CONSCIOUSNESS through dance and movement is an overarching theme of this year’s season of dance of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble which unfolds on the stage at the Little Theatre in St Andrew, this Saturday and Sunday.

Artistic director of the ensemble, Dr MoniKa Lawrence notes that it was almost serendipitous how seven choreographers working independently were able to come up with pieces which reflect a certain level of consciousness.

“It is very exciting, as this year we continue to draw on a particular Caribbean style and aesthetic in dance and movement. The first half of the show reflects how society impacts us as a people, particularly black people, and it is by chance that all the works bear out this theme.”

“Wanted, a piece by American guest choreographer Kemal Nance, looks at the criminalisation of black men, while My Language — commissioned by the Black Arts Academy in Dallas, Texas — is all about giving praises and respect to black artistes and leaders. Stolen, a piece I choreographed, examines the lost inner sense of our young people. Other pieces such as Interconnections and Riddim also have themes of people, particularly black people and their interaction with society,” she explained.

Lawrence referred to the more ” abstract and a exploratory” pieces which make up this weekend’s performances. These works, she said, paid respect and homage to Jamaican music through the different eras and styles, drawing on influences such as Count Ossie, Bob Marley and Vybz Kartel.

For her, it never gets easier to pull a season together. In fact, she disclosed that the challenges become more difficult as the years go by.

“Each year presents its own challenges, so it’s never easy. There are things you want to do for a particular season. and then there are monetary challenges. We depend a lot on volunteerism, and that is not at the level it used to be, as everybody’s time is precious these days. But there are great rewards to be had. I get my reward from shaping the minds of the 24 young dancers, who become exposed and learn more about their culture, and in return can give back to their communities,” said Lawrence.