Though the Ycats Soul of Dance presentation for its 2025 Season of Dance was prepared long before Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, its storyline proved even more poignant as it unfolded on-stage November 15, 2025.

Following the devastation left behind by the Category 5 storm, which tore through western Jamaica late last month, Ycats’ message of resilience seemed prophetic. Aptly titled Ruined to Rise, the two-and-a-half-hour showcase unlocked a sea of emotions with pieces as deeply moving as they were inspirational.

Through powerful choreography, the Little Theatre stage came alive as more than 100 dancers — ranging from age three to over 30 — delivered messages of pain, loss, and triumph.

The opening piece featured two bright-eyed sisters who dream of transitioning into world-changing adults. Those dreams, however, quickly become dashed when tragedy strikes. Broken by the immense loss they face, the sisters struggle with grief and ruined dreams. Juxtaposed against musical selections reflecting the sisters’ current reality, Ycats dancers masterfully captivated the audience, taking them along the phases of the journey towards healing.

In scenes two and three, songs such as Kevin Downswell’s Father Carry Me, CeCe Winans’ Come Jesus Come, and H.E.R.’s Hold Us Together, among others, chronicled the sisters’ journey from brokenness to healing. Learning to lean on their faith, the siblings are reassured that, though they face tragedy, joy is on the horizon. The latter was evident especially in scene three when the choreography changed to upbeat movements supported by Jamaican praise songs, including That’s Enough (Kevin Downswell), Fi Mi Jesus (Sista Sasha), and Things Already Better (DJ Nicholas).

The story line then moves from ruin to elevation as the sisters rediscover happiness. Their trials became their testimony in the showcase’s closing pieces.

Dancing to triumph, the Ycats dancers embodied resilience as they delivered powerful performances to James Arthur’s Recovery, Rachel Platten’s Fight Song, and Sia’s The Greatest.

Ycats ended its showcase on a high note as the sisters’ story came full circle. Moving gracefully through the stages with the pair reclaiming their joy in the finale — a vibrant Afro-inspired celebration featuring choreography to songs such as Beautiful Creatures (from Rio), Itshokwadi and Tambira (from Joyous Celebration), Eben’s Joyful Noise, and The Soweto Gospel Choir’s Hlonolofatsa (Blessed in the Name of the Father).

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer post-show on Saturday, Artistic Director Stacy-Lee Abrahams-Myrie said Ycats has always centred its shows on relatable messages.

“Our shows are built around bringing hope, healing, and restoration, and we try to design messages that are generic, which we know can apply to just about anyone and whatever their thing, so that from our show you can get some form of hope, healing, and restoration,” she said. “Ruined to Rise, in itself, was actually designed to focus on our young dancers and what they go through. Sometimes we think it’s just adults who experience challenges, but the children also go through their own things, which you will see in the story of the two sisters. They experienced great loss, and the story shows how it affects their dreams and how much they have to pivot…”

Tipping her hat to her team of talented dancers, Abrahams said the over 100-strong troupe dedicated countless hours to rehearsals as they shared in her vision and passion.

“All of these girls, minus a few, are in school. The ones who aren’t are young adults who have jobs, and so it is very hectic on all of us, but we are a family that works together and is well supported. The girls are so organised and structured that they come to individual group rehearsals and then we pull all the pieces together before the show,” she said. “There are 35 dances in this show, and so it can get challenging, but I have commitment and the spirit of excellence because these girls believe that it’s only the best for their audience.”

With the group changing into numerous costumes throughout the evening, Abrahams thanked her team of tailors, Shawn Nelson, with costumes designed by her and coordinated by Charmaine Bimmer, helping to bring the show together perfectly.

“We have a tremendous team that dedicates its time and skill to making sure we’re on point. My job in the group is costume and choreography, and I love that. I’m not overwhelmed by it because we have amazing seamstresses and tailors.

“This season of dance stands as a testament to God’s grace, the quiet power of resilience, and the remarkable strength found within the human spirit,” she ended.

Members of Ycats Soul of Dance execute leaps during one of their performances of the Ruined to Rise showcase at the Little Theatre.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Members of Ycats Soul of Dance perform a piece titled Million Dreams at the Little Theatre.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Allegro 2 & Alumnae dancers during their performance of Hands Up choreographed by Stacy-Lee Abrahams-Myrie, Racquel Robertson-Dacres, Jenaé Wood and Monique Bimmer. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

The Ycats Soul of Dance’s toddlers Plié 1 & 2 take part in a dance titled Blessing. The piece was choreographed by Stacy-Lee Abrahams-Myrie and Jenaé Wood. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)