Activities unveiled

Sunday, February 05, 2012

THE National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) revealed its slate of activities for its 50th anniversary celebrations at its studio, located on the Little Theatre compound in St Andrew on Thursday evening.

The NDTC — founded by the late Professor Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas in September 1962 — is Jamaica's premier dance company.

Speaking at the event, the group's secretary/treasurer Bridget Spaulding said that in promoting dance through outreach, a number of workshops were planned with primary and high schools at the NDTC studio.

The highlight of the year's activities will be an awards ceremony on August 4 at Vale Royal in St Andrew. That event will recognise NDTC members and corporate sponsors, who have contributed to the growth and development of the company over the past 50 years.

The year-long celebrations will also feature performances — both locally and overseas. And, include participation in Dance Umbrella — an event featuring Jamaica's dance companies and groups at the Philip Sherlock Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus; the annual morning of movement and music on Easter Sunday, April 8; and, the annual season of dance from July 14 — 29. In addition, there will be a remount of some of the group's most celebrated works.

Overseas performances will be at the Brooklyn Centre for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College from March 22 - 26, as well as tours of Grand Cayman, Washington DC and Atlanta in the US in May and June, and a tour of the United Kingdom on dates to be finalised in September/October.

The year's celebration will climax with the NDTC's young choreographers showcase at the company's studio.