Stella Maris Dance Ensemble at 30: A journey through time
Published:Friday | October 20, 2023 | 12:05 AM
The 30th Anniversary Season of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble, under the theme, ‘Memoirs’, promises to be a journey through time, featuring excerpts of memorable dances that have graced the stage over the years. Ten talented choreographers from the United States, Cuba, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom have contributed their unique perspectives and artistic visions to create a captivating showcase of dance on November 4 and 5 at the Little Theatre, 4 Tom Redcam Road, St Andrew.
The 2023 season will be under the patronage of Sister Mary Joseph, principal of Stella Maris Preparatory School and co-founder of the ensemble.
Stella Maris Dance Ensemble is known for full-length ballets which tell stories. This year’s presentations will feature excerpts from some of the company’s most popular works from as far back as 1997. These will include works from iconic choreographers: Rex Nettleford, Dr. C. Kemal Nance, Kariamu Welsh Asanti, Dr Monika Lawrence, Abeldo Tokie Gonzales, H. Patten, Patsy Ricketts, Orville Hall, Renee McDonald and Tony Wilson – all to be displayed as one montage, titled Memoirs.
“In addition to celebrating our own history, we will pay tribute to dance icons who have left an indelible mark on the world of dance, including Ivy Baxter, Dr Kariamu Welsh Asanti, and Barry Moncrieffe. These legends have inspired generations of dancers and continue to shape the future of our art form,” said co-founder, Dr Monika Lawrence.
To mark the company’s three decades, the ensemble will collaborate with The Nance Dance Collective from the USA and the University College of the Cayman Islands Dance Company.
“That partnership will bring together exceptional talent from the USA, Cayman and Jamaica, to create a dynamic fusion of dance styles and cultures that promises to be an unforgettable experience,” Dr Lawrence noted.
As a special highlight of the 30th Anniversary Season, the dance troupe will present The Rising. This ground breaking performance will be an abstraction narrative of triumphant perseverance, narrating the phoenix’s journey from three unique perspectives within the same dance.
Choreographers McDonald, Dr Nance and Dr Lawrence have collaborated to offer a fresh and innovative perspective on this epic tale. Drawing from their collective expertise in modern dance, neo-traditional and contemporary African dance styles, they promise to transport the audience to new heights of artistic expression.
“We are incredibly excited about this upcoming season and the opportunity to share our passion for dance with our loyal and dedicated patrons and sponsors,” Dr Lawrence declared.