NDTC's feast of music and dance

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner writer

The late Professor Rex Nettleford, founder/artistic director/principal dancer/ choreographer/muse of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), must be now smiling in the after life, satisfied that the company he so cherished and nurtured will not only survive his passing, but will replenish itself and thrive for many a seasons to come.

While there are many who despaired of the thought of an NDTC without the beloved Professor at its helm, the pragmatist that he was, faced and accepted the inevitability of his own transition some time ago, and when met with questions of the future of the NDTC, would calmly reply, "I am presiding over my own liquidation".

Well, it's early days yet, but five months after his passing, the NDTC premiered its 48th season of dance at the landmark Little Theatre, with a gala opening and reception, that was an ode to the late professor, in that opening night featured works choreographed by him, and dears, it made for a beautiful season opener!

Dears, it rained cats and dogs all afternoon and way into the evening, but a downpour was never going to be enough to prevent fans and supporters of the NDTC from attending a gala opening.

New artistic director

Guests made their out for what proved a feast of music and dance; and when it was all over, those who attended were the richer for the experience!

The NDTC's new artistic director is the accomplished Barry Moncrieffe, and under his baton, and that of musical director Marjorie Whylie and a support cast and crew, the company mounted what was truly a memorable season opener.

The show opened with Bujurama, then segued into a suite of traditional songs by the NDTC singers, which was then followed by Islands, (Solo excerpts), a musical interlude and then Spirits At A Gathering.

Now, the truth be told, Bujurama, though topical, was not one of the evening's better dance piece, but what Bujurama lacked in intellectual depth, it made up for in earthiness and contemporary urban appeal. But by the time Spirits At A Gathering hit the stage just before the intermission, they were in full artistic flight, and marvellously so. Not even the malfunctioning of the sound equipment causing a temporary suspension of the music during this performance, saw solo performer Marisa Benain not missing a beat as she faultlessly continued dancing, sans music, until it caught up with her.

Simply brilliant, and then some!

The form and dialogue that was struck, before intermission, with Spirits At A Gathering was revisited with more verve and commitment for the presentation of Misa Criola; Cave's End (duet excerpts) and the night's ultimate offering, Gerrehbenta. When the curtains came down, the thunderous applause and dancing in the aisles, as guests showered the company with their approval, it was very clear - all's well with the NDTC. We salute the company, especially its behind the scenes players without whose effort, dedication and commitment, the country would be the poorer.

Among the many notables out for the gala were former Governor General Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall; Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson; The Most Hon Glynne Manley; Minister of Culture, Youth Sports Olivia Grange; MP Dr Peter Phillips and wife Sandra Minott Phillips; Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla; Justice Hillary Phillips; former High Commissioner to London, Burchell Whiteman and wife Joelene; British High Commissioner Howard Drake and wife Jill; Indian High Commissioner Mohinder Grover and wife Vardeep; French Ambassador Marc-Oliver Gendry; Argentinean Ambassador Mario Pino and his lovely daughter Mercedes; Chilean Ambassador Alfredo Garcia and his wife, Luz Santa Maria; Douglas and Melanie Graham; Susan Alexander; Dr Michael Banbury and daughters Dr Brittany Banbury and Gabrielle Banbury; Patrick and Marguerite Lynch; Jeffrey Cobham; Barbara Gloudon and daughter Anya Gloudon; Lennie Little-White and companion Cheryl Ryman; concert pianist Winston Ewart; Kay Osborne; Joan Russell; Brian Heap; Christine Bell; the charming Carmen Clarke; Edgar Gallimore; the charming Carmen Patterson; the elegant Romae Gordon; Phillip Lindo; the lovely Pat Reid; musician and artist Tommy Ricketts; the fab Enid Harrow; Colin Leslie; Grace Silvera and her fabulous daughter Natalee; the visiting Dr Richard Beckford; NDTC alumni photographer Maria LaYacona; Howard Cooper and wife Karin; Clive Thompson; the elegant Barbara Requa; Pansy Hassan; Bert Rose; and the very charming Bridgette Spaulding; plus a number of others.