Since its 2016 inception, Plié For The Arts Amalgamation

Huge accomplishments for founder, executive producer, and artistic director Marisa Benain and her production which is admittedly still in its formative years. The company, continues to attract international attention and this year’s patron Janet Rollé is proof. The daughter of a Jamaican mom, Rollé said, “I am honoured to be a part of this singular event, and to lend my support and expertise to expanding opportunities in the arts and creative industries.”

“Jamaicans here and in the diaspora have played a major role in changing the landscape of the arts and culture, with outsized impact relative to the island’s size and access to resources,” she continued.

Rollé also used the opportunity to laud Benain. “Tonight would not be possible without the sheer force and will of executive producer, artistic director, and my friend, the phenomenal Marisa Benain. Not only do we share similar paths as artists and professionals — her being both a lawyer and dancer, my path as a dancer first then business executive — we also share the d iscipline, love for the creative process, and commitment to excellence that comes from a connection to the arts. You have done an amazing job, Marisa. Thanks so much for including me!”

This year’s 2023 gala, themed Amalgamation: The Global Explosion of Dance, kicked off on Wednesday, July 12 with a tribute to the late Harry Belafonte. The music and dance presentation was creatively directed by Benain, Michael Holgate, Gregory Simms, and Roger Hinds with musical direction by Franklin Halliburton and Tessanne Chin, and included the talents of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica, and Voice Box Kids.

Brandon Gray’s solo Do For Love was riveting and Madison Brown and Takumi Miyake’s Flames Of Paris received thunderous ovation. But, as has become the norm, it was The Studio Collection — pre-teens and teenaged dancers from various dance studios, academies, and troupes in Jamaica — that brought the house down with Move.