Contributed
The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble in rehearsal for the company's 14th annual Season of Dance, to be held at the Little Theatre, between October 5-7.

Excitement is running high as Stella Maris (Young Adult) Dance Ensemble, 25 talented young adults, prepare for the upcoming annual Season of Dance.

This year marks the dance company's 14th season, which will run from October 5 to 7, at the Little Theatre in St. Andrew.

Themed Yebo IV, an African idiom meaning 'all is well', the season will feature the company's wide exploration and experimentation over the last three years.

In the 2006 season, the company came into its own unique identity and as a result of their process of rediscovery, there is a renewed focus on presenting Afro-Caribbean, contemporary dance works as a celebration of our indigenous Caribbean heritage and culture.

This year, three new works by Artistic Director Monika Lawrence and noted choreographers Tony Wilson and Abeldo 'Toki' Gonzales, will be added to previously debuted pieces in the company's repertoire. Among the three is Monika Lawrence's highly anticipated 'Body Voices', which is more than a metaphor for using the body as an instrument to communicate.

"It is organic exploration of identifying self through movement, utilising symbols and a cross-fertilisation of techniques," Mrs. Lawrence explained. "'Body Voices' is a Caribbean modern piece which also incorporates folk form. It speaks to our identity as a Caribbean people and the various influences that make us who we are: our music, work, lifestyles and culture."

Sponsors

This dance work is a full company piece commissioned by the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS). It will be led by experienced dancers Wendi Hoo-Fatt, Monique Spence, Tiffany Martin, and Felice Mah-Leung. The costume design is by veteran designer and dancer, Denise Robinson.

JNBS, a supporter of arts and culture in Jamaica for many years, also sponsored the 2006 Season of Dance, which was a resounding success.

Mrs. Lawrence expressed her gratitude to JNBS for their sponsorship. "We feel honoured to be associated with JNBS, as they recognise the importance of fostering positive outlets for our young people who will become tomorrow's leaders. JNBS continues to focus on nation building through its long service to Jamaicans. Having their support confirms that the ensemble is on the right track."

The Stella Maris Ensemble encourages and supports the academic endeavours and performance of its members, as it sees education as an important aspect of grooming well-rounded citizens. The motto of the company, 'Success through hard work', not only applies to their roles as performers, but also as students, employees and practitioners in their various fields.

Working tirelessly

Wendi Hoo-Fatt, a principal dancer who has been with the ensemble since the age of five commented, "The season is coming together quite nicely and we're excited to have Tony Wilson choreographing for us for the first time. We are working tirelessly to ensure another great set of performances, but we're also like a big family with Mrs. Lawrence as the mother head, so there is much joy and fun also."

The active repertoire for 2007 also includes 'Sankosa Ja', a piece by Temple University lecturer Kariamu Welsh Asante, which was debuted last year as a celebration of the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery; 'Strange Waters' by Monika Lawrence and 'Black Current' by Toki Gonzales.

The Stella Maris (Young Adult) Dance Ensemble, established in 1994, grew out of the Stella Maris Preparatory School's dance troupe which was founded by Artistic Director Monika Lawrence under the guidance of the school's principal, Sister Mary Josephs, in 1986. The ensemble has a fine reputation at home and abroad for excellence in dance. Some of the troupe's achievements include countless gold medals in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Festival Dance Competition, the Ivy Baxter Trophy for 'Best Overall Group' in 1993, 1997 and 1998. The ensemble has also toured the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Spain, England, Japan and the United States.