Seamless transitions from item to item, interesting costumes, and high-quality production were among the highlights of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble’s 31st Season of Dance which took place on Sunday, November 3 at the Little Theatre.

The production, which featured diverse works by renowned choreographers both locally and overseas, under the artistic direction of Dr MoniKa Lawrence and Associate Director Wendi Hoo Fatt, saw a large turnout of patrons who relished the aura of the various themes that were explored.

Strange Waters, which featured several dancers from the ensemble, and which was choreographed by Lawrence with costumes by Denise Robinson, Atira Robinson and Lawrence was one of the items that was well-received.

This dance was sponsored by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund.

“Mrs Lawrence always goes all out with costumes and the costumes speak to the theme itself,” noted dance choreographer Orville Hall of Dance Xpressionz.

“I’m particularly impressed with Stranger Waters and the ending was perfect,” Hall added.

He charged that more people should become active in production of the arts, as he shared the virtues of involvement.

Said Hall: “I am pleased and happy that people are coming out to support these productions. We should get more a di yutes dem out to see these productions.”

Also in attendance was 2023 Jamaica Festival Song winner Slashe.

“I like the seamless transitions and I’m also liking the entire production value from lighting to sound to song choices. The theatrical value is outstanding,” Slashe told the Jamaica Observer.

Well-known choreographer Steven Cornwall also gave the production the thumbs up.

“I really enjoyed the choreography; the costumes are beautiful, and the dancers were really exciting. I can see a lot of energy and that they’ve rehearsed. Overall, it was a good production,” said Cornwall.

A patron who gave her name as Monique was appreciative of Odyssey, who spoke about the journey of mankind.

“I think it’s really good. I really enjoyed the pieces, for example Odyssey which seems to be speaking about our journey in slavery. Its good to know that the arts is still alive,” she said.

The Rising, a narrative of triumphant perseverance which explores the age old story of the phoenix rising from the ashes (choreographed by Renee McDonald, C Kemal Nance and Lawrence) was well-received. So, too, were The Vow (choreographed by McDonald), Insatiable (choreographed by Andre Hinds), Tribute to Cliff (with music by the legendary reggae singer Jimmy Cliff), Baka Beyond, and Freedom were also among the highlights.

The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble’s 31st season of dance was quite entertaining, leaving patrons yearning for more.

When friends meet… (Garfield Robinson)

A scene from the tribute to Tony Wilson by Stella Maris Dance Ensemble. (Garfield Robinson)

Dawn Fuller-Phillips uses her voice to lead the tribute to Tony Wilson by Stella Maris Dance Ensemble. (Garfield Robinson)

The costumes of Strange Waters add to the stage imagery. (Garfield Robinson)

An Afro-themed piece at the 31st season of Stella Maris Dance Ensemble. (Garfield Robinson)

One of the striking numbers of the 31st season of Stella Maris Dance Ensemble. (Garfield Robinson)