It’s the eve of opening night for the National Dance Theatre Company’s 53rd season, and principal dancer Tamara Noel is meeting us for Thursday afternoon cocktails at the Spanish Court Hotel. A 13-year veteran with the iconic dance company, Noel, whose day job is a production services executive with Carlong Publishing, settles into the hotel’s Red Room to wax poetic about her love of dance and reveal what’s in store for the company’s season.

What are you sipping?

I don’t drink very much. I tend to have coconut water. Well, of late I have been drinking a glass of Moscato every now and again.

As the National Dance Theatre Company launches its new season, what are you most excited about?

The season of dance is the high point of our year. Months of preparation, guided by the vision of Barry Moncrieffe, our artistic director, enable us to present a uniquely Jamaican experience through dance theatre. The blend of works this year promises to be exciting and rewarding, and will showcase core works like Drumscore, Kumina (Rex Nettleford), and Vision (Clive Thompson), new favourites like Barre Talk (Oniel Pryce) and Rough Drafts (Chris Walker) and an infusion of a number of new works that are fresh and sharp. I don’t want to give too much away but it has been quite exciting to work with guest choreographers this year. The NDTC singers and musicians under the musical direction of Ewan Simpson have prepared a musical treat of a suite of songs called Rock Sweet and Steady. This year’s suite is an exploration of the ongoing social dynamic which underpins the rocksteady era. Take this as my invitation: you don’t want to miss this season of dance! I am also excited that we are able to have another season of dance. It’s not an easy task to sustain a company year-round and present new offerings each year to our audience. I am grateful to be on stage with like-minded performers who want to be a part of excellence.

Being a dancer means…

…the ultimate expression of being alive. Sometimes words fail; I use my body to speak through movement. I definitely would not be the same person if I never danced. The feeling of freedom, but yet there is a sense of oneness with rhythm, time and space. I feel every part of me come ALIVE. I came right back to it.

With the NDTC now a half-century old, what do you hope your legacy will be as part of this iconic institution?

I grew up watching the NDTC. I was a fan of its style, form and rich cultural helpings of all things concerning Jamaica and the Caribbean. When I was invited to join the company, I was even more impressed by all that happened offstage to prepare such rich offerings for the audience. The commitment, discipline and artistic integrity with the collective desire to make strides in the development of a movement that is distinctly Jamaican dance theatre further made me dedicate myself to the company. My hope is that I will be remembered as one who tried to embody all of what the NDTC is.

Which dancers do you most admire?

All dancers have something to offer, they have different strengths, different qualities and shine in their own way. It is hard to narrow the selection but I would say I have admired these women for their poise, command of the stage and artistry — Patsy Ricketts, Arlene Richards, Barbara Requa, Melanie Graham and Keita Marie Chamberlain.

What perfume are you spraying?

L’Eau d’Issey Absolue by Issey Miyake.

Flats or stilettos?

I love a pair of beautifully crafted stilettos. I definitely got that from my mother. I feel glamorous and polished when I wear them. However, it’s not always my everyday wear since I may be required to spend long periods on my feet, so flats are essential. My colleagues at work gifted me with a pair of those foldable flats. They have saved my feet on many occasions. I never leave home without them.

What are you jamming to on your car stereo or listening to on your iPod?

Reggae music — new releases like Rebel Love by Nattali Rize & Notis. I’m still rocking to Diamond Sox by Iba Mahr & Notis. My other go-to jams are Love Has Found Its Way by Dennis Brown and The Best of Sade by Sade.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“Whatever you do, make sure you are happy doing it,” and “Focus! When you can’t focus, follow!”

When are you happiest?

I am happiest when I’m with family and loved ones. The sharing of lives and experiences and feeling and knowing that you are supported fills me with joy and warmth.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

Sharing good conversation and good food in a quiet, quaint and rustic setting with someone I adore.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

My idea of a perfect man is someone strong, ambitious, confident, health-conscious, creative, romantic, connected spiritually, someone who stimulates me intellectually, makes me laugh, respects me, and loves dogs. That’s a lot of things, but basically a genuine gentleman who wants to share something real.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I don’t have a to-do list, but I see myself taking on new and exciting challenges. I have been blessed with talents that I haven’t fully explored as yet. I hope I will be able to clearly see ways of using those talents to passionately serve my community and country.