AFTER 24 years of successful productions, nothing less than excellent would do when the Wolmer’s Dance Troupe hosted their 25th season at the Little Theatre in St Andrew recently.

It wasn’t as spectacular from the get-go, at least on the Saturday when the Jamaica Observer attended. This was due to a few out-of-sync dancers. But as the show progressed, the dances got more interesting and engaging, and in the end, left the audience satisfied.

The troupe opened with Twenty-Five Strong, which saw 25 dancers each representing a themed year. Productions included last year’s Beyond, Dance in the Art, Kaleidoscope, Tribute, and their first Gifts.

A dynamic routine, Celebrating a New Beginning, followed the opening number. The choreographers manipulated space very well. However, more integration of the prop would have been beneficial. There were 19 performances in all.

A production is much more than dancing; but how all the stage and performance elements work together to produce an entertaining and cohesive display. Wolmer’s Dance Troupe understood this well. The Barbara McDaniel-designed costumes were on point as they complemented the themes and routines well. The choice of music was also a high point. If one was not particularly interested in the routines, the musical notes were sure to have them engaged. The soundtrack included selections from Thomas B Bergersen, Josh Groban, The I-Three, Sandi Patti, Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul, Michael Jackson, and Beyonce.

The use of lighting went very well, especially during a performance of The Year 3000 which saw the dancers “detach[ing] from human-like emotions and evolv[ing] into half-man, half-robot.” The Michael ‘Rufus’ McDonald-operated lighting electrified the dance moves. This was a favourite of many, including patron Stephen Stewart.

“I enjoyed the show. I thought some of the dances were excellent. My favourite, though, was the one where everything goes red, and it was sort of electric. I also liked ‘Mary Mary’.”

Immaculate Conception student, Trishan Davis said she also enjoyed the show.

“The show was good. My favourite part was the ending.” This was the titular piece. For Danielle Scott, however, her supporting the show was a gesture of friendship.

“It was good show. My friends participated and it was good dancing. A lot of people come to the show to support their friends, family, and Wolmer’s.”

On the penultimate evening it was a full house of about 650 patrons. But artistic director Barbara McDaniel said the opening night was half that amount.

In her message, McDaniel — who has been with the troupe since inception — reflected on her first 1991 production and the journey, leading up Rites of Passage. She said that it was all about celebration.

“It is our 25th year and Rites of Passage denotes celebration,” she said, giving credit to Trevor Nairne from JamBiz for conceptualising the theme.

“It is the determination, discipline, and hard work why we endure,” she continued.

She said this year was particularly difficult due to other celebratory events, such as a church service, as well as some dancers having external exams. This year, the troupe brought on guest choreographers Onaje, Stephanie Smith, Amanyea Stines, Nicholas McPerson, David Blake, and Jair Jones.