The National Dance Theater Company was founded in 1962 by Eddy Thomas and Rex Nettleford. According to the National Geographic History website, this was the year Jamaica won its independence from Great Britain. After only one year of performances, the dance company began touring, and in 1965, made its first appearance in Great Britain.
In 1967 Rex Nettleford was appointed principal choreographer of the dance academy, and throughout the 1960s and 1970s, created memorable productions such as "Recollections," "The King Must Die" and "Kumina." Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the dance company's productions reflected the cultural characteristics of Jamaican society.
In 2007, the company celebrated its 45th anniversary with performances such as the celebrated "Katrina," "The Crossing" and "Gerrehbenta." The National Dance Theater Company continues to delight audiences with its blend of Caribbean dance and traditional ballet, and has received worldwide recognition from countries such as Australia, North America and Russia. Rex Nettleford died in January 2010, after spending over 45 years as creative director and principal choreographer with the dance company.