In 1978, Jamaican dancer/choreographer, L’Antoinette Stines, founded Miami’s first, primarily black dance company, L’Acadco. Returning to Jamaica in 1982 she continued to grow with her company and together they have become dynamic ambassadors for Jamaican culture. L’Acadco’s mission is to present the satta matka market in india
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Next week, L’Acadco – A United Caribbean Dance Force has a diverse membership which includes dancers, drummers, stilt walkers, and fire blowers from across the Caribbean. week L’Acadco will be hosting PASSION:fruits, a celebration of timeless L’Acadco works. We talk to the company founder and artistic director L’Antoinette Stines…
L’Antoinette: I regard myself as both having danced with many dance companies.
YE: How would you describe your work?
L’Antoinette: Innovative and eclectic, an exciting blend of Jamaica, Caribbean and Europe which is the reality of Caribbean culture.
YE: What type of dance do you do?
L’Antoinette: Jazz, classical ballet, traditional, contemporary and African dance.
YE: How did L’Acadco get started and what was your vision for the company?
L’Antoinette: L’Acadco had two beginnings. The first was in Miami, Florida. The vision was to bring together the tri-ethnic communities of Spanish, African-American and Caucasian. The second was in Jamaica with a totally different intention to present contemporary dance with a new voice, fresh and valid interpretations of the Jamaican landscape.
YE: What artists/dancers have influenced you and how?
L’Antoinette: The Cuban Contemporanea and Eduardo Rivero have had the most impact on my artistic identity today. YEh
L’Antoinette: I admire Phoenix dance company in Liverpool, Alvin Ailey Company, The Cuban Contemporanea, The Eduardo Rivero Caribbean Dance Company, Kariamu Welsh -Tradition.
I love many dancers it is difficult to name them.
YE: What have been your greatest challenges? Rewards?
My first son graduated from NYU with a Bachelors degree, did his four years in the U.S Army and received many accolades and will graduate from law school in December. My second son Aaron Vereen graduated from Noyam Institute in Ghana Africa as a master drummer, dancer and now performs with Roots Underground and teaches children and adults and is the musical director of L’Acadco and my daughter is now about to sit her CSC exams and is a Senior dancer in L’Acadco. They are my challenges and my successes.
YE: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
L’Antoinette: I intend to travel the world and teach about the rich culture of Jamaica as an ambassador. This is why I have pursued a PhD.
YE: How would you describe the state of the dance world in Jamaica?
L’Antoinette: Rich, vibrant. This is the dance capitol of the Caribbean in competition with New York. There are many dance companies, junior companies, kids who dance for JCDC festival competition.
YE: Tell us about the season this year…what can we expect?
L’Antoinette: L’Acadco has brought to the stage memories of the 25 years. Three of the dances HIGH, SATTA AND HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THERE? The others Divine Unity had it’s world premier in Canada to rave reviews. New choreography just for this celebration are Step by Step, Killing me Softly and Passion.
Our guest dancers are the real divas of dancehall, Mad Michell, Borisha, Pinky, Donagaona and more.
