The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica is to headline the 2024 Let’s Dance International Frontiers, the annual dance festival held in Leicester.
The company, led by artistic director, choreographer and soloist Marlon Simms, “will take audiences on a whirlwind journey through Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage”.
Pawlet Brookes MBE, artistic director and founder of both Serendipity Institute of Black Arts and Heritage and Let’s Dance International Frontiers, said, “National Dance Theatre of Jamaica’s Caribbean choreographic repertoire encompasses everything from the traditional practices such as pocomania and bruckins through to dance hall.
“Their performance will feature Kumina, choreographed by the much-missed dance pioneer Rex Nettleford over 50 years ago. Kumina has become the company’s signature piece—a legacy for Caribbean dance not dissimilar to what Alvin Ailey’s Revelations has given to African American dance vernacular.
“I’ve been aware of the company as long as I’ve been interested in dance and it’s important to recognise the contribution their work has here. I think our audiences will relish the richness of dancers, singers and drummers coming together in a showcase of Jamaican identity.”
The National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica will perform at Curve, Leicester on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May.
Further details about the festival can be found at the Serendipity web site.