THE Little Theatre stage this weekend offers up the first concert season of the CDT Arts dance company.

Themed ‘Legacy’, the repertoire on display will feature works by both local and international choreographers.

The 25-member group is most proud of its body of work and boasts “bringing dynamic, highly-technical, cutting-edge modern dance to the Jamaican stage and beyond”.

CDT Arts is a legacy company which was formed in April 2021 to honour Anthony “Tony” Wilson, founder of The Company Dance Theatre in 1988.

It is headed by three of its alumni — Sade Bully, artistic director; Renee McDonald, associate artistic director; and Colin Blackwood, executive director.

The group’s website declares that, “Our mission is to further the pioneering work of Tony Wilson and his contribution to Jamaican arts and culture by continuing to provide modern dance-focused training, inspiring performances, and community outreach in Jamaica and to di worl’!

“It is only fitting that our first season be named after this intention, as it is our truest commitment, and sets the tone of who we are and what we are determined to bring to our audiences now and in the years to come.”

Blackwood offered that, “Our commitment to mission brings out the best of each member, and the talent and inspiration are unquestionable.

This year’s show comprises a mixture of large company works, along with a trio and two solos.

Of note are two iconic pieces from Wilson, The Journey Continues (2013) and Calabash! (1999).

There will also be theatrical premieres from international guest choreographers Hélène Taddai-Lawson, of Artmouv, Corsica, France; Lloyd A Boyd III, former dancer of the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, USA; and Nijawwon Matthews, of Broadway Dance Center and Joffrey Ballet School (USA).

Associate artistic director and Jamaica’s premier choreographer Renée I McDonald will be making her return to the stage in a solo choreographed by Matthews — her first on-stage performance since 2016.

The season also features a modern folk favourite Creole Blooming (2010), choreographed by Michael Holgate.

After 12 years of performing and choreographing professionally abroad to critical acclaim, Dr Sade Bully will be making her début as artistic director of CDT, with a premiere of Gamma Gamma.

Wilson, who contributed immensely to the performing arts, specifically to modern dance in Jamaica for over 30 years, underwent a life-saving brain operation and continues to recover. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to offset his medical expenses.

Executive Director Blackwood indicates that Jamaica’s dance future, and the arts in general, has been made more with the introduction of CDT Arts, adding that, “Audiences will be delighted. It will be good.”

— MAT