The 30th Anniversary Season of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble, under the theme ‘Memoirs’, promises to be a journey through time, featuring excerpts of memorable dances that have graced the stage over the years.

Organisers said in a release that 10 choreographers from the United States, Cuba, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom have contributed their unique perspectives and artistic visions to create a captivating showcase of dance on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive, Kingston. The 2023 season will be under the patronage of Sister Mary Joseph, Principal of Stella Maris Preparatory School and co-founder of the ensemble.

Stella Maris Dance Ensemble (SMDE) is known for full length ballets which tell stories. This year’s presentations will feature excerpts of some of its popular works from a far back as 1997, organisers said. These will include works from iconic choreographers Rex Nettleford, Dr C Kemal Nance, Kariamu Welsh Asanti, Dr Monika Lawrence, Abeldo Tokie Gonzales, H Patten, Patsy Ricketts, Orville Hall, Renee McDonald and Tony Wilson – all to be displayed as one montage, entitled “Memoirs’.

“In addition to celebrating our own history, we will pay tribute to dance icons who have left an indelible mark on the world of dance, including Ivy Baxter, Dr Kariamu Welsh Asanti, and Barry Moncrieffe. These legends have inspired generations of dancers and continue to shape the future of our art form,” said Dr Monika Lawrence, Co-Founder of SMDE.

To mark SMDE’s three decades, the ensemble will collaborate with The Nance Dance Collective from the USA and the University College of the Cayman Islands Dance Company.

“That partnership will bring together exceptional talent from the USA, Cayman and Jamaica, to create a dynamic fusion of dance styles and cultures that promises to be an unforgettable experience,” Dr Lawrence noted.

As a special highlight of the SMDE 30th Anniversary Season, the dance troupe will present ‘The Rising’. This performance will be an abstraction narrative of triumphant perseverance, narrating the Phoenix’s journey from three unique perspectives within the same dance, the release stated, adding that choreographers Renee McDonald, Dr C Kemal Nance and Dr MoniKa Lawrence have collaborated to offer a fresh and innovative perspective on this epic tale. Drawing from their collective expertise in modern dance, neo-traditional and contemporary African dance styles, they promise to transport the audience to new heights of artistic expression.

“We are incredibly excited about this upcoming season and the opportunity to share our passion for dance with our loyal and dedicated patrons and sponsors. Their continued patronage and enthusiasm have been instrumental in SMDE’s success over the past 30 years,” Dr Lawrence said.

Show dates will be Saturday, November 4 starting at 8 pm and Sunday, November 5 at 5 pm.