Dance aficionados are in for a treat when CDT, the legacy company formed to honour Tony Wilson, O.D., founder of The Company Dance Theatre in 1988, hosts its inaugural season of dance, ‘Legacy’, on November 19 and 20 at the Little Theatre.

The season will be directed by three alumni of The Company Dance Theatre.

Dr Sade Bully, who after 12 years of performing and choreographing professionally abroad to critical acclaim, will be making her debut as artistic director. 

Bully explained: “CDT was created with the purpose of continuing Mr Wilson’s legacy of bringing dynamic, highly technical, cutting-edge modern dance to the Jamaican stage and beyond.”

She continued: “It is only fitting that our first season is named with this intention, as it is our truest commitment, and sets the tone of who we are and what we are determined to bring to our audiences both now and in the years to come.”

Bully will also be premiering her second work on the company, ‘Gamma Gamma’ (2022).

Renée I. McDonald, the company’s associate artistic director and Jamaica’s premier choreographer, will not only be restaging her renowned all female powerhouse piece, ‘Divulgence’ (2014), but will also be returning to the stage to perform a solo choreographed by international guest artist, Nijawwon Matthews (Broadway Dance Center and Joffrey Ballet School, New York City, USA), as well as Tony Wilson’s classic,’Calabash!’ (1999). 

LIFE-SAVING BRAIN OPERATION

This will be Renée McDonald’s first on-stage performance since 2016; and Colin Blackwood, CDT’s executive director, stated: “The show will also feature works by other international guest artists: Lloyd A. Boyd III (world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and MJ The Musical, New York City, USA), ‘On Earth As It Is In Heaven’ (2021); and Hélène Taddai-Lawson of Corsica, France, ‘So Many Directions…’ (2022).

Blackwood added: “Among the legacy pieces to be included in the season are Michael Holgate’s modern folk favourite, ‘Creole Blooming’ (2010); and Tony Wilson’s iconic ‘The Journey Continues…’ (2013).

Following a life-saving brain operation, Wilson continues to recover from a severe stroke. As such, proceeds from the season will go towards his continuing care.