Performing in Atlanta for the first time since 2005, Jamaica’s National Dance Theatre Company will present a Rita Marley Tribute at Atlanta Symphony Hall on June 24 and June 25.
The dance suite will pay homage to the widow of Reggae legend Bob Marley and will feature songs such as Good Morning Jah, Thank you, Jah and Harambe. This show premiered in Jamaica during the company’s 60th season in celebration of Rita Marley’s 76th birthday.
The National Dance Theatre Company was formed in 1962 at the time of Jamaica’s independence and has been described as a vehicle for the island’s nation building and as a cultural ambassador. The company has performed throughout the Caribbean and in Europe, Australia, Russia, the United States and Canada. Its 2005 performance in Atlanta was at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center.
The performers — dancers, singers and musicians — are all volunteer nonprofessionals, and the classical and modern dance repertoire reflects a variety of influences from Europe, Africa and the Americas.
The upcoming Atlanta visit is hosted by the Atlanta chapter of the Calabar Old Boy’s Association, and all proceeds will benefit the Calabar High School, an all-male secondary school in Kingston, Jamaica. The school was established by the Jamaica Baptist Union in 1912 for children of Baptist ministers and has produced at least five Rhodes Scholars. Tickets are $60 and up.
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The Georgia Ballet has announced its 2023-24 season, which will include two world premieres: Cinderella (October 5-8) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (March 14-17, 2024.) Both evening-length ballets will be choreographed by artistic director Daet Rodriguez and Ballet Mistress Margit Peguero. Former company member Kelsey Shackleford is coming out of retirement to create the lead in Cinderella.
The Marietta-based professional company will present its annual performance of Nutcracker from November 30 through December 3.
All performances will take place at the Jennie T. Anderson Theater in Marietta. Season subscriptions are available, and ticket prices start at $64.
