s truly no comparison between Bermuda Day and any other performance. From the glowing colours and coordinated outfits to the energy of the crowd waving along the route, every moment feels elevated and electric.”

That same sense of preparation and cultural responsibility exists within the Gombey community.

For Showande Butterfield, of H&H Gombeys, Bermuda Day preparation starts months in advance.

“For Bermuda Day our preparation starts in February. The things people don’t see is all the hard work and preparation. The running, the endless nights making masks, repairs to drums, alterations to the regalia.”

Even outside of the performance itself, logistics become a major operation.

Mr Butterfield continues: “Making sure everyone understands their roles. Making sure water, oranges, snacks and medical kits are available at all times.”

Mr Butterfield is quick to point out that Gombey regalia is not simply costume design.

“Regalia is the word we use instead of saying costumes. They are very timely and carefully made. Some take weeks, others take months.”

And the drums themselves require constant attention.

“It’s making sure they are tuned correctly so the drum can give you the exact sound you’re looking for,” he says.

Training happens multiple times a week to keep both dancers and drummers synchronised.

“We train twice, sometimes three times a week,” Mr Butterfield says. “This is so all drummers are in sync with one another and all dancers are organised and in sync with the drummers.”

And as Bermuda Day approaches, the energy within the troupe shifts noticeably.

He continues: “Everyone is pumped up, excited and ready. The closer we get to Bermuda Day, the higher the energy rises. You’re carving yourself into history. You’re speaking to generations before and after us.”

More than entertainment, Mr Butterfield sees Gombeys as guardians of culture.

“You’re carrying on legacy, keeping culture alive, holding traditions while letting culture evolve. Thinking of all the ones who paved the way for us who are no longer physically here, that always hits emotionally.”

It is why he hopes younger Bermudians understand that being a Gombey goes far beyond appearance.

“It’s not about bright colours. It’s about keeping traditions alive and never forgetting how our ancestors danced in shackles and chains.”

For Tawana Lee, director and cofounder of PHC Majorette and Drum Corps, preparation begins in October of the year before. And while audiences see polished routines and colourful uniforms, Ms Lee says the organisational workload behind the scenes is enormous.

“There is a heavy load of administrative duties ensuring all members are accounted for and provided with practice attire, performance uniform items and equipment,” she says.

That includes coordinating with overseas vendors, organising fundraising efforts, teaching routines, managing rehearsals and supporting members emotionally.

Ms Lee adds: “The leaders are responsible for building members’ self-esteem, confidence levels and social skills while developing twirling and drum skills. You give out what you put in. The amount of time required to entertain an audience throughout a whole parade requires teamwork and commitment.”

And as final rehearsals approach, emotions run high.

“We have nervousness, anxiety, tears, excitement and exhaustion; all the emotions you can think of. We encourage each other and remind members how hard they’ve worked to finally show their family and friends what they’ve accomplished.”

For Ms Lee, stepping onto the road on Bermuda Day still feels impossible to fully describe.

“The best way I can describe it is euphoric. It’s not just me leading the group, it’s the group leading the continuation of our tradition.”