The School of Dance was founded by members of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) in 1970, with significant contributions being made in its formative years by Bert Rose, Sheila Barnett, Barbara Requa and Professor the Hon. Ralston ‘Rex’ Nettleford O.M. The School trains students for professional careers in dance and dance education, offering courses in a wide variety of techniques to ensure that students are expansively nurtured in the art of dance. The curriculum includes studies in Jamaican and Caribbean Folk Forms, international dance forms such as Jazz, Modern and Ballet techniques as well as Dance Theory. The School has developed a great international reputation over the years through its alumni body and faculty.
Our graduates have performed or currently perform with highly acclaimed international and local dance companies. The Lecturers and Instructors possess a rich range of global experiences in the areas of dance technique, performance, choreography, and dance education bringing invaluable teaching to the institution and serving in the region as leaders in the dance community through their creative work and pedagogy.
Our students learn and utilize a broad range of disciplines and skills. A graduate of the School of Dance is capable of performing exclusively as a dancer, teacher, administrator, choreographer and communicator, undertaking cultural roles and initiating dance activities in the community.
Our Graduates are equipped to:
Plan and present seminars, workshops, productions and competitions in dance
Work in major performance and technical roles in the dance theatre and cultural industries
Teach dance in the education system at the primary or secondary level
Position themselves as dance entrepreneurs
Use indigenous material as a source for developing and improving dance and creative skills
EVENTS
DANCEWORKS:
This is the flagship event of the performing corps of the School of Dance and is compulsory for all full-time students. The programme serves to hone the skills of current students and prepare them for the discipline of professional dance theatre. Students get the opportunity to work with leading dance artistes and faculty, create their own choreographies, experience various performance spaces and engage in diverse aspects of production.
Colour Museum:
This concert is an annual celebration for Black History Month through dance and music.
Faculty Concert:
This is an annual physically telling display of artistic movements and rhythms executed by the lecturers of School of Dance.
