Rhythmic music, penetrating vocals, and mesmerising dance sequences brought the stage at the Frank Collymore Hall alive on Monday night in a magnificent production by Jamaica’s National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC). Performing to a sold-out crowd, the troupe delivered a moving dance tribute that underscored its deep Barbadian connection.
Incorporating a multiplicity of dance styles, the presentation, part of the exciting line-up of CARIFESTA activities, highlighted the 63rd season of dance, paying homage to the life and legacy of Barbadian Jeffrey Jeff Cobham, a former chairman of the NDTC. Cobham’s visionary leadership during the group’s formative years was remembered with gratitude. The production also honoured the talented Gene Carson, another son of the soil who served as a dancer and choreographer with the legendary company.
The evening’s performance was more than just a showcase of artistry — it was a celebration of cultural legacy. By honouring Barbadian sons Jeffrey Cobham and Gene Carson within the broader tradition of the NDTC, the production highlighted the shared creative spirit of the Caribbean. As Barbados hosts CARIFESTA, the performance serves as both tribute and testament: a reminder that dance, music, and storytelling remain vital threads connecting the region’s past, present, and future.
What elevated the production to another level was the fusion of strategic lighting, thunderous drumbeats, and powerful song, each element amplifying the dancers’ movements. Trodden, arranged by Ewan Simpson with movement by Kevin Moore and performed by the NDTC singers and musicians, will remain etched in the minds of those in attendance.
Phenomenal works choreographed by the late Rex Nettleford framed the evening, opening and closing the performance with the company’s signature artistry. The iridescent lighting on their white costumes created an ethereal feel in Ritual of the Sunrise, which set the tone as the first piece of the night. His Kumina delivered a dramatic finale that brought the audience to its feet. The first half also featured Ascending, choreographed by Crystal Frazier, which closed the opening segment with vivid imagery and pulsating energy.
The second half proved equally riveting, opening with Bloom, choreographed by Avree Walker with associate choreographer Radnell Marin Pedraza. With nothing more than a bench as a prop, Mark Phinn commanded the stage in Don’t Leave Me, his lithe movements pulling the audience into an intimate dialogue of motion and emotion.
As the curtain fell, the response from patrons spoke volumes.
“It was a wonderful production by the National Dance Theatre Company,” said Kemi Brewster. She admitted, “I am definitely not someone from the arts perspective, but being able to see the showcase tonight, it really was amazing, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I definitely like the fact that the guys also stood out — it is normally just the females — but they did their thing and it was just fantastic.”
Another attendee reflected, “It was an excellent production. The pieces were very well executed and the dancers really connected with the movement and with the audience, so really impactful.”
(STT)
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