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By Zemelyah Shaw/ Contributor

In a landmark moment for Jamaican cultural expression, Plié for the Arts, the renowned danceorganization from Kingston, Jamaica, is gearing up for the much-anticipated performance titled “AMALGAMATION.”

Scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the prestigious Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City, this event marks a significant leap forward for Jamaican dance on the global stage.

Nestled in the heart of New York City’s vibrant cultural scene, the Ailey Citigroup Theater stands as a beacon of artistic expression and community engagement.

Located at 405 West 55th Street, the theater is named in honor of Alvin Ailey, a trailblazing choreographer whose legacy continues to inspire dancers and audiences worldwide.

The theater is a premier venue for dance performances, workshops, and community outreach programs.It boasts a state-of-the-art performance space designed to enhance the audience experience and showcase the artistry of dance.

As a cultural landmark in New York City, the Ailey Citigroup Theater has welcomed acclaimed dance companies and organizations like Plié for the Arts and others from around the world, further enriching its cultural tapestry and contributing to the city’s reputation as a global center for the arts.

The announcement was made during a press launch event held at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Marisa Benain, Founder, Executive & Artistic Director of Plié for the Arts, along with distinguished guests, provided insights into the organization’s journey and the cultural significance of “AMALGAMATION.”

“AMALGAMATION” is sure to be a beautiful fusion of dance styles, showcasing the talent of the Jamaican performers and choreographers.

Performances set to touch the stage include Bolero by Shahar Binyamini with the first black cast to perform it,The Hunt by Robert Battle, The Calling by Jessica Lang, Virtuosi and Surrender both by Renée Mcdonald, a Jamaican choreographer and finally the dancehall piece at the end of the show by Steven Cornwall.

Remone Watson, a Jamaican singer and the winner of the 2023 Digicel Rising Stars Season will be singing live to solo dance performance by on the the Ailey dancers.

“One of the distinguished things about this year and also moving forward I’m realizing is that we’re incorporating more of the Jamaican dancers and the choreographers as well,” said Lauryn Rickman, a Jamaican dancer in New York, a part of the 2024 global collective.

Plié for the Arts, known for its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, has been a driving force in promoting Jamaican dance traditions while embracing global influences.

With aspirations to tour internationally, the organization has received crucial support from sponsors such as PROVEN Wealth, enabling them to expand their reach and impact.

“This is not just a sponsorship this is a partnership and the team at PROVEN both PROVEN wealth and PROVEN properties are pleased to be partnering with Plié for the Arts “The Amalgamation “ in New York City.”

She goes on to say that this partnership represents not just their commitment to going beyond borders and growing their company but also their commitment to engaging with their dysphoria and the international community.

“We are very much supporting the arts at PROVEN wealth and PROVEN properties,” she said.

A work such as this requires the help of sponsors and alongside PROVEN, The Jamaican Tourist Board and Mystique are on board with setting the stage for this initiative

Plié for the Arts consistently paves the way for a more interconnected world where creativity thrives. One way in which they’ve done this is by hosting their masterclasses with renowned dancers and teachers such as Debbie Allen, Misty Copeland, Michaela de Prince.

“We do not have the ginormous industry like there is in New York but I cannot help but feel like we’re making some kind of history with Plié right now” said Lauryn. “What they love about us is that we have this passion and there is this hunger and this drive and it comes out on the stage.”

This opportunity to perform in New York City is not just a milestone for Plié for the Arts but for Jamaican dance as a whole. It represents a unique opportunity to showcase the richness of Jamaican culture and talent on a global platform, fostering greater appreciation and understanding.

Under the guidance of Marisa Benain, Plié for the Arts will continue to stage breathtaking performances that weave narratives of resilience, joy, and the vibrant spirit of Jamaica.

“If you believe that this year was fierce, you wouldn’t believe what I signed off for next year”said Marisa Benain.