NDTC's Sheila Barnett dies
Published:Monday | March 21, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Laura Redpath, Senior Gleaner Writer
Cultural icon and co-founder of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), Sheila Barnett, passed away on Saturday, leaving a legacy of dance to continue moving the Jamaican spirit.
The mother of three, who is survived by her husband Felix, died at 83, also leaving behind her grandson and four siblings.
A woman recognised nationally by various honours such as Commander of the Order of Distinction, the Silver Musgrave Medal and the Centenary Medal, Barnett has been known for her contributions as a dancer, educator and author.
Dr Maria Smith, speaking on behalf of Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Olivia Grange, said she was saddened by Barnett's passing.
"The minister pays tribute to her contributions to dance and education through her work as an education officer and as a founding member of the NDTC," Smith said.
"She will be remembered for her work in the area of modern dance and her studies of Jamaican folk, as well as her building of (Jamaican dance) literature."
50 years in dance
Barnett had given more than 50 years of her life to the Caribbean dance movement, also co-founding the Ivy Baxter Creative Dance Group and the Jamaica School of Dance, which later became the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Dr L'Antoinette Stines, artistic director and founder of L'Acadco: A United Caribbean Dance Force, said she was proud to have known Barnett.
"It is indeed a very sad passing. She is an icon in dance and should be lauded for all her work as a choregrapher, dancer and one of the persons who led the development of the Edna Manley College of the Performing Arts," Stines said.
In addition to her contribution to Jamaica's culture of dance, Barnett was also a senior education officer in the education ministry, playing a key role in integrating dance into the school curriculum.
Education Minister Andrew Holness extended his condolences to her family and called for all dance students across the country to be inspired by Barnett's dedication and to continue to explore the artform.
Barnett also taught at Excelsior High School, St Joseph's Teachers' College and the University of the West Indies. She held the position of senior adjudicator and adviser to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.