Dundunkini East & South African Dance Workshop

Dundunkini brings you another inspirational African dance workshop, with three exceptional artists from Adzido and Irie! Dance Theatre.

Together with Mo and Judith (dance) and Charles (drums),we will be turning our attention to East and South Africa, and learning traditional dance styles from these regions.

MO is an exceptional performer with over 30 years experience in African Dance. Hailing from the Caribbean "Spice" island nation of Grenada, her experience spans continents including the Americas, Europe and Africa. A former Adzido member, she has traveled and trained throughout the African continent and has vast knowledge of dance forms from North, South, West and East Africa.

Judith, a native of Jamaica, has been a teacher of African dance since 1986; also a former member of Adzido, Judith joined IRIE! As African dance lecturer and Diploma Course Co-ordinator in 2001. She has taught both nationally and internationally and continues to teach on a freelance basis.

These two gifted women will be accompanied by Master Drummer Charles James of Jamaica (Irie Dance and Adzido).

Expect another DundunKini fun-filled and educational event!

This is a mixed ability class.

NB: WE NEED AT LEAST TEN PAID-UP ADVANCE BOOKINGS IN ORDER TO HOLD THS EVENT.SO PLEASE SUPPORT THE CAUSE AND SEND YOUR PAYMENT BY 12TH APRIL !

£15 FEE. ALL PAYMENTS TO BE MADE IN ADVANCE ! Email dundunkini@gmail.com to make your payment.
(Or pay £17 on the day)

Saturday April 17th
2-4.pm
Address:
Emerald 2
2 Beadon Road
Hammersmith
London W6 0DA

Tube: Hammersmith, on the Hammersmith and City line.

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Red Bull Breakin' Boundaries

Breakin' Boundaries returned to London on March 11th at Tutu, Kings College London. Bringing together some of the best b-boys from all around the globe, the event showcased some explosive dance action, whilst raising money for Oxfam International.

 photo by Red Bull Reporter Ben Price

 

It was the fifth anniversary of the annual hip hop extravaganza and the night was packed full of dance battles and shows featuring the top eight breakdance crews in the UK (inc. Soul Mavericks from the UK B-Boy Championships & BBC’s Ballet Boys), as well as stars from every continent competing against each other to help raise money for charity.

EoDub featuring Reeps One, the UK’s current number one beatboxer, gave a live PA, and there was a performance from Tuca E Mel live funk drummers, coming straight from Brazil. The popping competition also allowed some of the best poppers from around the country to showcase their skills.

More info at redbull.co.uk

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Richard Alston Dance Company: To Dance And Skylark, Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms, Overdrive - Well Polished But Not Ground Breaking

Music buff and choreographer Richard Alston is the artistic director of The Place, home of Richard Alston Dance Company and London Contemporary Dance School. 

Video Richard Alston Dance Company

As anticipated, this production was neatly presented, highly professional with not a drop of sweat in site.

All three pieces were pleasant and enthralling. The dancers were flawless. Dancer Hannah Kidd stood out as being especially connected with the choreography and music. Dancer Charlotte Eatock performed Light Flooding Into Darkened Rooms with impressive precision and elegance.

Richard Alston has been described as "The finest choreographer the British modern dance scene has ever known". His dance company is well polished, but not ground breaking. 

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Tavaziva Dance: Wild Dog - Felt Like A Childish Concept

Bawren Tavaziva's dancers imitate Africa's most endangered species - The African Wild Dog.

 photo by Irven Lewis

The costumes were an attempt to represent African Wild Dogs. 

Tavaziva gave his dogs some character and there was a plot to end this performance.

However, 'Wild Dog' felt like a childish concept. Acting like an animal was not rescued by either astounding choreography or an overwhelmingly profound storyline.

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Auditions - Random Dance

Wayne McGregor is seeking male & female dancers with strong classical and contemporary technique for freelance contracts in 2010/11.

To apply, please send your CV and photo with a cover letter to: Odette Hughes, Auditions, Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, Sadlerʼs Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN.

Deadline for applications: Friday 28 May 2010.
Auditions will be held in June by invitation only.

Random Dance

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East London Dance: Local International Dance Currents 2010

Phoenix Dance Theatre were expressive but not too hard hitting.
Funmi Adewole was in need of better direction.
Ballet Black were not focussed.
Yiphun Chiem was refreshing.

Adiaspora Collective were outstanding.

Local International was held at East London Dance's hotspot Stratford Circus to celebrate international as well as local dance created by female choreographers.

The line up included a dance theatre performance '1976' by Phoenix Dance Theatre choreographed by Alesandra Seutin (director of Vocab Dance Company), 'The Sleep Walker's Dream' by Nigerian performance poet Funmi Adewole, 'Kinderszenen' by Ballet Black, 'Apsara' by Belgian b-girl Yiphun Chiem, and 'Frusted' by Adiaspora Collective performed by Vocab Dance and Uchenna Dance Company and choreographed by Alesandra Seutin and Vicki Igbokwe (director of Uchenna Dance).

Video 1976 by Phoenix Dance Theatre

'1976' by Phoenix Dance is a photographic display of the victims of the Soweto Uprising in South Africa and a physical portrayal of the emotions felt by two school girls caught up in the shooting during this turmoil. This was an expressive piece that did not feel too hard-hitting considering the subject matter. This set the emotive tone well for what was to follow throughout the night.

In 'The Sleep Walker's Dream' Funmi Adewole reflected on poetry, children's games and luminal spaces between childhood and adulthood. A portion of this performance was spoken word. A student-like physical theatre rather than dance piece. Funmi may have done better to have had better direction for the physical aspect of her performance.

Ballet Black's performance of 'Kinderszenen' did not live up to expectation. The dancers lacked chemistry, stumbled consistently, and appeared to be doing the performance for the umpteenth time and bored of it. The dancers were not focused. There were snippets revealing that the dancers had good technical ability. It could be possible that this was just a one off bad night and not the overall standard of the company.

Yiphun Chiem opened the second half with her solo piece 'Apsara' which explores identity issues as a b-girl. A well balanced blend of comedy, hip hop, traditional Cambodian and urban dance moves. Yiphun is evidently a talented dancer of various styles, choreographer, musician and performer. Yiphun got plenty of familiar laughs relating to her snapshots of the classic early stages for a bgirl/boy entering the scene. It was touching to watch her express through dance her own feelings relating to identity. A refreshing performance. We're keen to see future projects.

'Frusted' by Adiaspora Collective - The choreography was dynamic, vigorous and unique. The most moving and innovative dance performance we've seen since Uprising by Hofesh Shechter.  The way in which Vicki Igbokwe and Alesandra Seutin blended urban and Seutin's own Afro-Eclectic contemporary dance style was truly breathtaking. A powerful dance piece performed with great timing and strength. The choreography was visually striking as well as emotionally impacting. The performers were heavily engaged and acted with conviction the internal struggle that women face. A resonant performance to end a well-hosted evening.

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Mimbre Until Now - Laban Theatre

mimbre
Until Now

£12 / £8 (concessions)

Monday 19 + Tuesday 20 April

1930hrs

Laban Theatre

 photo by Eric Richmond & Jamie Currey

A beautifully improbable acrobatic adventure

Rooted in a timeless and peculiar world, Until Now is a beautifully improbable acrobatic adventure, with a little magic and a few surprises. Directed by Leandre Ribera, of Leandre and Claire, a poetic universe is fashioned from joyful flips and harmonious balances with effortless and breathtaking elegance. Lyrical and fluid, a story unfolds with the lightest of touches to speak of journeys, good-byes and the astonishing feats of friendship. 

Female trio mimbre creates unforgettable images and tell beautiful stories with their unique vocabulary of physical theatre, dance and world-class acrobatic performance. Whether in traditional theatre spaces, on the street, or in any number of less conventional arts settings, their strength and grace create a charmingly innocent visual poetry. A company of creative maturity with a marked lyrical and contemporary accent their mischievous humour, boundless energy and stunning physical skill allow mimbre to reclaim beauty in the most unlikely surroundings.

Lost Dog

Salvage

£12 / £8 (concessions)

Tuesday 27 + Wednesday 28 April

1930hrs

Laban Theatre

 photo by Eddie Jacobs

“highly theatrical...subversively humorous” Metro

What happens after the moment it’s all ended?

Following on from their critically acclaimed Hungry Ghosts, which opened at the Corn Exchange in Autumn 2008, Salvage is a bold and moving new show from the award winning company Lost Dog.

Employing their unique blend of beautiful movement, subtle storytelling and striking live music, Salvage tells the story of what happens in the aftermath – the moment it’s all ended. About what becomes important and what we save.

Lost Dog is a resident company of Corn Exchange, Newbury. Salvage was commissioned and produced by Corn Exchange, Newbury. Supported by Arts Council England, South East Dance, The Point and Hextable Dance. With thanks to Laban, The Place and The Jerwood Space for rehearsal facilities.

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Balbir Singh Company Auditions

Subject: AUDITION - MALE DANCERS WANTED

AUDITIONS - MALE DANCERS WANTED

Balbir Singh Dance Company will be holding auditions for the company’s new work “Decreasing Infinity”. This new duet is for two male dancers, one Contemporary and one Kathak and will also feature live music.

The contract will run from 4th May – 11th June 2010 (rehearsal period May 4 to 26, premiere 27 May), rate of pay is £350 per week, with performance days at a fee of £150.

The show will be made in Yorkshire with performances in late May and early June in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield with the possibility of further dates to be added.

Balbir Singh Dance Company specialises in the synthesis of Kathak and Contemporary dance and the new work is to focus on the two styles of dance as mirrors of each other

WHEN

Auditions will be held on Wednesday 31st March 2010

WHERE

Yorkshire Dance Centre Leeds, Studio 3. Please be available from 9 – 5 on this day.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are welcome from all styles of dance. No previous Kathak experience is necessary and Kathak experience based artists are welcome to apply.

Auditions will be by invitation only.

To apply send CV, head shot and DVD footage/link of you performing to:

balbir.bsdc@yahoo.co.uk

Balbir Singh Dance Company,

Lawrence Batley Theatre, 8 Queens St, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP.

Closing date for applications: 5:00pm Friday 26th March 2010

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BIRMINGHAM CELEBRATES THE INTERNATIONAL WORLD OF DANCE FOR IDFB 2010

This April, Birmingham will become home to the world’s leading dancers, dance groups and choreographers as part of the second International Dance Festival Birmingham (IDFB 2010). The festival will see a line-up of exciting performances and participatory events, encouraging the public to put on their dancing shoes.

Produced by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome, IDFB 2010 will see over 70 performances take place across Birmingham and the West Midlands from 19 April – 15 May, with over 25 companies representing 20 countries from around the world.

IDFB is one of the world’s largest dance festivals and is funded by Advantage West Midlands, Arts Council England West Midlands and Birmingham City Council, with sponsorship from investment managers Brewin Dolphin.

Highlights from this year’s festival include an opening performance of ‘L’allegro, il penseroso ed il Moderato’ by the Mark Morris Dance Group, which will see 24 dancers perform alongside the orchestra of the English National Opera in their only UK tour date outside of London. One of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, will be making their Birmingham debut in their first ever UK tour, bringing their unparalleled technique to two programmes of ‘Giselle’ and ‘Magia de la Danza’, with guest appearances by Carlos Acosta.

 photo by Hugo Glendinning

Also taking place throughout the festival will be a new solo Kathak work by acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan; an awe-inspiring circus performance from C!RCA; daring acrobatics in Comphania de Dança Deborah Colker’s ‘Cruel’; and a stunning dance piece from 17 monks from the Shaolin Temple, China in ‘Sutra’. Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals will also perform at Birmingham Hippodrome as part of the festival, bringing true glitz and glamour to the stage.

IDFB 2010 will host the world premiere of Rosie Kay Dance Company’s ‘5 SOLDIERS: The Body is the Frontline’, a thought-provoking look at the importance of the body in modern warfare. A unique collaboration between Birmingham-based Rosie Kay, artist David Cotterrell and theatre director Walter Meierjohann, 5 SOLDIERS follows on from Rosie’s time spent with The 4th Battalion The Rifles.

This year’s festival line-up also includes ‘Outspoken’, a weekend of new performances from Middle Eastern and North African artists, curated by Eckhard Thiemann and featuring a number of UK premieres. Ex-Riverdance star, Birmingham-born Colin Dunne will be returning to the city to present his first full-length solo show ‘Out of Time’, a playful, contemporary homage to the step-dance tradition that has shaped his life.

In addition to this, IDFB 2010 will host a number of free public participation events, including a mass dance ‘Put Your Foot Down’ at the Bullring and a folk dance for the 21st Century, ‘United Colours of Dance’, which will take over the city’s Victoria Square. David Massingham, Artistic Director of DanceXchange and Co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2010, said:

“Once again Birmingham will be showcasing some of the finest international talent from a broad range of dance styles; whether ballet, flamenco, contemporary, ballroom, street or jazz, there’s something for everyone. This year’s event represents over 20 countries from across six continents, reinforcing Birmingham’s growing reputation as a world stage.”

Stuart Griffiths, Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome and Co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2010, added:

“More than ever dance is broadening its appeal across the generations, encompassing everything from essential Saturday night television and award-winning new works, to dance classes, school projects and community performances. We are very excited about this year’s festival line-up, as well as some of the fantastic partner venues we are working with.”

For more information on IDFB 2010 and the line-up, visit www.idfb.co.uk.

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Vocab Dance Seeking Female Dancer

VOCAB DANCE IS SEEKING A STRONG FEMALE DANCER AND CONFIDENT PERFORMER WITH AN AFRICAN AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE BACKGROUND TO PERFORM IN THE CELEBRATED REPERTORY PIECE ‘KWENDA-KWENDA’. THE SELECTED DANCER WILL BE STAYING IN BIRMINGHAM FOR A CONTRACTED PERIOD OF 14 APRIL UNTIL 3 MAY 2010 (WEEKLY FEE, PER DIEM, ACCOMODATION AND TRANSPORT INC.).

THE DANCER WILL HAVE TO LEARN THE PIECE PRIOR TO GOING TO BIRMINGHAM THEREFORE; THERE WILL BE WEEKLY REHEARSALS IN LONDON (FRI & SUN) STARTING 12 MARCH AND AN INTENSIVE THE WEEK BEGINNING 5TH OF APRIL.

PLEASE CONTACT/SEND A CV + PHOTO (LINK TO DANCE FOOTAGE IF POSSIBLE) AND FOR FURTHER INFO PLEASE EMAIL VOCABDANCE@GOOGLEMAIL.COM.

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A Career in Dance - CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING at Laban

Laban is looking for enthusiastic, creative young people aged 13-16 with exceptional talent, potential and interest in pursuing a career in dance.

Successful applicants will have access to high quality dance training with an individual plan designed for them by Laban’s teachers and dance science team.

Applications are welcome from young people with varying experiences in dance including formal and informal settings.

AUDITIONS

April/May 2010 to start at the Centre for Advanced Training in September 2010.

For more information or to book a free place on an Open Day, contact Louisa Pestell on 020 8691 8600 or l.pestell@laban.org

CREEKSIDE

LONDON SE8 3DZ

T 020 8691 8600

E INFO@LABAN.ORG

WWW.LABAN.ORG

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