New York City, USA, January 22, 2024 – In a momentous return to New York City after two decades, Dr. L’Antoinette Stines and her Jamaica-based contemporary dance company, L’Acadco, captivated audiences at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater.
Their performance, a vibrant tapestry of Afro-Caribbean dance, was more than an artistic display; it was a journey through ancestral memories and the evolution of Caribbean culture.
Under the theme “Building Bridges Through The Arts,” L’Acadco’s dancers and drummers masterfully narrated the stories of the African Diaspora. Dr. Stines, a revered Jamaican dancer, choreographer, author, and actor, stood at the forefront of this artistic odyssey.
Her career, spanning several decades, has been marked by a series of pioneering accomplishments. In 1978, she founded Miami’s first Black dance company and later nurtured L’Acadco in Jamaica into a symbol of cultural preservation and artistic innovation.
Dr. Stines’ creation of the L’Antech dance technique marks a groundbreaking moment in the history of contemporary dance. Describing L’Antech as a “Synabridge,” she integrates diverse cultural movements into a harmonious whole.
”“It’s a blend of what came off the ships – not just Africa, but also India, China, and Europe,” Dr. Stines explains in an interview with Essence Magazine.” This innovative technique allows dancers to express a fusion of Indian and Chinese movements with African and European elements, representing a physical symphony of global cultures.”
Lecturer and coordinator in Cultural and Creative Industries at the Institute of Caribbean Studies, University of the West Indies, Mona, Dr. Deborah HIckling Gordon, in commenting on L’Antech, said “The emergence of a new dance technique is an example of the tangible manifestation of cultural expression.
“It is a significant and rare occurrence that should be nationally celebrated in Jamaica. The technique provides iconographical references for expressions of identity through the bodies of Jamaicans, Caribbean people and those in the African Diaspora and beyond who practice the form” Dr. Hickling Gordon said.
Dr. Stines delves deeper into the essence of the L’Antech technique, explaining its unique approach to training dancers. It meticulously combines the technical rigors of classical ballet, such as arabesque and plié, with a profound respect for ancestral movements.
“We can do the language of classical ballet blended with the language of Africa,” she shares with Essence. This fusion allows dancers to simultaneously perform classical movements and embody the rhythmic vitality of the Caribbean, creating a dance language as diverse and rich as the dialects of Patois or Creole.
The development of L’Antech was not an overnight success. It represents Dr. Stines’ dedication over two decades, culminating in a technique that is not only practiced but also academically recognized.
L’Antech has gained a prestigious place in the Caribbean educational system, included in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Dr. Stines expresses pride in this achievement, “It’s the only technique from the Anglophone Caribbean that’s codified and examinable. It’s in textbooks now.”
‘Antech’s influence extends beyond the Caribbean. Dancers and instructors from across the globe, including the United States, India, Congo, Australia, and Canada, have journeyed to Jamaica to learn this unique technique. Just like ballet and other established dance forms, gaining proficiency in L’Antech is a rigorous process, often taking years of dedicated practice.
As L’Acadco’s performance in New York concludes, Dr. Stines reflects on her aspirations for L’Antech and her dance company. “I hope that through L’Antech and L’Acadco’s performances, people see a narrative of connection and storytelling through dance. We are connecting the diaspora, one movement at a time.” Her vision is clear – to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate diversity through the universal language of dance.
The impact of Dr. L’Antoinette Stines and L’Acadco goes beyond the realms of dance and cultural expression. It is a testament to the power of art in bridging diverse communities and histories.
Through L’Antech, Dr. Stines has created a language that not only communicates the rich tapestry of Caribbean heritage but also invites a global dialogue. Her work exemplifies how artistic innovation can foster understanding and appreciation across different cultures.
”In the bustling heart of New York City, a place that epitomizes cultural convergence, L’Acadco’s performance was particularly poignant. The audience, comprising people from various backgrounds, was united in their admiration and respect for the artistry and message conveyed on stage.
Dr. Stines’ return to New York with L’Acadco, after a hiatus of 20 years, was not just a homecoming but a powerful display of the unifying force of art.
As the curtains fell, the echoes of the performance lingered, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. Dr. Stines’ journey – from founding Miami’s first Black dance company to revolutionizing dance education in the Caribbean and inspiring dancers worldwide – is a narrative of resilience, innovation, and the unyielding power of cultural expression.
Her hope that L’Antech serves as a conduit for connection and storytelling in the diaspora is being realized, one mesmerizing step at a time.
In a world often divided by differences, Dr. L’Antoinette Stines and L’Acadco stand as beacons of unity and artistic excellence. Their contribution to the arts not only enriches the Caribbean diaspora but also offers a valuable lesson in cultural empathy and shared humanity.
“It is phenomenal to see Jamaicans in the performing arts continue to excel on the world stage. Dr. Stines addition to a global dance lexicon is one thing… the heart’s minds, spirits and bodies she has molded and touched is quite another. Being proud of her is an understatement,” Dr. Hickling Gordon declared. (WiredJA)
