CDT continues Tony Wilson’s legacy with 2026 Season of Dance
CDT’s return to the stage post-Hurricane Melissa was nothing short of a grand display artistry and talent.
Staged at The Little Theatre, 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.
Night two of the season opened with Andrew Bailey, principal dancer, leading the company with 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 journey of an undeniable beauty.
Guest choreographer Khalia Campbell, former principal dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, left audiences in awe with the première of her work The Return led by the athletically stunning Joshua Craigie.
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 Renée I McDonald also emerged as noteworthy. 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.
Notably, Matthew Johnson with his technical precision and the explosive Naomi Campbell commanded the audience’s attention, while Naima Scott, Zhane Padmore, and Shauna Cummings remained grounded, expressive and dynamic female leads.
Baddie Language choreographed by Steven Cornwall brought energy and dynamism to the stage as Shamitha Chindepalli led the company in this blazing dancehall-themed number.
A additional feature of the 2026 season was the company journeying to Miramar, Florida, USA, for a one-night-only show on Saturday, March 14, 2026.