In the beginning, they were few, and because they were few, it was a hard roe to hoe. Indeed, were it not for the vision and dedication of Rex Nettleford, and his ability to connect at the cultural level, with a small group of people who shared his vision, he and his early partners, were able to connect to others and expand their numbers.

And so it was that Barbara Requa the NDTC but they were committed and fiercely loyal to each other, and so the NDTC family was born.

Now, this was a family like no other, as it was a family of disparate characters, political persuasion, and social background but all united by the belief of fashioning a contemporary dance group, that reflected the Jamaican experience, to coincide with the Country’s independence, rather than aping the cultural traditions of the Colonizers,. Now, please understand, that this was no easy task then, and today the NDTC is still a difficult cultural concept for many to comprehend.

Barbera Requa understood the tasks involved creating and replenishing the Fountain of inspiration to achieve these goals as demonstrated in her contribution as Teacher, Choreographer, Dancer, Muse and Mother to the many new addition to the NDTC Family, over the years.

And so it was that news of her passing shook many of her colleagues, and former students  to the core. Prompting all, those who loved, served with and or were tutored by her, that a fitting tribute to this Cultural icon, would be a Kumina session, as part and parcel of their farewell package…Well, the Kumina session was the evening of International Women’s Day, and quite a fitting tribute it was, with among those out to ‘pay tribute’, included: The NDTC Artistic Director Marlon Simms; Ballet Mistress Kerry-Ann Henry, Principal dancer Mark Phinn, the charming Bridgette Spaulding; Douglas Graham and his wife and NDTC Alum Melanie Graham; Famed Professor Christopher Walker; Choreographer L’Antoinette Stines from L’Acadco; Social Activist Yvonne McCalla Sobers; Celebrated Playwright Basil Dawkins; Artist Nancy Burke, Guitarist Steve Golding and Allison Symes;  Tommy Ricketts; Songbird Nadine Sutherland; Celebrated Violinist Steven Woodham; NDTC Alums: Judith Wedderburn; Billy Lawrence, Dawn Fuller-Phillips, Carl Bliss; dancer De’roi Rose; Tony Holness; Rufus McDonald; Sisters Rhona and Pat Barnett; Plus several Others…