Big Dance
Saturday 5th/Sunday 6th July
This two-day event of participatory dance workshops was part of the pan-London biannual project led by the Greater London Authority. The dance programme was curated by Gillett Squared with a focus on consolidating links with locally-based movement artists who work specifically with live musicians.
On the 5th Ngozi Headley-Fulani led a workshop fusing West and South African with Soca styles. Over forty people took part with ages ranging from eight to fifty. The session was accompanied by live percussion led by master drummer Aaron Tanice. Both these artists are based in the Dalston Culture House and work extensively throughout Hackney and beyond, including internationally in Africa. The second half of the day was coordinated by the Refugee Arts Project and involved a community-led Anatolian folkdance with an invitation for the public to join. A group of young dancers (12 – 16’s) also performed in full traditional costume
The 6th July was focused on Afro-Cuban Rumba and was produced by Vicky Jassey of Bombo Productions. Poor weather forced events indoors initially yet over 30 people took part in beginner’s and intermediate level workshops in the Vortex Jazz Club and Ochre Works café. The musicians playing at the workshops formed a full Rumba band and a live performance with professional dancers took place on the square with a finale set involving public participation. Over 250 people attended the outdoor performance.
The members of Gillett Squared:
Hackney Co-Operative Developments
New Vortex Jazz Club
East London Design Show
