Returning from a 10-year hiatus, ground-breaking dance troupe the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) are back to celebrate their island nation’s 50 years of independence.

Described as one of the most innovative dance companies to have achieved worldwide acclaim in the last half century, the company blends the lore, music and dance traditions of Jamaica, Africa and South America with both modern and classical ballet forms.

As part of a brief tour of the UK, including Croydon’s Fairfield Halls, the performers also plan to hold workshops and demonstrations on their artwork for young aspiring dancers.

Kajans Women’s Enterprise has organised the tour and is delighted to bring the company back to these shores.

Derek Doublas, from Kajans, says: “The company’s repertoire will speak to diverse audiences drawing its influences from the cultural traditions of Africa, the Americas and of course the European presence on the island.

“The visit will also be in honour of the later great Professor Rex Nettleford, the founder of NDTC, who is respected for his academic and cultural contribution the world over.

“This show will connect with the Jamaicans in the diaspora well as the British family, artists and community.”

Besides gaining an international reputation for dance  performance through many international tours, the NDTC, during five decades of continuous work by its highly-skilled and dedicated members has spawned not only a distinctive style of Caribbean dance theatre but also a training system and a National School of Dance, as well as a framework for community activities, particularly in the area of traditional dance, which since the 1960s has  become an indispensable source for research into dance.

The National Dance  Theatre Company of  Jamaica; Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon; September 23, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, September 24, 7.30pm; tickets £11 to £28; call 020 8688 9291 or at fairfield.co.uk