A series of motions and rhythmic movements usually to music, using prescribed or improvised steps and gestures.

These are just some of the terms that have been used to describe the act of dancing. But ask many of these dancers and they will tell you that for them it’s more than what can be defined with words. For them it’s an experience that “takes them out of themselves”, for others “it’s the best form of therapy” and for those watching their beautiful flow of movements it’s what sets them apart from the rest of the pack.

Arsenio Rafael Andrade

Former Principal Dancer – NDTC

“For me Prof was more than my artistic director, he was a humble, strong, spiritual leader — a friend who gave us everything he could; charismatic, genuine, passionate, intellectual — a true Jamaican hero, a black, beautiful mind. And I dance because I am free… ‘To dance, put your hand on your heart and listen to your soul’– Luigi.”

Marisa Benain

Principal Dancer — NDTC

“Dancing is the song of my body that allows my heart to sing the loudest. Prof gave me a legacy of stories to dance that will forever be entrenched in heart and keep his spirit flying high for many rains to come.”

Tony Wilson

Artistic Director, The Company

” Why I Dance?… I was born to dance! Among the world’s most celebrated and revered dance theatre icons, Professor Nettleford’s artistic influence continues to transcend time, space and generations. His dance pieces over the years have wooed audiences, not just in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean but also in Europe, North and South America.

Prof Nettleford was instrumental in globalising our culture and brought the geo-political and economic term, “globalisation” into the dance world with his eclectic choreographies that had roots in various cultures, and audience appreciation the world over. Unlike many art forms that have suffered short-lived existence, the Professor has ensured that his novices of yesterday are today’s veterans.”

Orville Hall

Dance Xpressionz

“I was born to dance. It’s the thing that comes most natural. My father was an informal dancer, in fact he was nick named Dancy. It’s natural, I love it. Dancing is a part of expressing yourself through movement and it takes me to a place where I can regroup my thoughts and function on a social and professional level.”

Card Unit

2010 Dancin Dynamites

For us dancing is fun. Just imagine doing something that’s fun. When we are dancing it makes us feel as if we are in another world. From you touch the stage you get a rush.

Outta Space

Dancer

Dancing takes away all my stress and its fun as well. From the age of three I have been dancing, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I dance in my spare time and even when I don’t have any spare time, I am still dancing!

Kerry-Ann Henry

Ballet Mistress — NDTC

“My response to the rhythms of life is to dance. Dance is my connection to a world that is beyond what we cannot see and touch. Dance expresses what I cannot with words. When mind, soul and body can connect at such a high experience, then that is the ultimate experience of life. This is dance… dance is life… it is my life.

Prof nurtured my craft as a storyteller. He gave me the freedom to find my expression and individuality that made me the dancer I am today. He showed me that I need not choose between academics and the arts but that all expressions of me can be integrated to create a true expression of the black Jamaican, Caribbean international female.”

Marlon Simms

Dance Captain — NDTC

“Prof was an extraordinary leader and even in death continues to be an inspiration in my life. I continue to believe that dance is an important vehicle for self-affirmation and cultural identity and for that reason, I remain committed to dance education, research and preservation. Dance is not only my lifelong goal but a lived experience. It is my voice, our voice; the voice of a people – Jamaican, Caribbean and African.”

Mark Phinn

Dancer — NDTC

“I dance primarily because of the sheer joy I get from it, and also the challenges that come with giving of one’s self wholeheartedly, while tackling your own insecurities on stage. Prof has impacted my educational life and pursuits more than artistic life. From him I have learned the art of making sacrifices in pursuit of my dreams and also the application and commitment that is required in order to achieve life goals and/or pursuits.”

Alicia Glasgow

Dancer — NDTC

“It is an indescribable feeling to lose yourself in the movement, music, stillness and silence of dance, and share with a company of amazing artistes who together, bring the stories of our people and culture to life. When I dance, I am the truest reflection of myself. I am indebted to ‘Prof’ for instilling in me, a profound appreciation for dance as a transformative and powerful art form, when executed with a sense of purpose. Long live the Kumina King!”

Keita-Marie Chamberlain

Dancer — NDTC

In dance, I find peace and serenity as well as excitement and fulfillment. When I dance my spirit soars to a place of existence that is beyond me and could only be that of God, who gave it to me. Although there is no one teacher who has made me the dancer I am, I cannot deny the impact that Professor Rex Nettleford has had on my dance life. I am most grateful for his use of the body as a separate and unique instrument contributing to and becoming a part of a piece of music (yah-mada yah-mada, yan-kaah-kah), cutting through space and going beyond its own boundaries to create a work of art.”

Kevin Moore

Dancer — NDTC

I have never once imagined dance excluded from my consciousness. I dance because dance chose me. I dance because through movement, I can express my deep inner feelings. Dance does not judge or criticise me, but instead, allows me to be the best I can possibly be. Prof’s impact on my life is tremendous, not only did he stress the importance of a well-educated dancer, but how important it is to keep dance theatre alive in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.”

Patrick Earl

Dancer — NDTC

“It was the love for dance and presenting it to God in excellence, which brought me to the professional world of dance. The NDTC has been a training ground for me. Professor’s rthymic hues of the body and how it becomes an instrument in an orchestra, is one such quality that I admire. The Afro-centric importance of individuals that are born within the Caribbean, speaks volumes to the development of the artist in his or her location.”

Tamara Noel

Dancer — NDTC

Dance for me is that silent vibration that allows me to move to my heartbeat, the beat of the drum and to the beat of a rhythm. It is beautiful, a release and a chance to use my unique instrument. I feel so privileged to have worked with Professor Nettleford. His emphasis on the “inward reach” has really challenged me to dance with meaning, feeling and understanding.”