A Celebration Of Dance

National Dance Theatre Company
Dance is integral to the fabric of Jamaican culture. Dances ranging from Jonkunnu to the work of the National Dance Theatre Company not only narrates Jamaica’s history through movement but are life-affirming rituals that forge the Jamaican identity. Here, Rex Nettleford (as the King) stands over Bert Rose (as the Rival) in THE KING MUST DIE in the 1960s.
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National Dance Theatre Company
In 1961, Norman Manley invited 18 leading dancers from different dance schools to form the Jamaica Dance Company. In September of 1962, the dancers left the original schools that they were part of; and decided to establish themselves as the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC). Rex Nettleford (left) in performance with fellow dancer Yvonne DaCosta at the Little Theatre in 1962.
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National Dance Theatre Company
The NDTC was formed following the Independence Gala Show ‘Roots and Rhythms’ in 1962. Here founding members Rex Nettleford and Pansy Hassan perform a Kumina dance.
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National Dance Theatre Company
With the dawning of the new Jamaica, a group of young, talented and gifted individuals bonded together under the baton of the late distinguished scholar, intellectual and creative genius of Professor Rex Nettleford to form the NDTC.
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National Dance Theatre Company
Following the formation of the NDTC many, representing the establishment classes, rushed to condemn the efforts of the then fledgling company. The company, once the bane of the bourgeoisie, is now the very toast of that social class. A scene from NDTC’s 49th Season of Dance in 2011.
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National Dance Theatre Company
The NDTC has not only told and retold the story and history of the people of Afro-Caribbean heritage, it has single-handedly caused the world to take a more dispassionate view of people of Afro-Caribbean descent, and their struggles, achievements and journey into "personhood". A scene from NDTC’s 49th Season of Dance in 2011.
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L'CADCO
Dr. L'Antoinette Stines (in white) created L'ANTECH, a modern contemporary Caribbean dance company, in 1982. Today the company is known as "L'Acadco ¬ A United Caribbean Dance Force" regarded as Jamaica's leading contemporary dance company. Here Dr. Stines performs at the dance troupe's 26th season of dance in 2010.
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L'CADCO
L'Acadco performs Ships' Log: Dance at the Philip Sherlock Theatre on Sunday May 2, 2010.
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L'CADCO
A member of L'Acadco Dance Troupe performs at Ships' Log, the troupe's 26th season of dance at the Philip Sherlock Centre on Sunday.
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Movements Dance Company of Jamaica
Movements Dance Company in performance.
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Sheila Barnett
Sheila Barnett performs in the 1974 production of 'The Rope and the Cross'. For more than 50 years, Barnett ensured that dance, not just in Jamaica, but throughout the Caribbean, received the kind of recognition it deserved. She was instrumental in the formation of The School of Dance, at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and the NDTC.
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Jonkunnu
Members of a colourful Jonkonnu band show off their costumes.
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Kumina
The all female Kumina group of Port Morant, St. Thomas in 2006
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Kumina
Renowned 'Kumina Queen' Bernyce Henry balances a lit candle on a tin as she leads the Port Morant National and International Kumina Dancers at 'Falla Backa Mi' in 2005.
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Dinki Mini
Western Focus Dalton Laing photo Dancers from the Ebony Park HEART Academy in Clarendon, perform the Dinki Mini at the JCDC's Festival of Foods and Traditional Folk Forms held at the Sean Lavery Hall in Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland.
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