KINGSTON, Jamaica— Stella Maris Dance Ensemble (SMDE) marks 31 years of artistic excellence this weekend at the Little Theatre in Kingston as dance, culture and community come together.

In a release on Thursday, SMDE said the 2024 season of dance will present a diverse and compelling repertoire with featured works by renowned choreographers from Jamaica and abroad, under the artistic direction of Dr MoniKa Lawrence and Associate Director Wendi Hoo Fatt.

Ahead of the weekend showcase SMDE will carry on a tradition which began in 2024 where 500 children from homes of safety and inner-city communities throughout the Corporate Area will attend the show free of cost and served refreshments on Friday, November 1 at the Little Theatre.

“Audiences can look forward to performances by legendary choreographers such as Jamaican icon Rex Nettleford; Abeldo Gonzalez from Cuba; Dr Kemal Nance from the USA and Renee McDonald of Jamaica, alongside SMDE’s own celebrated productions,” SMDE said.

This year the themes that will be explored in the showcase include environmental preservation, the relationship between man and his environment, the interpersonal relationships between genders, as well as honouring the internationally acclaimed artiste Jimmy Cliff. SMDE will also delve into the displacement of African ancestors to the Caribbean and the emergence of a Creole society in ‘Silent Whispers’ performance.

The dance company added that one of the highlights of the season will be the classic work ‘Selah – Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven, but Nobody Wants to Die’, choreographed by Dr Lawrence.

“This will bring together singers and dancers in a celebration of entering the Holy City in all its majesty and the goodness of God. Special guest artiste will be Dawn Fuller-Phillips, former soloist with the NDTC Singers,” SMDE said.

The dance showcase will also pay tribute in a Jamaican dance to the late Tony Wilson, a choreographer and instructor with the ensemble from its inception.

Additionally, SMDE said it will host international collaborations for the third consecutive year. This year it will feature the UCCI Dance Company from the Cayman Islands, which it hopes will further elevate the calibre of the event.

“We are excited to present a season that celebrates not only the art of dance but the powerful stories of our past and the hopes for our future. This anniversary season reflects our dedication to artistic excellence and community outreach,” said Dr Lawrence

Tickets for the show, set for Saturday, November 2 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, November 3, at 5:00 pm, are available at the Little Theatre Box Office.