Internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) to perform at Broward Center
FT. LAUDERDALE – The celebrated and internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (“NDTC”) will perform for a one night only benefit performance on Saturday, February 10, 2007, 8pm, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Amaturo Theater, 201 SW 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.
The performance is being staged by Jamaica Awareness, Inc., under the auspices of the Jamaican Consulate General with proceeds benefiting the development of the Jamaican Diaspora movement in the Southern United States.
Co-founded by the Honorable Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas, NDTC embodies the movements of the African Diaspora with the history, traditions and heritage of the Caribbean. From elegant and regal testimonies to the Caribbean’s colonial history, to the indigenous, soulful and ritualistic realities of social, political and spiritual commentary, NDTC deals with the realities of acculturation in Jamaica and globally; wherever Jamaicans and other Caribbean people have settled. In its colorful history, NDTC has presented Jamaica around the world through dance.
It returns in February with a new repertoire of dance-works by established and budding choreographers, who are also responsible for the Company’s new mode of operation, embracing renewal and continuity.
In this upcoming Special One-Night Performance, NDTC will explore the intricacies of Jamaica Ska in Christopher Walker’s vibrant “Variations on Ska,” while Clive Thompson, the Jamaican dancer, formerly of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater fame, will present his tribute to Bob Marley in the work, “Ode,” dressed by Cedella Marley, the daughter of the reggae icon himself. A brilliant solo entitled “Sweet in the Morning,” reconstructed by dance-captain Marlon Simms from work by an African American choreographer, the late Leni Wyliams, will also be on the bill, as will the ancestral “Gerrehbenta,” Rex Nettleford’s portrayal of dead-yard ceremonies still existent in the parishes of Hanover and St. Mary. Of particular interest to Floridians will be Nettleford’s newest work entitled, “Katrina,” which deals with the tragedy of the Katrina disaster of New Orleans in 2005.
“The NDTC is an iconic institution of Jamaican culture and heritage around the world, celebrating the preservation of movement and music of the African Diaspora as recreated and performed today,” stated Sydney Roberts, President of Jamaica Awareness, Inc. “For years, the Company has been a staple of our Caribbean Dance Celebration Series. We are proud to present them on the stage of the Broward Center and for the greater benefit of the cultural and social development of our Jamaican Diaspora community.”
“This Benefit performance is part of a greater partnership in the promotion, presentation, and celebration of Jamaican culture at the Broward Center for future years. It is a confirmation of the extraordinary contributions of Jamaicans in South Florida and throughout the Southern United States,” noted Ricardo Allicock, Consul General of Jamaica.
The mission of the Jamaican Diaspora movement is to unite and galvanize all Jamaicans, their talents, resources, and potential throughout the Southern United States for the benefit of their local communities and the future development and support of Jamaica.
“We are delighted to partner with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for this special performance, as we share our commitment to bringing greater awareness of the rich cultural heritage of the Jamaican community to our region.
The Jamaican Diaspora Foundation is poised to explore and develop community partnerships to preserve and promote the culture and heritage of Jamaica among Jamaicans in the Diaspora, and with others in communities across the United States,” stated Marlon A. Hill, Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board Member for the Southern US.
“The Broward Center is delighted to enter into this collaborative partnership. Consistent with our mission, we strive to be a leader in promoting cultural events to our increasingly diverse community with an emphasis on fostering a cooperative spirit and positively impacting the local economy and community.
The Jamaican community has a rich culture and heritage that contributes vibrantly to the local economy and tourism industry. This partnership is an investment in our community’s cultural landscape,” emphasized Mark Nerenhausen, President/CEO, Broward Center for Performing Arts Center Authority.”
Tickets will be on sale as gifts for Christmas and the New Year. For tickets, call the Broward Center Box Office at 954-462-0222 or visit online at www.browardcenter.org.
Jamaica Awareness will continue its Caribbean Dance Celebration Series on April 21 & 22, 2007 with a presentation of other exciting and vibrant dance troupes from the region.
Sponsors of this Special Benefit Performance will include Air Jamaica, Infinite Markets, Inc., Jamaica National, Ridims Marketing, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, National Endowment for the Arts, News/Talk 1080AM WTPS, SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews.Com, Dr. Wentworth Jarrett Family Medicine, among others.
