IF ever there was doubt about the impact on dance made by the late choreographer, dancer and cultural guardian, Professor Rex Nettleford, then the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble has put them to rest.

Their just-concluded 17th annual season of dance could have well been dubbed a tribute to Nettleford, as three of the six pieces showcased had elements of the late professor etched all over them.

The night’s highlight was The Potter. Artistic director of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble MoniKa Lawrence choreographed a glowing tribute to Nettleford, which sought to share the creative genius of the man.

Lawrence’s storyline was punctuated by a series of applause-evoking moments. These included the ‘unveiling’ in which the potter shows off his ‘shining’ work for the first time. Dancer Gavin Hart does justice to Nettleford, capturing Prof’s mannerisms as he moulds his young dancers. This piece climaxes in spectacular fashion with Hart taking on larger-than-life wings and twirling, creating a chrysalis-to-butterfly transformation.

However, Nettleford was woven throughout the programme. In the curtain-raiser, Dis Poem, choreographed by Nettleford himself, for the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC). This strong, emotive piece seamlessly blended Mutabaruka’s powerful vocals and other pieces of spoken word with the movement of the dancers to create what was ultimately a feast for the eyes and ears.

Nettleford’s spirit rose again in Tribute to Cliff. This 1974 piece, which celebrates the work of Jamaican composer and artiste Jimmy Cliff, was another of the night’s highlights.

It must be noted that Nettleford entrusted these two works (Dis Poem and Tribute to Cliff) to the ensemble and the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble is the only company, apart from the NDTC, to which he gave his works for performance purposes.

This performance of Tribute to Cliff was as captivating ever. However, for reasons unknown, The Many Rivers to Cross movement, usually a duet, was performed as a solo. One can remember the likes of retired NDTC principal dancer Melanie Graham executing this piece with Barry Moncriefe. This time, it was Tokie Gonzales who took the reins of the powerful movement. Demonstrating an immaculate sense of timing and technique which earned him the audience’s approval, he guided the dance to a safe landing.

Although not a Nettleford piece, Supernova, one of the season’s new works, was a feast for the senses. Choreographed by the Cuban-born Tokie Gonzales, the piece highlighted the physical strength of the dancers who leapt, tumbled, extended and reached in every imaginable direction, always drawing the audience with them. Gonzales’ long stint with the NDTC under Nettleford’s tutelage has clearly paid off.

The night’s performance came to a close with Liza. Another MoniKa Lawrence piece, it followed the exploits of that infamous ‘mout-a-massy’ miss who always seems to be in a pickle. Taking dance into that realm of theatre, this piece, which premiered in 1995, was another treat, with the culminating movement — the wedding — being simply hilarious.

Kudos to Lawrence and her team for presenting another rich, entertaining and absolutely satisfying night of entertainment for those who chose to support the 17th season of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble.