This May, one of Dominica’s longest-running cultural institutions is stepping into the spotlight to celebrate five and a half decades of artistic legacy. The Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company, a cornerstone of Dominica’s performing arts scene since its founding, is bringing its decades-long journey to the stage with a special anniversary production titled ‘RHYTHMS OF OUR ROOTS’, a showcase that honors the company’s origins, evolution, and enduring impact on local Caribbean culture.
Far from a single-genre performance, the anniversary show weaves together a diverse tapestry of movement and sound to reflect the company’s deep connection to both native heritage and global cultural exchange. Audiences can expect dynamic choreography spanning multiple styles, from soul-stirring gospel dance and vibrant Afro-beats to beloved local bouyon and kadanse traditions, with a dash of international flair from salsa. To add an authentic, immersive layer to the experience, the production will feature live drumming from the renowned Paix Bouche drumming group, alongside vocal performances from some of Dominica’s most popular contemporary artists: Janae Jackson, AbiYah Yisrael, Phael Lander, and Nyel Grove, according to an official press release from the company.
What makes the production particularly meaningful is the coming together of the Waitukubuli Dance Theatre Company’s extended artistic family. Both current senior and junior company members will share the stage with alumni dancers who contributed to the group’s legacy over the decades. Most of the evening’s pieces were choreographed by Raymond Lawrence, the company’s long-serving Artistic Director, with additional creative work from Jaylen Olivacce, Dorelle Diolen, and other senior company members.
In comments ahead of the show, Lawrence highlighted the company’s deep roots in Dominican Creole dance heritage, and expressed gratitude for the 55 years of opportunities the group has received. Beyond stage productions, Waitukubuli has long played an active role in the local community, organizing popular teenage pageants and completing regional performance tours that have carried Dominican culture across the Caribbean.
Over its 55-year history, the company has earned widespread recognition for its contributions to the arts, collecting some of the region’s top cultural awards. These honors include the prestigious Golden Drum Award, which the group received in 2003, and back-to-back wins of the Edward Oliver Leblanc Trophy in 1984 and 1985. Beyond award shelves, the company has built a far-reaching performance resume, headlining major cultural festivals across Dominica and touring across 12 Caribbean nations and territories: Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua, Montserrat, St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. Martin.
Lawrence extended his gratitude beyond current and former company members, acknowledging the core sponsors that have made the anniversary production and the group’s ongoing work possible. Key supporters include the Dominica Lotteries Commission, OECS PEARL, ICWI, Reuben’s Bakery, the National Bank of Dominica, Republic Bank, the AID Bank, and Luxurious Loos.
The company is now encouraging all members of the public to attend the celebratory production and support the preservation of Dominican cultural arts. ‘RHYTHMS OF OUR ROOTS’ will run for two weekends at Dominica’s St. Gerard’s Hall, with shows scheduled for 8:00 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, and 6:00 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Ticketing options are structured to welcome the whole community: tickets for the Saturday evening performance are priced at $40 per person, while Sunday’s matinee offers $40 adult tickets and discounted $20 tickets for children under 12. Tickets are available for advance purchase at Depex and Bulls Eye Pharmacy, and will also be sold at the door at St. Gerard’s Hall on both performance nights.