The NDTC dancers perform one of their more challenging numbers at the opening of last year's dance season. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) will perform at the Broward Centre for the performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale on February 10.

The special one-night performance will be hosted by the South Florida-based cultural association, Jamaica Awareness Incorporated, under the auspices of the Jamaica Consulate General. The proceeds from this event will benefit the development of the Jamaican Diaspora movement in the Southern U.S.A.

Co-founder of the NDTC, Professor Rex Nettleford, said that new works by young, talented and vibrant choreographers, would showcase the company's new mode of operation, embracing renewal and continuity.

He pointed out that several pieces would explore the intricacies of Jamaica's culture, including 'Variations & Ska' by Christopher Walker; while Clive Thompson, the Jamaican dancer of Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre fame would pay tribute to international reggae star, Robert Marley, in his work, 'Ode'. Costumes for 'Ode' were designed by Cedella Marley, daughter of the reggae star.

'Katrina'

Included in the one-night performance will be a piece titled 'Katrina', which deals with the impact of that hurricane during the summer of 2005 in New Orleans.

In his latest work, Professor Nettleford said that 'Katrina' would take a socially conscious look at the depth of hurricanes, chronicling despair and hope, characteristic of Caribbean people.

At a recent media luncheon at the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts, Jamaica's Consul General, Ricardo Allicock, said that the upcoming performance would showcase Jamaica's talent to the broader community.

He noted that culture and entertainment were only a few of the many areas in which Jamaicans have positively impacted the world and praised the cooperation of the Jamaica Awareness, Incorporated culture group and the Jamaican Diaspora movement in creating a partnership to engage and support activities in the interest of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Jamaican Diaspora Advisory Board member to the Southern U.S.A., Marlon Hill, and Jamaica Awareness President, Sydney Roberts, also cited the partnership to promote, present and celebrate Jamaican culture through this special performance in South Florida.

The mission of the Jamaican Diaspora Foundation is to unite and galvanise Jamaicans across the globe, through their talents and resources, in developing areas of interest for the benefit of their local communities as well as the development and support of Jamaica.

Pleased

President and Chief Executive Officer for the Broward Centre for the Performing Arts, Mark Nerenhawsen, said his organisation was pleased to partner with the Jamaican Diaspora through an investment in the cultural landscape of the Broward community.

The Jamaican community, he said, had a rich culture and heritage that has been contributing to the local economy of Florida