NDTC to headline Let’s Dance International Frontiers in England
THE NATIONAL Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) of Jamaica is set to take centre stage at the Let’s Dance International Frontiers (LDIF) festival at the Curve Theatre on May 3 and 4, marking the company’s second performance in England in two years. As the headliner of the event, the NDTC promises an inspiring showcase of Jamaican and Caribbean excellence, through a diverse repertoire of performances.
Under the artistic direction of Marlon D. Simms, the NDTC will present a wide ranging line-up that includes one of Rex Nettleford’s signature works, ‘Kumina’, alongside excerpts from Chris Walker’s ‘Rough Drafts’; Renee I. McDonald’s ‘Queen’, danced by Tamara Noel; the rallying cry for women ‘Unbroken’; Simms’ look at masculinity ‘Introspection’, danced by Mark Phinn, and Orville McFarlane’s distillation of Dancehall ‘Circa 2k’, danced by Kerry-Ann Henry, Tamara Noel, Kristina Graham, Mishka Williams, Shadé Thaxter, Joelle Flimn, Dannielle Mullings, Kamloy Thomas and Amaya Gomes. Additionally, the company will pay homage to Haiti with a performance of ‘Incantation’, performed by Ballet Mistress Kerry-Ann Henry. Complementing the cadre of dancers are Dance Captain Paul Newman, Matthew Richards and Tajay Henry.
Adding a musical dimension to the performance, NDTC’s singers and musicians will present an excerpt of ‘Traddin’’, arranged by former musical director Ewan Simpson. Featuring master drummers Henry Miller and Jesse Golding, along with vocalists Conrod Hall, Shane Wright, Patrick Earle, Kamala Nicholson Johnson, Debrah-Ann Rosewelt Miller, and Toni Barrett, the musical segment promises to enrich the cultural tapestry of the evening.
The LDIF festival, known for its commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering international collaboration in dance, provides the perfect platform for NDTC to share their artistry with audiences in Leicester. This year’s theme, ‘Camouflage: Embodied Dance’, explores the complexities of the black performing body and the transformative power of dance in storytelling.
Marlon D. Simms, who will be the keynote speaker of the LDIF conference and will lead a masterclass on May 1, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming performances, stating, “The performance is not only a cultural presentation and a glimpse into who we are as a people of excellence, it is also an opportunity for us to share in the human experience to uplift others and give them hope while celebrating the essence of being Jamaican and Caribbean.”
LDIF marks NDTC’s return to England after premiering Simms’ ‘Introspection’ at last year’s festival, and the company is eager to once again connect with audiences and showcase the richness of Jamaican and Caribbean dance and culture. With a history of presenting ground-breaking performances and nurturing emerging talent, LDIF continues to push the boundaries of international dance programming.