The Rex Nettleford Foundation has announced its selection of Kerry-Ann Henry, principal dancer of Jamaica’s National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), as the distinguished honoree for the 2026 Remembering Rex tribute performance. This significant cultural event, scheduled for Tuesday, February 10 at Kingston’s Little Theatre, will feature collaborative performances by the NDTC and University Singers celebrating the monumental legacy of the late Professor Rex Nettleford.
Professor Nettleford, renowned as a visionary scholar, pioneering choreographer, and cultural activist, co-founded the NDTC and left an indelible mark on Jamaica’s artistic landscape. The annual celebration serves as a vibrant testament to his profound impact on Jamaican cultural identity and nation-building through artistic expression.
Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, executive director of the Foundation, emphasized the dual significance of the event: “Through an evocative fusion of dance and song, the evening will honor Professor Nettleford’s enduring contributions while recognizing Ms. Henry’s extraordinary artistry and her substantial impact on Jamaica’s cultural development.”
Henry’s remarkable journey began 31 years ago at Rose Gordon Preparatory School in St. Andrew, where her innate talent captured the attention of dance educator Joyce Campbell. Under Professor Nettleford’s expert mentorship, she evolved into an internationally acclaimed performer. Today, as the NDTC’s principal dancer, Henry continues to captivate global audiences with her technically superb and emotionally compelling performances.
The Rex Nettleford Foundation, established on May 28, 2010, perpetuates the professor’s multifaceted legacy through several initiatives: identifying and nurturing students demonstrating exceptional promise in Nettleford’s fields of interest, supporting academic programs aligned with his life’s work, and ensuring the continued relevance of his cultural vision for future generations.