The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble will stage its 32nd Season of Dance at The Little Theatre on Saturday, November 22 at 8 pm, and Sunday, November 23 at 5 pm.

This highly anticipated season will be held under the distinguished patronage of Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.

According to organisers in a press release, this year’s production features a compelling and diverse repertoire that celebrates Jamaica’s cultural heritage while addressing contemporary social themes through the powerful language of dance.

The programme includes both new and restaged works by a stellar group of choreographers — Abeldo Gonzales (Cuba), Tony Wilson, Renee McDonald, Andre Hinds, and Dr MoniKa Lawrence. Their choreographic creations explore a wide range of urgent and resonant topics: the resilience of black people through the legacy of enslavement; the power of Jamaican poetry to retell our collective history; the global impact of climate change; the complexities of gender relations and a joyous tribute to Jamaica’s folk traditions and indigenous revival spirituality, the release stated.

Senior SMDE dancers in ‘Selah’ by Dr MoniKa Lawrence

Continuing its longstanding commitment to community outreach, the ensemble will host a free special matinee performance on Friday, November 21, for 500 children from Homes of Safety and inner-city communities in Kingston.

Now in its 15th year, the initiative provides young audiences with a meaningful introduction to the performing arts, complete with refreshments and guided engagement activities to deepen their cultural experience.

The organisers said this year’s season also carries special significance, as it will be presented in memory of Dr Maria Smith, a devoted patron of the performing arts. One of the featured works, African Nite, will be staged as a tribute to her remarkable contributions to the study and preservation of revival spiritual traditions through her research and publications.

Tiana Findlay in ‘Kingston 666’ by Patsy Ricketts.

In addition to the performances, Stella Maris Dance Ensemble will be accepting non-perishable items on both performance nights to support victims of hurricane Melissa, reinforcing the ensemble’s enduring belief that the arts can serve as a bridge between creativity, compassion, and community service.

The ensemble’s Artistic Director, Dr MoniKa Lawrence, has expressed her enthusiasm for this milestone production, noting that “each year, we strive to use dance as a mirror to society—honouring our past, challenging our present, and inspiring hope for the future.”