Two platforms in one evening of dance. SIGNATURES and BLACK BRITISH DANCE PLATFORM come together to showcase emerging and developing dancers and choreographers locally, nationally and internationally for a unique mixed bill performance.
TETHERED
Jameel Hendricks
TETHERED is a new ballet centred around a particular sector of the human experience expressed through the music selection, and the virtuous efforts of the dancers. Conceptually, the work embodies the current state of mental health in society and the impact of the aftermath of the pandemic, racial tensions and inflation. Daily reports of mass shootings, domestic violence, hate crimes and murder are at the forefront of news outlets and social media. Yet despite these occurrences, the public are still held to the functional expectations of a society that existed prior to the traumatic events of the past four years.
TETHERED is a ballet that reflects the social masks that people wear every day, so as not to be perceived as unstable, when the reality is one of instability.
Jameel Hendricks is a graduate of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) where he received his early training as a dance major and was appointed the position of Dance Captain entering his senior year. In 2016, Hendrick began his tenure as a company member of PHILADANCO and has worked with choreographers such as Anthony Burrell, Sean Bankhead and Rennie Harris. On the commercial stage, Hendricks has performed alongside artists such as Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and XSCAPE. Hendricks also has extensive experience in collaborating with the School District of Philadelphia using dance as a way to contribute to the artistic and communal endeavours. He recently launched his new production company M3 (ME) Productions, a parent company to MOVE Dance Collective.
Hendricks made his LDIF debut in 2017, performing with PHILADANCO and now makes his choreographic debut at the festival with TETHERED.
SIGNATURES
A Body of Rumours
Liam Francis
A Body of Rumours is a visceral performance that explores the dynamic synergy between
music, the body, and brotherhood, while showcasing the intimate bonds among three young Black performers. Choreographed by Liam Francis, the performance delves into what it takes to become part of a community, allowing feelings of isolation and competition to be replaced by trust, intimacy and friendship. Here, the soundscape, mixed live by Chloe Mason, is created by capturing the sounds of the dancing bodies. First one, then two, then three bodies build a unique and spontaneous compilation of sounds that speak of the joyful complexity of a life lived fully – together.
The work is currently supported by Théâtre de la Ville, CNDC Angers, South East Dance,
Brighton Dome, Choreodrome at The Place, Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage, FABRIC, Studio Wayne McGregor, The Lowry and the Abderrahim Crickmay charity.
Liam Francis is an international dance artist and choreographer. Whether leading creations, or as a collaborator in other artists’ work, he lets his passion for ‘play’ inform his contributions, decisions and performance. His practice currently seeks to authentically express the hybrid nature of his embodied knowledge; something he’s acquired through working in both hip-hop theatre and contemporary dance. His practice is also informed by an interest in the relationship between Flow state and dance.
BLACK BRITISH DANCE PLATFORM
Don’t Step on My Shoes
BlacBrik
BlacBrik is a contemporary dance company committed to crafting dynamic dance theatre that resonates with audiences. Founded by Darius Drooh and Nahum McLean, the company merges storytelling and choreography to delve into themes of relationships, identity, and shared human experiences. As an emerging company, BlacBrik strives to produce accessible and engaging work that speaks to audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Nahum McLean trained at The Ailey School on scholarship, toured internationally with West Side Story, and performed in London’s West End in Inala – A Zulu Ballet. He was also a member of Richard Alston Dance Company. Darius Drooh is currently performing in the West End’s The Lion King. He has received the Beach Blanket Babylon scholarship and choreographed for the NYC Jazz Choreography Festival. His training includes scholarships to prestigious programs such as The Ailey School.
Don’t Step on My Shoes is a bold and dynamic contemporary dance piece that examines themes of pride, respect, and conflict within the Black male community. With intricate choreography, spoken word and creative contributions from lighting designer Joshie Harriette, the work explores the act of ‘stepping on someone’s shoes’ as a metaphor for identity, materialism, and vulnerability.
BlacBrik’s productions aim to bring fresh perspectives to contemporary dance, combining high-energy movement with relatable storytelling.
Echoes of Connection
Blake Arts
Echoes of Connection delves into the intricate web of human relationships and the profound impact these connections have on our lives. The piece captures the ebb and flow of our interactions, portraying moments of intimacy, struggle, joy, solitude and longing.
Blake Arts is an independent dance and mentoring programme, providing high quality performing arts experiences through comprehensive training. It contributes to the development and presentation of diversely capable artists with the skillsets to sustain their careers in an ever-changing global arts environment. Blake Arts is led by David Blake, an international performing artist, lecturer and choreographer with more than 25 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, appearing in commercials, TV shows, film and print. A former principal dancer with the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica and formerly a company member of Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King playing ‘Banzai’, he is currently Academy Director at Urdang.
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