The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble will premiere two new works at its 16th season of excellence on Saturday and Sunday at the Little Theatre. It will showcase 'The Staff and the Cross', choreographed by artistic director MoniKa Lawrence, and 'Variations', choreographed by Abeldo 'Tokie' Gonzales.

The organisers say 'The Staff and the Cross' will continue "the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble tradition of presenting pieces, which are highly entertaining but which are also thought-provoking. The dance explores religious beliefs and rituals and concludes that, regardless of personally held beliefs, the core philosophy of loving God and neighbour must remain."

The Stella Maris Dance Ensemble has been hailed widely as one of Jamaica's most innovative dance ensembles and present materials and techniques which pay tribute to the wide genre of dance styles and cultural influences.

This year's 16th staging will continue that trend. The five dances that will comprise the season will also include Rex Nettleford's 'Dis Poem', choreographed to Mutabaruka's landmark literary work of the same name, and 'Except God', choreographed by H. Patten of the United Kingdom. Completing the repertoire will be Kudos - the very popular dance tribute to musical greats such as Jimmy Cliff and Michael Jackson, which was choreographed by Lawrence, Patsy Ricketts, Nettleford and Gonzales.

Onstage accomplishments

Children from several children's homes will be among the first to enjoy the season's offerings, as the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble has invited them and their caregivers to attend Friday's dress rehearsal.

"The dancers' outstanding accomplishments onstage and in terms of their educational and professional pursuits, have often helped to inspire other young people to achieve. We are happy to make use of the opportunity to do so on yet another occasion," said Lawrence.