“Kumina” and other island dance favorites are among treats programmed into a two-day repertoire billed for the 60th anniversary season at Brooklyn Center of the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College when the National Dance Theater Company of Jamaica (NDTC) return here.
Returning to the borough for the first time since their 50th Anniversary tour in 2012, the company will perform two programs “combining evocative new works with favorites from their extensive repertoire.”
Helmed by the talents of Barry Moncrieffe, artistic director in collaboration with musical director Ewan Simpson, NDTC provides a reliably satisfying program anticipated by New York audiences for two decades.
One of the highlights feature the much revered routine choreographed by the late Rex Nettleford, a co-founder with Eddy Thomas of the reputable Caribbean dance company.
“Kumina” has endeared patrons to performances that proudly boast the rich culture and history of the people and region.
Combining folk music, drumming and powerful elements of ancestral spirits, the dance displays a ritual of African origin to acknowledge an African-Jamaican religion, a supreme creator and Shango.
Through a powerful and entrancing routine performed by some of the company’s best dancers, the engaging routine guarantees standing ovations, repeat curtain calls and revelations each time “Kumina” fits the NDTC bill.
Aside from presenting entertainment, the aim of the NDTC is “to encourage the Jamaican public to better appreciate the art of dance, and to research and utilize indigenous dance-forms and movement pattern from Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.”
Slated for March 21 and 22, two 8 o’clock performances will showcase the much-anticipated program.
A Sunday matinee begins at 3:00 p.m.
Other incomparable offerings from the repertoire include:
“Drumscore” (1979) choreographed by Nettleford and features the NDTC singers.
“Dialogue for Three” (1963) is also a Nettleford work.
“Playtime” (2014) showcases traditional Jamaican folk songs featuring NDTC singers and orchestra.
“Sulkari” (1980) choreographed by Eduardo Rivero-Walker, originally premiered on May 13, 1971 by the Danza Nacional de Cuba and “Incantation” (2002), choreographed by Jeanguy Saintus, offer a solo excerpt featuring Kerry-Ann Henry.
For details, check www.brook
