THE diamond anniversary season of dance of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) begins at the Little Theatre this Friday, July 22, with a gala performance at 7:30 pm.

The four-weekend-long season of performances will showcase known favourites plus three new works from guest choreographer Renee McDonald and dance captain Paul Newman. Another treat is the suite of songs in tribute to Rita Marley arranged by Acting Musical Director Dr Kathy Brown.

Other works which will be on show are Rex Nettleford’s Drumscore and Gerrehbenta; Arsenio Andrade’s My Prayer danced by Ballet Mistress Kerry-Ann Henry; He Watcheth by Milton Sterling featuring new-generation dancers Mishka Williams, Gillian Steele, Shadé Thaxter and Joelle Flimn; Jamie J Thompson’s Don’t Leave Me danced by principal dancer Mark Phinn; Choke choreographed by guest choreographer Orville McFarlane, and Cascade by the artistic director that had debuted in 2021 for the only hybrid performance for the 59th season of dance. Gratitude, choreographed by Newman and performed by young dancer Dwauntea Chambers, will be showcased during this season, having had a successful debut at the Morning of Movement and Music held in April of this year.

Under the theme ‘Energise and Illuminate’ the company has revisited its treasure trove to remount a number of critically acclaimed works which include Treadmill, choreographed in 1985 by NDTC founding member Barbara Requa; Carson Daley’s Cry of the Spirit; and Lenni Wylliams’ Sweet in the Morning danced by Artistic Director Marlon D Simms. Chris Walker’s Rough Drafts and Labess choreographed by David Brown complete the repertoire for the season.

The singers and musicians who will do the tribute to Rita Marley will feature Faith Livingstone, Toni Barrett, Carolyn Reid-Cameron, Christine Walters (soprano), Helen Christian, Kamala Nicholson-Johnson, Debrah-Ann Rosewelt (contralto), Kemar Lee, Kevan Williams, Joshua Page, Shane Wright, Emil Livingstone (tenor), Heston Boothe and Conrod Hall (bass). Musicians Henry Miller, Jesse Golding and Kevan Williams have been joined by Rajay Henry and Daniel Edwards on bass guitar and guitar, respectively.

Returning to the stage to rejoin the dancers are Kevin Moore, Tamara Noel and Patrick Earle, who will be supported by other seasoned and new-generation artists. Leading the core are Keita-Marie Chamberlain Clarke and Marisa Benain, along with Kristina Graham, Ashley Bromfield, Shadé Thaxter, Joelle Flimn, Kanille Brudy, Dannielle Mullings and Tajay Henry. Kamloy Thomas, Navesha Vickers, Janae Deslandes join for their first season with the company.

The NDTC was co-founded by the late Professor Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas in 1962, following Jamaica gaining political independence.