National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) will present the 44th staging of Morning of Movement and Music on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Little Theatre.

The performance ushers in the sacredness of Easter morning with a stirring and symbolic act of worship.

Directed by Artistic Director Marlon D Simms and Musical Director Dr Kathy Brown, the sunrise event promises a seamless fusion of dance, music, and spoken word, invoking reverence, renewal, and a celebration of the spirit.

The programme opens with a majestic hymn, choreographed by Simms and performed by the full complement of NDTC dancers, singers, and musicians, setting the tone for a morning steeped in sacred ritual.

A highlight of the performance will be Haven (2016), choreographed by Ballet Mistress Kerry-Ann Henry. Set to the music of Native American composers Nakai, Kater, and Fire Crow, the work will be danced by Jahmelia Daley, Arielle Johnson, and Amaya Gomes, accompanied by live vocals from Music Captain Conrod Hall and soprano Shanell Hopkins.

The company will revisit Ritual of the Sunrise (1996), choreographed by the late Professor Rex Nettleford, a work that remains emblematic of the NDTC’s ethos. The sense of introspection and reverence continues through the spoken word, delivered this year by acclaimed actress and cultural voice Dahlia Harris.

Among the new offerings is Panim el Panim, a stirring work by Dance Captain Paul Newman. The piece, built around the theme of divine honesty and human vulnerability, features a male soloist, with ensemble performances from Mark Phinn, Phillip Earle, Tajay Henry, Matthew Richards, Damario Gutzmer, Shavaughn Byndloss, and Damany Hughes.

Text by Phillip Earle is brought to life through the recorded voice of Dr Michael Holgate, set against a soundscape that includes Zacardi Cortez’s Lord, Do It For Me.

Mattu Perry’s Clipped and Fallen (2025), a two-part exploration of loss and redemption, is poised to enchant with its arresting use of movement and sound. Featuring dancers Mishka Williams, Shadé Thaxter, Naala Nesbeth, Amaris White, Arielle Johnson, Jahmelia Daley, Jordanne Newell, Kayla Wright, Rebeka-Ann Fray-Campbell, Soleil Williams, Kameron Buchanan, Nyla Elliott, Tajay Henry, Damario Gutzmer, and Shavaughn Byndloss, the work moves between moments of fragile introspection and fierce collective strength.

The artistic director will present the full company of dancers for In the Son (2017) with Principal Dancer Marisa Benain.

The show will also feature the moving congregational hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, followed by a range of pieces by NDTC Singers, including Ride On, King Jesus performed by soprano Faith Livingstone and You Made a Way, by Travis Greene, arranged by Dr Kathy Brown, with soloist Joshua Page.

Instrumental accompaniment will be provided by Henry Miller, Jesse Golding, and DavydPaul Alberts on drums; Kevan Williams on keyboard; Rajay Henry on bass guitar; and Daniel Edwards on guitar.

The programme will close with Psalm 150, choreographed by Professor Rex Nettleford to music by Noel Dexter, bringing together dancers, singers, and musicians in a jubilant finale.