IN 1962, a wave of nationalism swept over Jamaica. This fervour and patriotism did not escape a group of dancers across the Corporate Area, who were seeking to create a troupe to highlight Jamaica's cultural legacy.
At the helm, Rex Nettleford, a young academic and Eddy Thomas, a dance tutor who had just returned to Jamaica after studying with renowned American dance company Martha Graham.
Nettleford and Thomas then recruited 17 of the brightest and best dancers for what was to become the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC).
Fast-forward 50 years, and five founding members — Bert Rose, Barry Moncrieffe, Bridget Spaulding, Barbara Requa and Monica McGowan — are at the launch of the NDTC's 50th anniversary celebrations, held at the group's studio on the Little Theatre compound, St Andrew, on Thursday.
Moncrieffe is now the company's artistic director, taking over from Nettleford who died two years ago.
He described the early years as being filled with new experiences for him.
"I grew up on a farm — Caymanas Estates — and did not have the experience the others did. So joining this group really opened my eyes," he said.
For Requa, she had already been working with Nettleford on the National Pantomimes when the opportunity came. She would dance with the company for 24 years.
"For me, the highlight of my years were the tours. The NDTC have been a brilliant opportunity to travel to various countries and experience different cultures. The manner in which we were received will always stay with me," she reminisced.
The touring and reception also resonates with Moncrieffe who recalls a performance in Russia where they were showered with flowers.
"They made us feel like stars," Moncrieffe said.
Bridget Spaulding, who was then Bridget Casserly, recalled being asked by Nettleford to join the group.
"When he explained his vision for the company, I did not hesitate. He then took me to meet Eddy Thomas and said 'Here is a body to train'," she said.
Over the past 50 years, the company developed a wide repertoire with a number of signature pieces created by Nettleford. It is, therefore, not surprising that all the founding members have Nettleford-choreographed works as their favourites.
Moncrieffe and Requa are unapologetic with their adoration of the 1978 work The Crossing.
"You are dancing history when you perform this piece," Moncrieffe explained. "It brings out the all the emotions in you. I remember being on stage in Mandeville and I was so in character that I felt like a slave and wanted to burst into tears," he said.
"This is a total dance work. Beautifully choreographed," Requa offered. "The Crossing is perfection from start to finish, you cannot fault this work."
For Spaulding it is the 1983 work Gerrehbenta, which has now become and NDTC standard, that is her favourite.
"I never danced this piece, but it is such a layered piece with is hypnotic chants and mesmerising movements that it pulls you in," she explained.
All three founding members are confident that the company is in good hands and should be around for another 50 years.
"Over the past 50 years we have worked to create a certain look through the preservation of traditional music and movement, and it is this unique feature that I hope will continue into the future," Moncrieffe said.
Requa looks to this continuity of the form and style. She stressed that this should be passed on to the next generation of dancers.
Spaulding — who is currently the secretary/treasurer of the company — is hopeful that the spirit of family and volunteerism which has been a hallmark of the NDTC, will continue to be one of the company's defining features.
NDTC CELEBRATES
50 YEARS
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