#NDTCsingers

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Your tremendous support made The Music of the NDTC Benefit Concert for Marjorie Whylie, Musical Director Emerita, a resounding success! Stay tuned for updates on our next performance in 2024. Until then, have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎶🎄🎉

[ndtcjamaica]

NDTC’s Easter Sunrise promises to be an awakening of worship, reflection, and artistic expression in honour of the company’s beloved musician, Dr Wigmore Francis.

Simms, reflecting on Dr Francis's legacy, remarked, "Dr Francis was a very gifted and talented artist and extremely committed to the company. We are grateful for his contribution and look forward to paying respect to him through this performance."

[ndtcjamaica]

The annual tribute of Rex Nettleford Foundation, Remembering Rex, unfolded at Kingston’s Little Theatre on Tuesday, February 13.

The evening featured presentations to Little Theatre Movement stalwart Michael “Rufus” McDonald and students Deanna Fraser (Rex Nettleford Hall, The University of the West Indies [UWI]) and Mattheou Dillon White (Cornwall College, Nettleford’s alma mater).

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The Rex Nettleford Foundation will once again present ‘Remembering Rex’ in tribute to late vice-chancellor and National Dance Theatre Company co-founder Professor Rex Nettleford.

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Today marks the 91st anniversary of the birth of a true legend, Rex Nettleford, co-founder, and past Artistic Director of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC).

On this day, we pay homage to a man who not only shaped the NDTC but also left an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who had the privilege of witnessing his greatness. Let us celebrate the life and contributions of Rex Nettleford, a true king among men.

[ndtcjamaica]

With an illustrious career spanning four decades, Whylie has played a pivotal role in shaping the musical identity of the NDTC. Her invaluable contributions include composing and arranging works for both the singers and musicians, as well as for dance pieces that have become integral to the company’s repertoire.

In a celebration of cultural richness and artistic prowess, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) presents the fourth staging of The Music of the NDTC on Wednesday, December 6, at 7 p.m. at the Little Theatre. This year’s event holds a special significance as all proceeds will go towards supporting Musical Director Emerita, Majorie Whylie, who has been a stalwart of the company and is currently battling illness.

[ndtcjamaica]

Set for Wednesday, December 6 at 7;00 pm at the Little Theatre, the event will see all proceeds going to Whylie whom the NDTC described as a “stalwart of the company.”

[ndtcjamaica]

FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE NDTC SINGERS AND ORCHESTRA | Reprinted from NDTC Newsletter — 20th Anniversary 1982

DID YOU KNOW The NDTC Singers was established in 1967 under the leadership of the late Joyce Lalor?

Founding members were: Joyce Lalor (Vocal Soloist); Paula Johnson (Soprano); Hope Freeman (Contralto); Noel Heron (Tenor); Stanley Irons, Vin James, Victor Smith (Bass); Marjorie Whylie (Arranger)

[Marjorie Whylie, Paula Johnson, and Vin James have given unbroken service since the founding of the NDTC Singers]

FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRA — In 1976 all the musicians of the Company joined Musical Director (Marjorie Whylie) and Lloyd Mason and became full-fledged members of the NDTC as contributors on a non-remunerative basis. The Musical Director joined the Company on this basis from 1965 while Lloyd Mason voluntarily waived his fees in 1968.

The other founding members of the NDTC Orchestra were: Minky Jefferson, Barbara Boland (flute); Leighton Johnson (trumpet); Steve Golding (guitar).

Slide 1 — Steve Golding, Barbara Boland, Antonio Henry, Marjorie Whylie, Minky Jefferson, Irvine Jarrett, Ronan Critchlow

Slide 2 — Vin James, Stanley Irons, Wesley Scott, Carl Bliss Joyce Lalor, Dulcie Bogues, Paula Johnson, Lorraine Emmanuel

Maria LaYacona Photography

[ndtcjamaica]

NDTC Diamond Anniversary Gala:

The National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) 60th Season of Dance opens with a GALA performance at the Little Theatre on Friday, July 22 at 7:30 pm with cocktails and 8 pm showtime — contribution $5000JMD. We would be honoured if you would join us to celebrate 60 years of the Company's contribution to national and regional identity through the performing arts. 

The programme will feature Drumscore and Gerrehbenta choreographed by past Artistic Director the Honourable Prof. Rex Nettleford, David Brown's Labess and the premiere of a new work in tribute to women by Renee McDonald. Another premiere will be a suite of songs by The NDTC Singers and Musicians in tribute to Reggae music legend Rita Marley. 

Please reserve your ticket by emailing — ndtcjamaica@gmail.com — at your earliest convenience and thank you for your unwavering support of the NDTC.

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CELEBRATING SIX DECADES OF EXCELLENCE IN DANCE THEATRE IN JAMAICA, CARIBBEAN AND DIASPORA

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In 1962, co-founders of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), Rex Nettleford and Eddy Thomas, were inspired to form the group as a means of creating a cultural institution for the newly independent Jamaica. Today, when the current crop of NDTC dancers rehearse at their studios inside the Little Theatre Complex in St Andrew, they are under the persistent gaze of the founding members of the company. This gaze is made all the more intense by a series of portraits of the members who breathed life into the company 60 years ago.