DANCE THEATRE XAYMACA … READY FOR THE WORLD!

Barbara McDaniel
Artistic Director

In a breathtaking whirlwind of colour and movement, DANCE THEATRE XAYMACA (DTX) took centre stage at the Phillip Sherlock Center for the Performing Arts, at the University of the West Indies (Kingston Jamaica) on Saturday, November 18. 

The air was charged with the electrifying energy of a new era in dance performance as the company unleashed a vibrant spectacle, a rhythmic explosion that only youth can muster. It marked   DTX’s triumphant return to its birthplace after 28 years.

As I stepped into the lively atmosphere, I sought a programme, only to be ushered towards a stand with barcodes, a technological leap I was unaccustomed to as a senior navigating the post-COVID event landscape. Yet, with the guidance of friends, I embraced the digital shift, downloading the programme to my phone, and bidding farewell to the tangible copies of yesteryear.

The curtains ascended, revealing an auditorium pulsating with youthful energy. A lone male dancer took centre stage, leaving me momentarily wondering about the absence of his counterparts, a curiosity that lingered until the final act. The performance showcased a repertoire of the company's original pieces, skillfully remounted by lead choreographer Ayana Graham.

Graham orchestrated a journey through time, reviving pieces like 'Destiny' from 1999, performed with renewed vigour by Carmen-Elena Stewart, Tara Price, and Brittany Bryan. Each of the nine pieces featured stunning modern costumes, a testament to the multi-talented artistry of Barbara McDaniel, the company's artistic director, choreographer, and costume designer.

While all the performance pieces displayed breathtaking execution, a few etched a lasting imprint on my memory. 'Advocate of Peace' (2016), set to the soulful strains of Bob Marley's 'We Don't Need No More Trouble', seamlessly blended a nostalgic clip from a newscast from the now defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC) with the contemporary performance. Choreographed by Nicholas McPherson and remounted by Ayana Graham, dancers Haley Hussey, Mikayla Gayle, and Abigail Howell brought the piece to life.

"Mind Control," underscored by Stephen Marley's 2007 hit, delved into the calls for truth, peace, and love, resonating with the world's current needs. Bedecked in Rasta colours, Jeunette McNeill-Manley and Jeranimo Mullings embodied the essence of the title, delivering a powerful message about the corruption of thoughts and the destruction of souls.

The rhythmic beat of Africa enveloped the audience, transcending the stage as the authentic sounds beckoned participation. The lead drummer, a maestro of African rhythms, left us questioning if he actually hailed from the motherland itself.

The performance reached its crescendo with the famous  'Time to Say Goodbye' by Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra bidding us farewell, transporting us from the heart of Europe back to the Caribbean.., and signalling the approaching end of the show.

The grand finale, 'Cross Over', brought us home to the Caribbean, featuring the DTX company and guest dancers. Male dancers, adorned in tropical colours, swayed to salsa rhythms, adding a delightful twist to the evening. As the curtains descended on this enchanting display, it was evident that DANCE THEATRE.XAYMACA (DTX) is unequivocally prepared for the global stage.

 Brace yourself to encounter their brilliance soon.

Editor's Note:

The contributor, Lois Grant has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top-performing artists, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports. 

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