KINGSTON, Jamaica — Company Dance Theatre’s (CDT) return to the stage post-Melissa was nothing short of artistry and talent.

Staged at The Little Theatre in Kingston, the production showcased CDT’s ongoing commitment to bringing fresh and innovative choreography to the Jamaican stage, challenging audiences to stretch their imaginations and broaden their experience of dance.

Presented in partnership with the Women in Law Foundation and the Scotiabank Women Initiative as a benefit performance celebrating International Women’s Day 2026, the show embraced this year’s theme, “Give to Gain”, merging the power of dance with a spirit of empowerment for a memorable evening.

Company Dance Theatre’s women in Steven Cornwall’s -Baddie Language-

Night two of the season opened with Andrew Bailey, the principal dancer who led the company with the dance Streams, choreographed by the late Tony Wilson, founder of the Company Dance Theatre.

With shades of blue reflected in both costume and lighting, the work carried the audience on a transfixed journey, an undeniable beauty. Guest choreographer Khalia Campbell, former principal dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, left audiences in awe with the premiere of her work, The Return, led by the athletically stunning Joshua Craigie.

Company Dance Theatre’s in Dr. Sade Bully-Bell’s Gamma Gamma

Artistic Director Dr Sade Bully-Bell’s Gamma Gamma reaffirmed her as a fresh, avant-garde choreographer with a distinct voice and exacting standard of excellence. One80 by Associate Artistic Director, Renée McDonald, also emerged as one to watch.

Joshua Craigie leading the Company in Khalia Campbell’s -The Return-

Originally a solo, the piece was performed as a trio for the first time and earned loud applause as the theatrically expressive Jevon Ferrill joined Andrew Bailey and Joshua Craigie, redefining limitations to both mind and body.

Baddie Language, choreographed by Steven Cornwall, brought energy and dynamism to the stage as Shamitha Chindepalli led the company in a blazing dancehall choreography. Shavaughn Byndloss’ Mapping moved audience members as the cohort moved to the music of the legendary Jimmy Cliff.

(L-R) Jevon Ferrill, Andrew Bailey and Joshua Craigie in Renée I. McDonald’s “One80”

Notably, Matthew Johnson, with his technical precision, and young, explosive Naomi Campbell commanded the audience’s attention, while Naima Scott, Zhane Padmore and Shauna Cummings remained grounded, expressive and dynamic female leads.

The incomparable artistry showcased over the weekend will continue as the company journeys to Miramar, Florida, in the United States to perform on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at cdtjamaica.org.

(L-R) Joshua Craigie and Abigail Berry in Shavaughn Byndloss’s Mapping-