Dancer and choreographer Barry Moncrieffe is dead.
Moncrieffe, who was 78, was battling cancer and died shortly after 7pm yesterday.
On hearing of his passing, Culture Minister Olivia Grange said Moncreiffe was “one of the finest male dancers we’ll ever see.”
“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 of Jamaica (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.
He joined the NDTC shortly after it was founded by Professor Rex Nettleford in 1962. He rose to artistic director in 2012 and served until 2018.
Barry Moncrieffe also served as an outstanding dance teacher at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts; and has been a role model for and an inspiration to several of Jamaica’s outstanding dancers.
He was also involved in the fashion industry and was famous for mixing black, white and red to create stunning pieces.
“Barry Moncrieffe served well and we will miss him. I offer sincerest condolences to his family, his friends and his colleagues.”
Barry Moncrieffe was honoured with the Musgrave Silver award by the Institute of Jamaica and was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander.
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