Long before reggae became a global superstar in the 1970s and since then the iconic expression of Jamaican culture, it was Jamaica's performing arts groups that were the standard bearers of the nation's image, chief among them the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) and the Jamaica Folk Singers which were established in 1962 and 1967 respectively. New works have similarly been introduced into the repertoire, many choreographed by the young members. The NDTC's organic relationship with the School of Dance and the entire cultural umbrella of the Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts and the Little Theatre Movement ensures that there's a continuous and dynamic exchange of ideas, teaching and talent. A number of the senior dancers and choreographers are in fact lecturers at the School of Dance.
The group (JFS), which was founded by the late, Dr. Olive Lewin, OD, one of the world's foremost musicologist and authority on Jamaican folklore, will launch Jamstar's ambitious World Series of Concerts project with three performances in New York City from October 11 thru' 13. Performances are scheduled for St. John's University (Queens), On Friday, October 11; Hunter College (Manhattan), on Saturday, October 12; and Calvary Tabernacle, Hempstead, on Sunday, October 13. Billed as "The Jamaican Folk & Reggae Essay Competition", the project is a Grade based initiative, targeting Elementary through High School age students, and focuses on exploring aspects of Jamaica's Folk and Reggae music. Two of the recommended reference texts are books by the late Dr. Olive Lewin, "Rock It Come Over, The Story of Jamaican Folk Music", and "Roots of Reggae" by Dr. Ptah Shabazz.
