Jamaica Mourns Death Of Renowned Dancer And Choreographer, Barry Moncrieffe

KINGSTON, Jamaica, January 19, 2020 (CMC) – One of Jamaica’s well known dancers and choreographers, Barry Moncrieffe, lost his battle with cancer, late Friday.

Moncrieffe, who was 78, was one of the early members of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), joining shortly after it was founded by the late Professor Rex Nettleford, in 1962.

Moncrieffe was “one of the finest male dancers we’ll ever see,” said Culture Minister, Olivia Grange.

“I am very sad to receive news of Barry Moncrieffe’s passing, only a few weeks after we celebrated his 78th birthday at the end of December.

“Uncle Barry, as many of us called him, was one of the foremost figures in dance in Jamaica. He gave 55 years of unbroken service to the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC), through various roles as dancer, choreographer and artistic director. He was a central figure in establishing and developing the artistic style and sustainability of the company,” she said.

Moncrieffe rose to become artistic director with the NDTC, in 2012, and served until 2018.

He also served as an outstanding dance teacher at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts; and was a role model for, and an inspiration to, several of Jamaica’s outstanding dancers, in addition to being involved in the fashion industry.

“Barry Moncrieffe served well and we will miss him. I offer sincerest condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues,” said Grange.

Moncrieffe was honoured with the Musgrave Silver Award, by the Institute of Jamaica, and was also conferred with the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander.